The Loretto Foundation held its annual Hope Celebration at Middle Ages Brewing Company on October 9, raising over $250,000 — $50,000 more than last year’s total — to fund critical programs and initiatives for Loretto residents and employees.
Almost 250 people attended the “Sail Away for a Cause” event, which featured a live auction, raffle, drinks, and food by Meier’s Creek. The event program included music by the yacht rock group Gridley Paige AM Gold, and Loretto administrators presented The Loretto Foundation’s 2025 Community Impact Awards, given to community members whose work exemplifies the Loretto values of trust, kindness, teamwork, and leadership.
United Way President Nancy Kern Eaton received the 2025 Community Impact Award as someone who champions the Loretto mission and has contributed to the overall well-being and vitality of the community. When reflecting on the recognition, Nancy said: “We all know the senior population here and around the country is growing. It is absolutely essential that we plan for our seniors to have the best years of their lives in their community. They helped to build this community, and we should help them have the best possible quality of life to their very last breath.”
Civic leader Charlotte “Chuckie” Holstein received the 2025 Loretto Distinguished Service Award for his exceptional commitment, leadership, and impact in improving the care of older adults in Loretto. Chuckie was the first woman to serve on the Loretto Board, which she subsequently chaired for 13 years, and said she continues to feel a part of the Loretto family, believing all community members need to take care of one another by having a trustee mindset. After accepting her award at the event, she said, “As a 100-year-old person, I feel that I can pass some wisdom to you. The thing that concerns me most about growing up in this community is that not enough of us take on the role of a citizen trustee. Each one of us has our community in trust, and we are the trustees of our community. I urge everyone here to keep that in mind. There are many ways to be a trustee. Find your way.”
The Loretto Foundation provides various programs and initiatives to help improve the lives of residents and those who serve them. The Foundation has supported memory care communities, workforce development programs, innovative technology for residents, emergency grants for employees in crisis, and free diapers for Loretto employees with small children.
For more information about Sail Away for a Cause and to view photos from event, visit Sail Away for a Cause Thank You | Loretto.