Posted: July 15, 2024
Efforts to build a culture of philanthropy at Dayspring Villa have ignited the spirit of community and love for learning. Residents in the newly-formed Philanthropy Committee embarked on an inspiring journey to renovate the beloved community library, a project driven by their passion for reading and shared experiences. Below you’ll find details on their efforts, fundraising support received, and how this initiative has united us all in generosity.
At Dayspring Villa, the library has always been a cherished space – a sanctuary of knowledge and a hub for communal gatherings. However, as times evolve, so do our needs.
With just two bookshelves and outdated books, the library at Dayspring Villa Assisted Living community didn’t feel like much of a welcoming space. Unfortunately, there were few resources available to make improvements. Knowing that it would take a village and some creative thinking, a group of residents took on the challenge to raise funds to upgrade the library and began brainstorming ways to bring this vision to life.
Knowing that achieving their goal would require collective effort, residents wasted no time in organizing a fundraising campaign. They decided to host an Art Show and spent months creating beautiful art to sell. The group began seeking assistance internally to both spread the word, and to boost excitement around the Art Show.
The group started by seeking internal assistance, and Richard Raisch, a resident known for his lifelong passion as a model train builder, generously donated a handmade train set. “When you see something that needs to be done, and you’re capable of doing it, then I think you have a social responsibility to do it,” Richard shared. This unique piece was later sold at Christian Living Community’s (CLC) annual event, Aged to Perfection, raising another $500.
Richard also formed a Library Advisory Board (LAB) of residents who loved books and were willing to volunteer. He even recruited his daughter to help assemble five new stylish bookshelves for the library. “I feel that I owe it to the community to use those talents,” Richard said. “Putting bookshelves together was one thing that I could do to help.”
Also among the volunteer group was former librarian and resident, Diana Bennett, who felt similarly inspired by the initiative. “We wanted to make something that was more usable and more appropriate for what people need,” she said.
The volunteers of LAB sent a survey to find out what authors and genres were most interesting to the residents. Amazed at the participation, LAB member and resident Frankie Holder said, “We found more people were interested than maybe we had thought there were going to be.”
Whether adding or donating a piece to the Art Show or by just helping spread the word through surveys and conversation, their dedication and passion were palpable, inspiring others outside of the immediate Dayspring Villa community to join in.
Promoting autonomy and enrichment are part of the CLC mission, and the Dayspring Villa library project fits the bill. Recognizing the importance of a revitalized library, the community at large rallied behind the fundraising efforts.
In a heartwarming display of solidarity, CLC stepped forward with a significant contribution of $2500 from the General Mission Fund. This generous gift served as a catalyst ahead of the Art Show.
The success of the fundraiser was due in part to the generosity of caring community partners who offered raffle items, bought art, and made gifts to the library. Duet Dining provided a cheese board and wine tasting for Art Show Patrons and resident librarians from Dayspring’s sister community, Someren Glen, sent over books.
With the combined kindness and generosity, the residents raised more than $1,600. Adding in the gift from CLC’s General Mission Fund match, the community now had approximately $5,000 to remodel the library.
The support received not only brought us closer to our financial target but also underscored the deep sense of community at Dayspring Villa. It ignited a spark of enthusiasm and unity among residents, staff, and supporters alike, reaffirming the importance of shared spaces and collective aspirations.
With the combined efforts of our residents and the unwavering support of our community, the library remodel project is now well underway, promising a revitalized space for Dayspring residents.
“The impact has been transformative. I’ve noticed people come and look at books,” says resident Diana. “The way we’ve created the space, it’s very functional for people to sit and talk.”
Frankie agrees: “They like the space, they like the way the books look. Now people really sit and exchange ideas and all that. It’s a really welcoming place.”
Recognizing a community desire for magazines, the LAB has recently added a magazine rack, generously made and donated by Richard. Residents and team members have generously bought magazine subscriptions for the library, and now residents have a rotating collection of magazines to read and enjoy.
The LAB has big plans for the future of the library, including adding large-print books so that residents living with low vision can use the library, too. Securing increasingly more expensive newspaper subscriptions is also on the future plans wish list.
The journey to renovate the library has been more than ‘fundraising’ at Dayspring Villa; it’s been a testament to the strength of community and the power of generosity. We extend heartfelt gratitude to those who contributed to this project. Together, we have not only transformed a space, but also deepened the bonds that define us as a community at Dayspring Villa.
Join us in celebrating this milestone and stay tuned for more updates as we continue to grow, learn, and thrive together.
Interested in seeing the library remodel or getting involved in future community projects? Contact us directly to learn how you can contribute to the ongoing vitality and culture of philanthropy at Dayspring Villa.
© 2024 Dayspring Villa
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