Elant at Brandywine Celebrates National Volunteer Recognition Week

May 4, 2010 - PRLog -- Briarcliff Manor - The residents at Elant at Brandywine, a non-profit nursing home and rehabilitation center in Briarcliff Manor, celebrated National Volunteer Recognition Week by honoring their generous volunteers with a heartwarming celebration.

The afternoon festivities, enjoyed by an overflowing crowd, included speeches, poetry, hors d’oeuvres, hand-made gifts, and an abundance of gratitude displayed by both the residents and the volunteers themselves.

Residents personally distributed to volunteers carnations and resident-made cards and sweetheart boxes in honor of their generous contributions to those who call Brandywine home. In addition, several read statements of thanks to recognize individual volunteer efforts.

“It’s funny: until today, I didn’t even realize some of these folks were volunteers; I thought they were paid staffers,” said resident Carol Vinick, who also read a poem during the ceremonies. “It’s unbelievable that they do so much for us on their own time; they are really great people.”

Shari Ship, for example, has been volunteering at Elant at Brandywine for more than seven years. She comes every Friday and plays the piano for the residents, and knows every resident’s favorite song and/or wedding song.

“I am so in love with everyone here, and I feel so loved in return,” said Shari, whose 13-year-old son has also volunteered his time at Brandywine. “”Where else can you get that?”

Peter Vallinos, president of the Elant at Brandywine Resident Council, offered an official Thank You by reading aloud a series of quotes that highlighted the value volunteerism brings to others.

He closed with the following words: “My favorite quote is from Mahatmas Gandhi: ‘If you want to change the world, be that change;’ By your simple acts of kindness and generosity, you people are that change. We honor and celebrate you, and thank you for all that you do.”

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Elant, Inc., a community-based, not-for-profit organization, has been a part of the Hudson Valley healthcare landscape for the past 25 years. Its seven campuses, located across five counties, serve an estimated 3,500 people daily and provide sub-acute care and rehabilitation services, nursing home care, assisted living, adult day care, retirement community living, home health care, and a managed long-term care plan. Elant’s mission is to provide personalized, high-quality care and lifestyle options to persons of diverse generations, cultures, means, and needs.