Retirement Community Honored as Top Fundraiser

Covenant Shores, a faith-based, nonprofit continuing care retirement community on Mercer Island, was recently recognized by the American Cancer Society as one of the top 10 fundraising companies in the greater Seattle area. Resident life director Roxanne Helleren, fitness coordinator Jim Brockmeyer and sales representative Leslie McGee worked together last fall to make the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Warm-Up Walk on Covenant Shores' lakeside walking trail a success.

Residents, staff and their family members of all ages laced up their walking shoes to raise more than $4,000. In addition to raising funds, each month residents participating in the "Jam Sessions" assemble and donate 100 lunch bags that include peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, chips, a cookie, fruit and water to two homeless shelters. Since 2006, the Stitches from the Heart club has knitted, crocheted and donated 2,200 baby caps, booties, sweaters and other items to local charities dedicated to supporting families in need.

"These activities represent just a part of over 20,000 hours of volunteer service given by our residents and staff to the community over the past year," said Executive Director Bruce Erickson. "We're proud to see our staff and residents recognized for their efforts."