This month we celebrate all things love – what a fitting time to focus on philanthropy, which comes from the Greek words meaning “a love of humankind.”
One wonderful way residents and friends of Christian Living Communities have demonstrated that philanthropic love is by making Christian Living Communities, or one of our communities, a part of their legacy.
That’s what Clermont Park resident Elaine Westblade has done. Elaine, who has been a part of the Clermont Park community since The Willows neighborhood opened 10 years ago, has chosen to give back to her community as part of her estate plans.
“I just really love it here, and felt if it helped someone else love it like I did, it would be worth my while to do that,” shares Elaine.
Elaine has designated that, upon leaving the community, she will leave a portion of her Entrance Fee Deposit, which is required for Life Care contract apartments at Clermont Park and Holly Creek. Her plan is for a portion of that deposit to be given to Clermont Park to support the greatest needs of the community.
Clermont Park residents currently enjoy monthly concerts, weekly art classes, and special poetry classes thanks to others who have generously made supporting Clermont Park residents a part of their legacy!
Because Elaine has chosen to make this future gift, she is a member of the Compassion Circle. The Compassion Circle is how Christian Living Communities honors and thanks those who have indicated they have made CLC a part of their legacy. Some have designated Christian Living Communities as a beneficiary of their Individual Retirement Accounts (one of the easiest and best ways to leave a legacy, as that money is never taxed). Others have included CLC in their will. And some, like Elaine, filled out their Direction for Payment of Entrance Fee form and indicated they wish to have a percentage of that payment stay with their community as a tax-deductible donation.
Elaine says she feels the love at Clermont Park, and wants to pass that love on. “I thought it was a really neat thing to do,” she says.
If, as a resident, family member or friend of CLC, you’ve ever wondered how you can express your love and appreciation for Christian Living Communities, consider a gift in your will or as part of your estate plans. You’ll be making an impact for years to come. What a loving legacy to leave.
Questions or need more information? Please reach out to Stephanie Manley, Director of Philanthropy, at 720-974-3675 or smanley@clcliving.org.
Pictured above: Elaine Westblade (center) talking with fellow Clermont Park Residents at Aged to Perfection 2022.
About the Author
Olivia Mayer served as Christian Living Communities Director of Donor Relations from 2009 through June 2023, when she embarked on her retirement. Olivia set strategy and identified the tactics to encourage philanthropic support of CLC. Olivia’s passion is connecting people with a desire to support older adults. Always interested in discovering people's stories, Olivia was a newspaper reporter and freelance writer prior to joining CLC.
