I had the privilege of interviewing Astar Daniels. When I heard about her story, I knew that I had to do anything I could to meet her. What makes Astar so interesting? Where do I even begin?????
Well, first off, Astar, at the young age of 94, will be repelling down the 10 story YMCA building in downtown Cincinnati to help raise money for affordable living for seniors. That alone is AMAZING!!!!!
So why is she passionate about raising money for affordable living enough to rappel down a 10 story building?
Astar Daniels also makes me feel like I need to up my game when it comes to adventures. She has experienced many.
How have your dreams and goals changed over the years?
Astar is also an artist. During my visit to interview her, she showed me some of the art pieces that she created.
The picture below is a self portrait.
What will the fundraiser money go toward?
Episcopal Retirement Homes (ERH) now has open online registration for the Over the Edge for Elders fundraiser coming June 12th and 13th. Instead of asking people to sponsor walkathon participants, ERH has brought in a new twist and people will be sponsoring Edgers who will rappel down a 10-story building! It’s all part of the summer fundraiser for Affordable Senior Living by ERH communities. The event will take place at the Central YMCA at the corner of Elm Street and Central Parkway, where the top six floors are being renovated by ERH into 65 apartments for older adults with limited incomes.
The two-day event kicks off June 12th with CELEBRATE! — ERH’s annual fundraising BBQ dinner, and auction – where 10 celebrity Edgers will rappel to get the action started. The next day, June 13th Over the Edge for Elders will feature 92 Edgers rappelling the 10-story YMCA building to help raise money for the cause. The event also offers a “Toss your Boss” category where employees can donate to see their favorite bosses take the rappelling plunge.
A major fundraising goal for ERH has been to ensure that support services are fully funded at its Affordable Living communities. This effort is essential now with its expansion goal of operating 30 limited-income senior residences by 2020.
Maureen Gregory, ERH Fund Development Manager, explains, “As we expand we need to triple our annual fund to have the money available to operate our support services. All of our communities will have extra services not often found for seniors with limited incomes. The ERH model goes well beyond the HUD requirement of safe and sanitary senior housing because ERH believes that deserving seniors who include our veterans, former teachers, firefighters and others who have worked hard all their lives, deserve to live in a safe, enriching environment no matter what their current income status might be. For every apartment that becomes available, there are 10 seniors who are qualified. There is a housing crisis that is looming, and ERH is making a difference.”
About Episcopal Retirement Homes
Since 1951, Episcopal Retirement Homes (ERH) has dedicated itself to improving the lives of older adults through innovative, quality living environments and in-home and community-based services delivered by experienced and compassionate professionals. ERH owns or manages fourteen senior living communities: two premier communities, Deupree House and Marjorie P. Lee, in Hyde Park, and twelve affordable living communities for low-income seniors. ERH also operates in-home services such as their geriatric care management service, Living Well Senior Solutions; delivers 75,000 Meals on Wheels annually; and provides counsel and support to 75 churches to renew their role in healthcare through advocacy, education and wellness programs through Parish Health Ministry.
I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to meet Astar. She is one of the most positive people that I’ve ever met. Her gratitude and willingness to still try new things at her age is so incredibly inspiring!
How can you help?
You can help Astar reach her $1,000 fundraising goal by donating on her fundraising webpage.
You can learn more about Over the Edge for Elders or donate on their website and learn more about ERH affordable living here.
For more information, visit www.episcopalretirement.com, or call 513.272.5555. ext. 4288.
