While Caesars Entertainment and Caesars Foundation support older individuals year-round, May is particularly special as it is officially the beginning of Senior Appreciation Quarter. Each year, team members create special opportunities for seniors to inspire healthy aging and enhance quality of life. At the end of Senior Appreciation Quarter, we’ll share the fun and educational activities that took place at our locations around the U.S. For now, here’s one way we support seniors throughout the year in partnership with Caesars Foundation.
Sharing Dreams
Second Wind Dreams is a nonprofit working to change the perception of aging through the fulfillment of dreams. Since 2009, Second Wind Dreams, Caesars Foundation, and HERO volunteers have fulfilled dreams and hosted events for 3,000-plus elders. To date, Caesars Foundation has contributed nearly $1.4 million to Second Wind Dreams.
Caesars Foundation supports Second Wind Dreams’ partnerships with Caesars locations in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and New Orleans. Activities vary based on local seniors’ interests. For example, in Las Vegas, High Roller Day is a hit. HEROs roll out the red carpet for seniors and give them a ride on the High Roller before it opens to the public. In Atlantic City, the Foundation at Second Wind Dreams hosts a luncheon at Harrah’s and takes elders to a Philadelphia Eagles football game. New Orleans is focused on monthly visits to nursing homes with a variety of fun activities, from manicures to bingo games to auctions. Seniors in the New Orleans nursing homes served by Second Wind Dreams are from especially disadvantaged backgrounds, so ongoing activities are appreciated.
Making Dreams Come True
“We strive to always have it be a surprise when we fulfill dreams,” says Amy Safran, Director, Community Relations for Second Wind Dreams. Read on to find out how Caesars Foundation funded dream fulfillment for two deserving older adults.
Stella is reunited with her niece Judy and Judy’s husband, Vito.
Stella: Ninety-year-old Stella, a resident of a Las Vegas area retirement community, has no family in the area. She is close with her niece, Judy, though they hadn’t spent time together in person in 10 years because Judy lives in Chicago. To surprise Stella, Second Wind Dreams flew Judy and her husband to the Senior Appreciation Luncheon at Mesa Grill at Caesars Palace. There were tears all around as aunt and niece reunited.
Martin chats with Harrah’s New Orleans HERO Chair Laurie about his visit to the New Orleans National WWII Museum.
Martin: Texas resident and World War II veteran Martin dreamed of visiting the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. Because he lives in an assisted living facility, the trip wasn’t feasible. Second Wind Dreams flew Martin and his daughter to New Orleans and hosted them at Harrah’s. Second Wind Dreams also arranged for the museum staff to give Martin a special greeting in honor of his service to our country.
