Five years ago, Newton native and Wichita State alumna Angela Parrish packed her bags and set out on the adventure of a lifetime, trading the Sunflower State for the City of Angels as she pursued a career in music. Since then, Parrish has had numerous successes—including a featured solo in the award-winning 2016 film “La La Land.” On Tuesday, November 14th, Parrish was back in her hometown of Newton to perform at the Bluestem Communities Gala.
Nearly 300 community members and local businesses gathered in support at the evening gala, collectively raising funds for seniors who cannot cover the entire cost of their care. Quality care for every senior, regardless of their financial means, is a mission of Bluestem Communities.
Parrish’s ardor for music is obvious, but she considers herself an “old soul” and also has a passion for senior care and small town community. Parrish’s grandmother was a resident of Bluestem’s North Newton location, Kidron Bethel Village
“I think it is really important to have good care in facilities and treat people with dignity,” said Parrish. “Elder care is a passion of mine and close to my heart.”
While attendees dined on an elegant meal catered by Water’s Edge Hesston, Parrish performed several numbers including, “Another Day of Sun” from “La La Land” and some of her own original music.
“I am touched by Angela’s willingness to share her talents at the gala,” said James Krehbiel, President/CEO of Bluestem Communities. “Cultivating spaces where meaningful life experiences transpire, where seniors live in community with one another and where caring professional staff come alongside them is of great importance to us. We are so grateful to everyone who attended the gala and those who support Bluestem Communities to make that possible.”
Bluestem Communities is a nonprofit organization made up of several retirement communities and programs dedicated to serving seniors while building meaningful relationships in close-knit community. Bluestem locations include; Kidron Bethel Village in North Newton, Schowalter Villa in Hesston, and Bluestem PACE located in McPherson serving Dickinson, Ellsworth, Harvey, Lincoln, Marion, McPherson, Ottawa, Reno, Rice, and Saline counties.
Bluestem Communities has received the highest possible rating of five stars from Medicare.gov and was recently listed #1 on the retirement communities list in Wichita Business Journal’s Book of Lists. Learn more about Bluestem Communities and the services offered at bluestemks.org.
Visit angelaparrish.com to get a taste of Parrish’s music.
