Annual Report 2024
Together, we are changing lives.
President Message
from LCS Foundation President, Elisa Baptiste
As I looked back over the accomplishments from the past year, I couldn’t help but feel immense gratitude. This year's Annual Report reflects the achievements made possible only through the dedication and support of all who generously contribute their time and resources to the LCS Foundation.
From our generous donors, volunteers, and LCS employees to our retirees and business partners, it’s because of your support that we were able to continue to make strides in advancing our mission and make progress on our key initiatives. It wouldn’t have been possible without all of you – thank you!
I would also like to extend a special thank you to our volunteer Board of Directors. These dedicated individuals help with fundraising, evaluating and distributing contributions, scholarships, event planning, promotion and much more. Because of their service, all the donations we receive go directly toward supporting our mission and making a difference in the lives of those we serve.
In 2024, your support helped us contribute more than $400,000 to support initiatives that advance our mission to support Alzheimer’s care and research, invest in collegiate
partnerships and scholarships, provide grants for Certified Nursing Assistant programs and assist 282 of our colleagues in need through emergency relief funds, many of whom were impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
This year, one of our dedicated board members, Sarah Dorr, completed her service on the LCS Foundation Board. We extend our sincere gratitude to Sarah for her incredible work during her five years with the Foundation and for her leadership serving as chair of the Governance Committee, undergirding the work of the LCS Foundation. We also welcomed Sharon Maguire as a new board member, who brings with her considerable expertise and enthusiasm to lead the Foundation’s efforts in our mission to support Alzheimer’s care and research.
I’m pleased to share with you the accomplishments from the past year in the 2024 Annual Report, and I look forward to another incredible year ahead.
Best regards,
Elisa Baptiste LCS Foundation President CPS SVP/Chief Operating Officer
About Our Mission
The LCS Foundation was created as a non-profit in 2017 to support and invest in the senior living industry through charitable giving in the following focus areas:
Work toward Alzheimer’s first survivor.
Recognize the importance of developing future leaders in the senior housing and care profession.
Support our dedicated and compassionate colleagues when encountering an emergency or crisis beyond their control.
Where We Serve
The LCS Foundation is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa. Our mission of service extends throughout the United States.
LCS Foundation HQ location:
Des Moines, IA
Emergency Relief Fund
recipient locations:
Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas
CNA Grant recipient locations:
Croasdaile Village (Durham, NC)
Freedom Village (Holland, MI)
StoneRidge (Mystic, CT)
Clarendale at Indian Lake (Hendersonville, TN)
Partnerships and Scholarship
Recipient locations:
Cedar Falls, IA (UNI)
Midland, MI (Northwood University)
Pullman, WA (Granger Cobb)
Eau Claire, WI (University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire)
Ames, IA (Iowa State University –Sue & Ed Kenny Scholarship)
Work Toward Alzheimer's First Survivor
In 2024, the LCS Family of Companies raised over $750,000 to support the Alzheimer’s Association and Alzheimer's-related charities. This included over 100 Walk to End Alzheimer’s events across the country as a Platinum National Team. The Alzheimer’s Association leads the charge in Alzheimer’s care, support, research and advocacy and aims to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementias by advancing global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.
In 2024, the LCS Family of Companies raised over $750,000 to support the Alzheimer’s Association and Alzheimer's-related charities.
Greenwood Village South
Marquette
Purple Soirée
The LCS Foundation was the presenting sponsor of the 2024 Purple Soirée Gala held at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa on June 28th. The annual event celebrates and honors the lives of people impacted by Alzheimer's and all other dementias and raises funds to benefit the Iowa Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
WATCH! Purple Soirée video here.
“These LCS Foundation sponsored events not only raise awareness of the need for funding and support for those living with Alzheimer’s, but also build community across organizations, cities, towns, and states for the critical advocacy efforts needed to achieve our goal to work toward the first survivor. We welcome you to join us in these and other efforts and thank those who have contributed generously their time, talent, and treasure to date. It truly takes a village.”
-Sharon Maguire, LCS Foundation Board Member
More than $90,000 was awarded in 2024 for scholarships, partnerships and grants.
Investing in Future Leaders
The LCS Foundation is leading the way to develop future leaders of the senior living profession.
High School Program
The LCS Foundation’s support of the Aspiring Professional Experience (APEX) CNA program at Waukee High School in central Iowa was featured on a central Iowa news channel. The program offers high school students a unique chance to explore careers and gain real-world experience in healthcare before choosing a postsecondary program.
College and University Partnerships
The LCS Foundation has formed strong partnerships at colleges and universities across the nation to prepare students to become leaders in the field of senior living.
WATCH! Education Pillar video here.
University Scholarships
LCS Foundation scholarships help to support the education and professional development of students pursuing careers in the field of senior living. In 2024, we were honored to provide four students with LCS Foundation University Scholarships and one student with an Ed and Sue Kenny Scholarship.
WATCH! WHOTV 13 video here.
Preparing students to become leaders
“Being awarded this scholarship means more than I can even say. This scholarship stands out to me not only as an acknowledgement of my accomplishments and passion for the field of long-term care but also hope for the future to be working in an industry with such great supporting communities.”
-Brad Heap
2024 LCS Foundation University Scholarship recipient, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
“Pursuing a degree in senior care and services is more than a career choice for me; it is a calling that has grown from my experiences and the connections I've made with residents and staff during my time at Green Hills Community. The opportunity to work in this field has deepened my appreciation for the wisdom and stories that our senior population holds, and it has driven me to contribute to their quality of life in meaningful ways.”
-Anna Schmitz
2024 Ed and Sue Kenny Scholarship recipient, Iowa State University
“I am extremely grateful for anyone who has donated to the LCS Foundation not only for helping me, but for helping other people who have been in my shoes.”
-Caitlin Mylly Associate Administrator at The Cedars of Chapel Hill in North Carolina and recipient of the 2022 LCS Foundation University Scholarship
"I think you know if you donated to the LCS Foundation it's going somewhere that's making a difference. It's having a huge impact. Thank you for being mindful of people who are looking for that opportunity and just making things easier for us to pursue our dreams and career aspirations. It means a lot."
-Brooke Harris
Residential Administrator, Casa de Las Campanas in California and recipient of the 2020 Ed and Sue Kenny Scholarship
Grant Funds to Support Community CNA Programs
In 2024, four LCS-managed communities received $2,000 in grant funds to support on-site Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) programs. The grants helped to fund and support certification programs, marketing materials, mannequins, textbooks, state approval, and more. The communities that received grant funds include:
• Croasdaile Village (Durham, NC)
• Freedom Village (Holland, MI)
• Clarendale at Indian Lake (Hendersonville, TN)
• StoneRidge (Mystic, CT)
“CNAs are the backbone of compassionate care, providing not only essential physical support but also meaningful emotional connections to our residents. This grant from the LCS Foundation will empower individuals seeking a fulfilling career change, enabling them to enhance their skills and, in turn, enrich the lives of those we serve.”
-Patrick Cartier Administrator at Avalon Health Center
at StoneRidge in Mystic, Connecticut
Helping Employees in Need
The LCS Foundation Emergency Relief Fund provides financial support to LCS employees who experience unexpected hardships. Personal needs may arise from a serious illness, a debilitating injury, a fire, flood, or another natural disaster. Since the program began, more than $1.3 million has been awarded to 807 LCS employees in need. In 2024, the program awarded $100,758 to 48 employees.
Hurricane Relief
“I am one of the fortunate recipients of a check from your Emergency Relief Fund. As you can imagine, being in the path of Hurricane Milton was a scary time and my home was damaged. Your gift will certainly be put to good use."
-An LCS community employee
Hurricanes Helene and Milton had a devastating impact on the Southeastern United States. Many of our community employees faced significant personal losses yet continued to serve our residents and provide assistance to their communities during the storms.
In addition to our expected employee relief requests, the LCS Foundation launched a special appeal to raise funds to provide more than $142,000 to 234 community employees affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Wendy’s Story: Help with Unexpected Medical Expenses
For Wendy White, assistance from the LCS Foundation Emergency Relief Fund meant being able to fully focus on her health and recovery.
During a routine doctor’s appointment, Wendy, a Business Unit Associate at Care Purchasing Services (CPS), received the unexpected news that she had a medical issue that required immediate surgery. The shock of the diagnosis quickly gave way to worry about how she would afford the necessary treatment.
“After tapping into all of our resources, we would still be coming up short,” White said, and so when she received notification that her application for assistance was approved, she couldn’t contain her relief.
“Tears of joy streamed down my cheeks,” she said. “And I screamed so loud with excitement that I was worried my neighbors would be alarmed.”
With the funds she received from the Emergency Relief Fund, Wendy was able to schedule her surgery and focus solely on her health. Today, she is feeling great and said being able to put her medical issue in the rearview mirror has allowed her to breathe easier and smile again.
“Saying ‘thank you’ just doesn’t seem to be enough for this gift that I received but thank you! This life-changing, positive experience potentially saved my life.”
Gene’s Story: A Spouse in Need
The LCS Foundation Emergency Relief Fund was there to help when Gene Tuttle’s wife needed a costly new cochlear implant processor.
“It was a great relief for us to get the biggest part from the LCS Emergency Relief Fund,” Tuttle said. “It is terrific that LCS is there for such a helpful cause when needed.”
Tuttle is the shop manager at Porters Neck Village, a Life Care Services managed community, in Wilmington, North Carolina, and has worked for an LCS-managed property for almost two decades.
He added that he is grateful for the support of the LCS Foundation and LCS. “I appreciated this assistance very much,” he said. “Thank you for all your help!"
Joan’s Story: Home Repair Help
The Emergency Relief Fund provided financial support for Joan Thomas after golf ball-sized hail shattered windows and damaged the siding and roof of her home.
“The funds I received through the
Making a positive impact
LCS Foundation was a godsend,” said Thomas, a Utility Associate in the Culinary Services department at Green Country Village, an LCS-managed community in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. “Having this support financially relieved many emotional and mental strains while allowing me to complete the work needed on my home.”
Joan used the Emergency Relief Funds she received to replace her roof that had been badly damaged by the storm, and said she couldn’t express how much the assistance helped her during a difficult time.
“I am so very thankful for this program and that I was selected as a recipient,” she said. “I cannot thank you enough!”
“The Emergency Relief Fund is at the heart of the LCS Foundation and is reflective of LCS’ commitment to our employees. Through the generous donations of our employees and partners, LCS helps provide employees with support and security in times of crisis. There is an entire team of dedicated employee volunteers who work to make this happen. I am so proud to be a part of this important work.”
-Kent Kalmey LCS Foundation Board Member
Event Highlight
5th Annual LCS Foundation Golf Classic
The 5th Annual LCS Foundation Golf Classic was held August 5th at the Wakonda Club in Des Moines, Iowa. With the support of 132 golfers, 35 volunteers and sponsorships from 34 organizations, $116,702 was raised to support the work of the LCS Foundation. The event is the largest yearly fundraiser for the Foundation.
WATCH! LCS Foundation Golf Classic video here.
Since 2019, the LCS Foundation Golf Classic has raised more than $380,000 for the LCS Foundation.
597 donors in 2024
2024 Giving Highlights 184 new donors in 2024
$116,000 raised from the LCS Foundation Annual Golf Classic
$90,000 awarded for scholarships, partnerships and grants
$100,000 awarded to 48 LCS employees in Emergency Relief Funds + + + +
$142,000 raised to provide Emergency Relief Funds to 234 LCS employees affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton
$750,000 raised to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association and Alzheimer’s-related charities +
$5 million
Since 2017, the LCS Foundation has raised more than $5 million in funding. +
Thank You to Our Donors
The LCS Foundation appreciates your generous donations and vital support. To show our appreciation for contributions at every level, the LCS Foundation Donor Clubs recognize and celebrate the lifetime donations of our donors. Thank you to each of these individuals and organizations for helping us make a difference.
Donations listed reflect lifetime giving to the LCS Foundation through December 31, 2024.
Donor Recognition
Founder's Circle
Platinum Level ($1,000,000+):
Ed & Sue Kenny
Dotty Thurston
Gold Level ($500,000 to $999,999):
Kent Larson
Joel & Lisa Nelson
Silver Level ($100,000 to $499,999):
Diane Benoit
Joe Brucella
Rick Exline
Healthpeak Properties, Inc.
Life Care Services LLC
Rich Seibert
Jill Sorenson
Chairman's Circle
Patron Level ($50,000 to $99,999):
Liz & Scott Cooper
Jeff & Linda Svoboda
Scholar Level ($25,000 to $49,999):
Brandon Wilde LLC Redwood Capital
Cushman & Wakefield David Reis
Cypress of Charlotte Senior Care Development
Dentons Davis Brown Simonson & Associates Architects
Eric & Mary Gjuillin Westminster Capital
McCarthy Partners Management
Advocate Level ($15,000 to $24,999):
Diane Bridgewater
BMO Financial Group
Direct Supply Foundation
Brett Logan
Ryan Companies
Truist
Vantage Pointe Capital Management/ Harvesting Heritage Foundation
Rick Westermann
Ziegler
Donor list continued on next page
ACS (Associated Computer Systems)
Attane
Bank of America
Elisa Baptiste
Chris Bird
Blueprint HCRE
Bridge Investment Group
Broad River Rehabilitation
Care Purchasing Services LLC
CBRE
Rod Copple
A Place for Mom AccuShield
Adaire C. Peterson Executive
Leadership & Development
Susan Adams
Edwina Alexander
American Eagle
Michael Andreasen
Arjo Inc.
BackSwing Golf Events, Inc.
Karey Bader
Julie Baker
Bank Iowa
Bankers Trust
Denis Beaulieu
Jon Beeman
Cindy Bennett
Zane Bennett
Ryan Bircher
Blue Moon Capital Partners
Donna Boetger
Aaron Bradshaw
Brand Muscle (Sentrics)
Michael Broderick
Christina Buckrop
Judi Buxo
Frank Carroll
Lorene Chappell Ciscor
Donor Recognition
Legacy Club
Supporter Level ($5,000 to $14,999):
Scott Doherty
Jonathan Erickson
Faegre Drinker
Ferguson
Monica Friedman
Chad Hade
Michael Heselbarth
Houlihan Lokey
Stewart Ingram
Iron Point Partners KARE
Dan Lahey
Thomas Mathisen Mohawk Group
Charles Murphy
National Institute for Fitness and Sport (NIFS)
PalCare
Andrea Putnam
RDG Planning & Design
SB&A Architects
Lawrence Selhorst
Shaw Contract
GeLynna Shaw
Friend Level ($1,000 to $4,999):
Chad Coffey
Clint Collins
Phillip Cowan
Darcy Curry
Jamie Dance
Taylor Darby
Datavizion
Kathleen Dess
Crystal Dillinger
Direct Supply
Erin Donaldson
Sarah Dorr
Patrick Duffy
Kathryn Easton EcoLab
Edward F McGinley III Foundation
David Elfvin
Gregory Ellingson
Amy Elliott
Elizabeth Fetner
Mary Flander
Jaclyn Gardner
Brett Gardner
Deann Geistler
Chelsey Gibson
Blake Gillman
Glad To Be Here Foundation
Cara Glenn
Geraldine Gould
Anthony Greer
Greystone
Guardian Pharmacy
Laura Harvey
Stacie Hayes
HD Supply
Health Trust
HealthPro Heritage, LLC
Cindy Helgason
Herbert J. Sims & Co., Inc.
Nicholas Herrick
Megan Hoffman
Mandi Hogan
Holmes Murphy & Associates LLC
Kari Hummel
Indeed
Caroline Jacobsen
Jeffrey James
Josh Jandris
Catherine Jenkins
Sharon Jessup
Graham Johnson
Karen Johnston
Douglas Jones
Jason Jorgenson
Joshua's Call Inc.
Kent Kalmey
Stephanie King
Mark Stelmacher
StudioSix5
Sysco
Jon Tagatz
Tarkett
Heidi Terdal
Tremper Capital
Frank Vedder
Village of Gleannloch Farms
Walker Dunlop
Weitz
Whiting-Turner Contracting Co.
Jeanne Kinnard
John Klein
Danny Kosmicki
Kraus-Anderson
Kronos
Christine & Dennis Kuedlka
Donald Kuhn
Tammy Lawrence
Kristen Lembcke
Carol Levy
Susan Liebetrau
LivNow Relocation Inc.
Longview Senior Living
LRS Architects
Jill Lubar
John Luetkemeyer
Luminary Creative LLC
Debra Massey
Matrix Care
Traci McBee
Roberta McMenamin
Jennifer Melnyk
Daniel Merriman
Joseph Mingione
Kendra Minks
Linda Morshead
Thomas Mullan
Bill Mulligan
Mary Munoz
Mark Myers
National Health Investors
Warren Naviasky Netsmart
OCI N.V.
Brice Oleson
Doug Oliver
Omaha Community Foundation
Orchard Digital Marketing
James Peterson
Evan Petig
John Pietrangelo
Pope Design Group
Porters Neck Village
Friend Level ($1,000 to $4,999) continued:
Principal Financial Group
Pro Commercial
Elizabeth Proffitt
Quality Care Rehab
Sherry Robinson
Daniel Rogers RSM
Hedy Rubinger
Dawn Ruppel
Wendy Rus
Emily Shelley Sidley
Calista Sievers
Marjorie Silberman
Donor Highlight
Linda and Jeff Svoboda, pictured here with Board President Elisa Baptiste, support the LCS Foundation through generous giving. Because of their support and the support of all our donors, the LCS Foundation can continue its mission of service.
Single Digits
Gina Slack
Lindsay Smith
John Smith
Shaleen Sorgen
Spellman & Brady
Julie Springer
Staples
Steele Stewart
Richard Strader
The Image Group
James Thomas TMC
Mark Trnka
Bridgette Uhlemann
Jeri Uhlmansiek
UKG
United Properties
Michael Urich
Alex Veenstra
Alex Vice
Jason Victor
June Vitrano
Darlene Wicht
Gregory Williams
Steven Zbylicki
Wade Zimmerman
Thank You to Our Dedicated Board Members
Members of the LCS Foundation Board of Directors generously volunteer to support our efforts with their time, talent and passion. Each is connected to the field of senior living and has a deep passion for serving seniors. Board members are actively involved with fundraising, distributing contributions, event planning and much more.
LCS Foundation Officers
Elisa Baptiste President
SVP/Chief Operating Officer, CPS
Zane Bennett Vice President
Executive Director, Porters Neck Village
Ryan Bircher
Secretary and Treasurer
Senior Director, Assistant Controller, LCS
LCS Foundation Board of Directors
Joe Brucella
Retired SVP/Director of Operations Management, LCS
Scott Doherty
VP/Sr. Director of Operations Management, LCS
Rick Exline Retired EVP, LCS
Monica Friedman
EVP/Chief Human Resources Officer, LCS
Jason Jorgenson SVP, LCS Development
Kent Kalmey
VP/Director of Operations Management, LCS
Ed Kenny Retired LCS CEO/LCS Foundation Founder
Sharon Maguire
SVP/Chief Health & Wellness/Resident Experience Officer, LCS
Traci McBee Director, Corporate Communications, LCS
Joel Nelson Retired LCS CEO
Jill Sorenson
SVP/Director, Operations Management, LCS
Bridgette Uhlemann
SVP/Chief Legal Counsel, LCS
In Memory
The LCS Foundation would like to honor the memory of board member Rob Perry who passed away on December 27, 2024. Rob joined the LCS Foundation Board of Directors in 2018 and served on the Professional Development and Emergency Relief Fund Committees. Rob’s commitment to our mission and dedication to making a difference in the lives of others was truly remarkable.