Helen poses with Auburn
As Helen's 100th birthday approached, Georgia Gunter knew she wanted to make it special.
Georgia has been Helen’s Geriatric Care Manager for two years, and they have developed a close and special bond. When she asked how Helen wanted to celebrate her birthday, “she said the best gift would be to have a cat spend the day with her and sit next to her on her lap,” said Georgia. Helen’s 16-year-old cat died two years ago, and she’s missed him every day since.
Helen isn’t able to adopt another cat, so Georgia did the next best thing - she found a cat to visit! As a volunteer with FurKids cat shelter, Georgia was able to find a sweet, cuddly senior cat named Auburn to spend some quality one on one time with Helen.
Helen enters her party in style
“Helen absolutely loved Auburn, and I know it was mutual,” gushed Georgia. “She said Auburn slept next to her, then explored a little bit and ended up back on the couch snoozing until we arrived. Unless she gets adopted, Auburn will be back to visit Helen again soon.”
Helen's 100th birthday party at JF&CS headquarters
A Party Fit For A Queen
The birthday festivities weren’t over yet, because no birthday is complete without a party! On May 24th, Helen’s 100th birthday, Georgia and the Aviv team threw her a party at JF&CS headquarters!
Samantha Freeman and Georgia Gunter
Helen entered along a red carpet, brought in for the occasion, to the cheering of JF&CS staff. Longtime friend and supporter of JF&CS Cherie Aviv presented Helen with 100 signed birthday cards, cheery pink and gold decorations brought the party to life, and Helen’s favorite classical jazz music played in the background. Guests enjoyed a vanilla cake with pink frosting and sang to Helen, who was visibly moved and said it was her "best birthday ever!”
Helen poses with Mike Beldie, JF&CS COO
"It is the little things that can mean the most to someone," said Georgia. "Being present on Helen's special day brought joy to her life and helped make her feel like she was the most important person in the world."
Cherie Aviv, left, and Helen with her 100 birthday cards!
Happy birthday, Helen! Thanks to our staff, with special thanks to Anat Granath, Samantha Freeman, Viv Kurland, Kim Seabolt, and Tiffany Cox. Thanks to Cherie for the 100 birthday cards, and to Cindy Hopkins from Weinstein Hospice who helped with planning. Thanks to our friends at Jewish HomeLife, and all who joined- and a big thanks to Georgia and all our Geriatric Care Managers for going above and beyond for our clients!
To learn more about our Aviv Older Adult Services, click here.