Retailers are accustomed to offering popular “Christmas in July” sales.
The Guild at Wesley Glen is having its own promotion to benefit residents of the retirement community at 5155 N. High St. in Clintonville.
Sets of two decorative plywood reindeer, painted white, are being sold throughout July for a special price of $99 per pair. There will be a cost increase to the set beginning in August.
As a cost comparison, some online retailers are selling similar decorative reindeer for about three times this price, according to Lina Bozzelli, president of the guild.
The reindeer are being created by Stan Sutton, a Wesley Woods at New Albany resident and a woodworker by trade. One of the deer is bending down, and the other is standing upright.
They’ve already been nicknamed Fred and Ginger in tribute to famous movie dance partners Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The deer will be adorned with festive bows or wreaths for the season.
Community partners are supporting the charitable effort, including paint provided by Sherwin-Williams and plywood donated by construction company Corna Kokosing. Bozzelli said she is hoping to get some local youth involved, perhaps a Scouting troop or high school service club to assist with painting.
“We’re extremely appreciative. Without them, there would be no deer,” Bozzelli said.
“We want to get as many orders as we can now. We would like to see these deer in many yards and show Wesley Glen community support.”
To purchase the Fred and Ginger decorative reindeer at the special July sale rate, or learn more about the Guild at Wesley Glen activities, contact Bozzelli at lazylodge@msn.com or call 614-256-9105.
There will be a designated day and place established at Wesley Glen to pick up the prepurchased sets of deer.
“We have one big event a year to help fund what the residents need … picnic tables, automatic door openers. Our 2022 gift will be for the eighth-floor auditorium, to buy a new altar, lectern and side table for the altar,” she said.
“In 2019, for the 50th anniversary, we had a fashion show representing each decade, with some residents dressing up as the Village People and a streaker wearing flesh-colored clothing. We’re all very proud of Wesley Glen. It’s a fun place to volunteer and do some good in the world.”
The auditorium benefitting from the 2022 fundraiser is a central gathering place for the residents to enjoy movies, presentations and other events.
“We wanted it to be spiffed up,” said Bozzelli. “We take 100 percent of whatever we make and it goes to the residents.”
Founded in July 1970, the auxiliary’s purpose is to raise funds to benefit the Wesley Glen Retirement Community’s wish list and enhance the lives of the residents. The guild provides volunteer services and guild members are encouraged to share the continuing story of Wesley Glen with their families, friends and community. Guild membership is open to everyone.
“We want to make a call to the community to join the guild. Guild is an old word, but we’re not a fussy group of old women with nothing to do,” Bozzelli said.
“Anyone who wants to can join the guild and help direct the future of the guild. If you have the heart to volunteer, there is so much to do. It’s a way to fix the world a little bit.”
Additionally, those interested can support the guild financially without actively volunteering, or can volunteer in general without joining the guild.
“If someone believes in the cause but can’t volunteer, they can support us financially. Any contribution is definitely tax deductible,” Bozzelli said.
“The guild was started almost immediately after we opened and is part of our corporate structure. The guild works hand-in-hand with us to fundraise and do service work at Wesley Glen. The leaders always ask, ‘Where is the need?’ and then fill it. It’s just a total blessing,” said Peg Carmany, chief legal officer of Life Enriching Communities which is the parent company for Wesley Glen.
“We welcome volunteers in all areas. If someone has a heart for service to seniors, there are many different opportunities here. Any talent they have, we can use, whether it is working in the garden or reading to wheelchair-bound residents. We have a robust volunteer program and are grateful for their help.”
Wesley Glen’s charitable care program also helps ensure residents remain in place despite unexpected financial hardships.
“No one is ever asked to leave due to the inability to pay,” Carmany said. “It’s a very private system.
Wesley Glen opened in 1969 as a not-for-profit organization and offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, a skilled care and rehabilitation center, and a wellness center.
Clintonville’s Wesley Glen, Wesley Ridge in Reynoldsburg and Wesley Woods at New Albany are part of the Wesley Communities, an affiliate of the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church.
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