Fundraising at its best!

For the past several weeks with the help of funding for supplies from the Arts Council of Kern, long-term care residents at the Adventist Health Medical Center have been busy painting. Recently they put their creative endeavors to work and created a line of greeting cards to be used as a fundraiser. Activities director Zoila Schrader said, "The residents love feeling part of something. Those who donated their pictures are so excited others will see their work. They love the recognition and feel like they're able to contribute.

The art cart has been such an encouragement and enlightenment to the residents. They love talking about their work. One resident spent a whole week discussing and contemplating the colors she was going to use for the vase on her bouquet of flowers. It gave her a topic of interest. The residents have a beautiful time painting. They feel like they're being productive with their time and energy. It helps build their self-esteem and show off talents that they thought they didn't have anymore."

Proceeds raised from the sale of the cards will go towards entertainment and future field trips. Schrader said, "The residents like outside road trips and especially dining out. The fundraiser will help pay the fees for those who don't have enough money to participate. Sale of the cards will also help buy things that residents like and need for the "bingo store". Bingo winners earn "bingo bucks" and at the end of the month they get to go to the bingo store, which is housed in the activity center. Artists who participate in the greeting cards will get extra bingo bucks for every box sold that has one of their paintings."

For more information on the sale of the cards or how to purchase them, Schrader can be reached by calling the hospital at (661) 823-3000. Just ask for the activities department.