|
|||
   |
|||
Caring Hands Newsletter - Second Quarter 2006
Suggested Links:
2006:
4th Quarter | 3rd Quarter | 2nd Quarter | 1st Quarter
A Caregiver's Reflections
By Jan DoninelliMy name is Jan Doninelli and I am proud and honored to share my story with Caring Hands. As long as I can remember, I have always had a deep love and respect for senior citizens and an affinity or desire to be near them. At a very young age I visited nursing homes and got excited at the chance to hear the great stories of their amazing lives. Seniors have so much to give in terms of life experience and history. They are also very appreciative of anything they receive.
When Dziunia (pronounced "Junia") opened the door to meet me on our first visit, she also opened my heart and slid right in. It was love at first sight. She was beautiful and precious and greeted me as if we had been friends forever.
Early in our relationship Dziunia resisted going out. As she began to feel more comfortable, and see the sincere affection I had for her, we began to do more. We now enjoy afternoon shopping, lunch, or picnics in the park. We run errands together and she helps me with complex shopping decisions. Sometimes we just sit and talk which I love.
When our relationship began, I assumed I would be helping her but as we have grown closer, it's often Dziunia who counsels me. When I am struggling with a problem or issue, she is always ready, willing, and eager to help. She is not just a listening ear or a shoulder to lean on but she gives great advice!
Dziunia is one of the most intelligent people I have ever known. She is brilliant, speaks four languages and can talk on almost any topic. She has faced many challenges in her life — from her youth in Germany to surviving a stroke two years ago. But in knowing her, she always maintains a positive attitude and never discusses those challenges.
I feel very honored to be a part of such an incredible organization and blessed to have found a new family member. I look forward to many years of service and memories with Caring Hands and Dziunia. I thank Caring Hands for their inspiration and tireless work.
Caring Hands Hits Grand Slam with "Evening at the A's"
A little rain wasn't able to dampen the spirits of the dedicated folks who turned out for our third annual, "Evening at the A's" fundraiser on April 3, 2006.
Caring Hands sold more than 200 tickets and everyone enjoyed good food and good company as the A's battled the New York Yankee's on opening night at the McAfee Coliseum. Despite dark clouds that threatened to cancel the game, the event went off without a hitch. "Thank goodness it didn't rain!" says Lynn Opp, Chair of the Caring Hands Fundraising Committee. "Ninetyfive percent of our ticket holders came out to support Caring Hands and root for the home team."
This year's event included an all-youcan- eat BBQ, a silent auction featuring goodies from local businesses, and admission to the game. By the end of the evening, nearly $5000 was raised to help support Caring Hands mission.
Thank you to all of our generous sponsors who helped make our "Evening at the A's" a success:
Security Pacific Real Estate
CMG Mortgage
John Muir Health
Oakland Athletics
Christopher Foster
Donna Marie's Hair Salon
Encore MedSpa
Infineon Raceway
Scott's Seafood
Tony La Russa
Click here for more, and to view pictures from the event.
[back to top]