‘Dirty Dancing’-themed soiree honors work of resident volunteers
Charlestown, an Erickson Living retirement community, recently hosted its Annual Volunteer Appreciation Event, filling the John Erickson Conference Center with about 300 attendees.
The evening’s “Dirty Dancing” theme was a smash hit, featuring fun nods to the classic movie, including signature cocktails: the “Baby & Johnny”, named for the main characters, and the “Kellerman’s Cosmo”, a reference to the resort where the movie is set. The watermelon salsa and chips was another detail that fans of the movie will recognize as inspired by a favorite scene.
Dance instructors were on hand to perform and teach guests a few new steps. The floor was packed for the dance contest, whose winner got to take home a trophy. Attendees enjoyed making special requests to the DJ and dancing the night away to their favorite songs.
A highlight of the evening was certainly Charlestown’s Associate Executive Director Nathan Blumberg dressed in costume as Max Kellerman, providing a few remarks and earning quite a few laughs.
As Nathan mentioned that evening, Charlestown wouldn’t be the vibrant community that it is without its resident volunteers. More than 820 volunteers give thousands of hours of their time each year to make all of Charlestown’s activities, events and special programs happen.
That includes the community’s libraries, the quarterly Treasure Sale, a huge event that attracts hundreds of visitors to campus and generates a significant amount of money for Charlestown’s Benevolent Care Fund, and so much more. In addition, resident volunteers support the activities staff in Charlestown’s continuing care buildings and make individual visits to residents living there.
“We are incredibly grateful for every single one of our resident volunteers. This party is just a small token of our appreciation for all that they do throughout the year,” said Kathleen Hart, Coordinator of the Volunteer Program at Charlestown. “We truly could not do it without them. There are so many opportunities to get involved as a volunteer here at Charlestown and I’m proud that so many of our residents find their own way to contribute their unique gifts to this community. Their hard work and giving hearts make Charlestown a better place each and every day.”
About Charlestown: Charlestown, one of 19 continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Living®, is situated on a scenic 110-acre campus in Catonsville, Maryland. The community is located in Baltimore County and is home to more than 2,000 residents who are supported by a team of more than 1,200 employees. Additional information about Charlestown can be found at CharlestownCommunity.com.
