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Caring Hands Newsletter - Autumn 2007
A Caregiver's Reflections
By Patty Koch and Ray Zenoni
A Special Way to Volunteer...
Patty Koch visited her care receiver once a week for nearly two years. But after her care receiver moved out of the area she decided to take a break from Caring Hands — but not completely. Rather than do weekly visits, she volunteered to become a substitute driver. This allowed Patty to take a well-deserved vacation and gave her a break from her weekly commitment. Patty recently decided to become re-matched with a new care receiver, but she enjoyed substitute driving so much she's going to continue offering her services whenever she's needed and available. "Lilian gives me a call and if I'm available I'll do it. If I'm not she simply calls someone else," Patty says.
Ray Zenoni, a newly trained volunteer, is a very active retiree and volunteers his time for many organizations including Senior Helpline Services, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, and Meals on Wheels. "I love giving to my community, but at this point I'm taking it slow with Caring Hands," says Ray. "I don't think I'm ready for a weekly one-on-one match, but I can certainly volunteer occasionally as a substitute driver. I've had a great time volunteering so far for Caring Hands. I drove a gentleman to Kaiser and we ran a few errands together. We had so much fun I can't wait to do it again!"
"Most of our substitutes have weekly matches, but that doesn't need to be the case," notes Linda Groobin, volunteer coordinator for Caring Hands. "Not everyone can make a weekly commitment so becoming a substitute driver is a great option," she says. If you are interested in becoming a substitute driver please contact Caring Hands at (925) 952-2999. We need you!
[back to top]2007 Vintage Review Celebrates Two Outstanding Members of Community
The setting could not have been more perfect. The courtyard of the Lafayette Park Hotel was transformed into a 1920's retreat, complete with a classic car, live music, wine, food and new and old friends - all to celebrate Caring Hands and honor two outstanding members of the community, Barbara Schuh and Bob Clough.
Barbara is the founder and CEO of Companion Care, an organization founded to help older adults and disabled persons live independently in their homes for as long as possible with help from caregivers and care managers. Her dedication to older adults extends far beyond Companion Care. She also volunteers for many organizations, including the Contra Costa County Advisory Council on Aging, the Lafayette Senior Service Commission and Beyond Eyes. Her remarkable dedication to serving seniors made her a natural choice as an honoree for the 2007 Vintage Review.
Bob has long committed his time and his financial resources to numerous local community organizations. He volunteered for many years and was past president of Mt. Diablo Transcribers, an organization that partners volunteers with the blind. Bob enjoyed this work immensely, reading to many individuals over the years. Bob also served as a counselor for Contra Costa Crisis and Suicide Intervention Center, as an AIDS counselor at John Muir Medical Center - Walnut Creek Campus, and as a volunteer at Rossmoor Nursing Home where he visited and played the piano for the residents. Bob says that of all of his professional and personal accomplishments, it is the time that he spent volunteering that has brought him the most satisfaction. We are honored to recognize him for his years of service to our community.
Both Bob and Barbara celebrated the evening with 140 friends and family members in attendance. It was also Bob and Barbara's birthday - Bob turned 90 years old! Additionally, there was a silent and live auction that helped raise funds for Caring Hands. This year's event raised nearly $55,000 for Caring Hands - a true testament to the importance of the program and the dedication of its employees, volunteers, caregivers and care receivers.
"I am so amazed and grateful for the generous outpouring of support for Caring Hands," says Carol Louisell, program manager for Caring Hands. "But I am excited and honored that we were able to recognize two amazing community members like Barbara and Bob; they truly know what it means to make a difference."
The 2007 Vintage Review was held September 14. Al Hart, KCBS radio anchor, was the enthusiastic emcee for the evening and he even sang a few tunes. The event could not have been possible without the support of the Ruth Arnhold Senior Transportation Fund at the East Bay Community Foundation, Tom Seeno and family, Bob Clough, Companion Care and Wells Fargo Bank.
Recently, Caring Hands received a major gift from one of our many angels, the late Miriam "Jerry" Lar Rieu. Jerry was no stranger to John Muir Medical Center or to Caring Hands. She has given nearly $1 million to John Muir Health which included more than $250,000 to Caring Hands. In 1992 Jerry was honored with the "John Muir Award of Distinction." This award recognizes individuals and organizations whose philanthropic support of John Muir deserves the highest appreciation.
In 2003, at 101 years of age, Jerry was honored at Caring Hands' first fundraising event - The Vintage Review. Jerry was fully aware of the assistance that enables elders to stay in their homes, and she recognized that so many seniors are without these vital services. She believed it was important to support Caring Hands for her community, and we gratefully acknowledge and thank her for her legacy of support.
