5 minute read
Donor Spotlight
Comfort and Joy with a Splash of “Ooh Aah”
By: Gloria Hurwitz, Vice President of Advancement “Jack and I were very blessed. We worked hard and gave back because that’s what the Lord calls us to do. Our lifelong practice was: Give, Save, Spend. This practice is very important because it’s in giving that you receive.”
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Gloria Hurwitz and Barb
Meet my friend Barb who has lived 88 years! I’m honored to have developed a special friendship with Barb that grew from a professional relationship when she and her husband Jack became new donors to The Trinity Community at Fairborn in 2019.
Jack was a recent resident as Barb became unable to continue care for him at home. The Trinity Community at Fairborn is near their home where they lived for more than 50 years.
Jack & Barb
Barb is an unassuming, very approachable and humble person. She often describes herself as “a simple girl from the country” as she considers her roots in rural Shelby, Ohio. But don’t confuse unassuming with unaware. Barb is smart as a whip, a fierce, independent thinker, candid, an active listener and keen observer of people with an incredibly sharp intuition for character.
I’ll never forget that first meeting when Jack and Barb stated, “we want to make a donation for something to benefit the residents.” Since Barb spent every day at Trinity at Fairborn with Jack, she quickly realized that many residents Jack and Barb didn’t have family or frequent visitors. They decided together to buy Christmas gifts for all the residents. Jack and Barb’s donation brought Christmas joy to all.
Barb’s daily visits with Jack resulted in us seeing each other often when I visited the community. I noticed that Barb was busy forging relationships with residents, their families and care team members. Daily, she observed the compassionate care Jack received and was grateful. His comfort was priority for Barb and allowed her to go home each evening with peace in her heart.
In March of 2020, the global pandemic and associated visitation restrictions prevented Barb from visiting Jack. This was extremely difficult for both. However, Barb and Jack talked daily and she assured him that she was safe at home and was reassured that he, too, was safe.
They chatted about experiences and shared observations about Trinity at Fairborn. Barb often called me to share those conversations. I knew that Jack really enjoyed “a good shower” and she told me they wanted to help update the aging tub room and offered a generous donation to transform the conventional tub room into a contemporary spa offering beautiful amenities (including a towel warmer). This new room offered an exceptional shower and bath experience culminating in the ultimate joy and comfort of a warm towel.
Barb and President and CEO of United Church Homes, Rev. Dr. Kenneth Daniel
Soon after the grand opening of the spa room, in anticipation of Jack’s upcoming 90th birthday in February 2021, Barb called me to ask me how much a new bus would cost. She and Jack were interested in doing something to honor his special birthday. After some discussion with staff Barb embraces Jeremy Lemon, administrator about the features they during The Trinity Community at Fairborn refresh would like, she and Jack kick off in April. donated the funds to purchase a new bus. This news brought incredible joy to the staff who would be using the bus to transport residents. Sadly, Jack passed away before the bus arrived, but in April 2021, the new bus was dedicated in his honor and memory in a special celebration. Jack was a beloved resident at the community and is greatly missed by all.
Barb and Administrator at The Trinity Community at Fairborn, Jeremy Lemon.
As the pandemic persisted, isolation was hard for everyone including Barb. She had a lot of time to “ponder”, and I knew from past experience when she is pondering, it usually means she has another idea for a project. She became interested in making another donation that she knew would offer joy to the staff. She wanted to replace the aging nurse call system and provide modern technology that offers the nurses more efficiencies and would provide easier access to families trying to talk to their loved ones. This new, noteworthy gift offers a substantive improvement in service that will benefit generations of residents and families.
I’m in awe of Barb’s extreme generosity and her love for The Trinity Community at Fairborn. As friends, we spend a lot of time talking and one day I asked her “why do you do what you do?”
It’s that inspiration that brought Barb to her latest idea. She wants to create a legacy as an example of the wonderful life she and Jack shared. She has made a transformational gift to support an interior makeover for The Trinity Community at Fairborn that she so dearly loves. As only Barb can express, “get rid of the ugly beige walls and bring in colors of joy.” And, because she is adamant about creating an entrance that offers an immediate “ooh aah” guests will be wooed with three exquisite, tiered crystal chandeliers lining the entryway that will brighten their arrival and welcome them to the gem that is The Trinity Community at Fairborn. Barb’s legacy includes “putting The Trinity Community at Fairborn on the map” to ensure that local families are aware of and seek this destination for their loved ones.
