With fundraising events canceled amidst the pandemic, Bluestem Communities is getting creative with its fundraising efforts to close out the 2020 year. The non-profit organization launched the Double Your Impact, Double Your Gift initiative, which, thanks to support from local donors, matches every gift received dollar for dollar to double the impact for Bluestem and the senior residents and participants it serves.

Bluestem Communities is comprised of two Life Plan Communities, Kidron Bethel Village in North Newton and Schowalter Villa in Hesston, as well as Bluestem PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) in McPherson, which provides care services to individuals aged 55 and better and their caregivers so seniors can remain safe and independent in their homes for as long as possible.

“We’ve had to cancel many of our annual fundraisers this year because of COVID-19, and at the same time Bluestem has been faced with unplanned expenses that are necessary in helping us to protect our communities against the virus,” said Vice President of Fund Advancement Derek Yoder. “Double Your Impact, Double Your Gift helps Bluestem to continue delivering the highest quality of care for each resident and participant in an already difficult year.”

In addition to helping cover a portion of COVID-19 expenses, the funds raised from the giving initiative benefit the Bluestem PACE Good Neighbor Fund, Kidron Bethel Village Health Care Benevolent Fund and the Schowalter Villa Good Samaritan Caring Fund, each of which provide assistance to residents and participants in meeting their care needs.

“The benevolent funds at each of our campuses make a significant impact in the lives of the seniors we serve,” said Yoder. “With additional restrictions and health precautions, we’re grateful that we can continue to provide the highest quality of care for those we serve.”

Gifts for Double Your Impact, Double Your Gift can be made at //bluestemcommunities.org/giving. Donations can be given to a specific campus or more generally to the area of greatest need. Each gift received will be doubled for the campus or organization, and 100 percent directly benefits residents and participants.

A Schowalter Villa resident enjoys a window visit with a young visitor early in the pandemic. COVID-19 has forced many changes for Bluestem Communities, including the cancelation of many annual fundraising events. As an alternative, the non-profit organization has launched an initiative that doubles each gift made to any of its campuses until the end of 2020. 

 

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Nicole Schings is the Director of Member Services and Business Development. Nicole joined the association in 2018, and oversees our Member Services program, our Partnership and Associate Member relationships, and our online education system. A graduate of Washburn University, Nicole uses her 22 years of experience in the association world to enhance the support of our members, problem solve their issues and bring new partners into the LeadingAge Kansas family. Outside of work, Nicole is passionate about geocaching and moments spent with her dog, Blu. You can reach Nicole directly at 785.670.8048.