Community engagement is a vital part of a fulfilling senior living experience. The Arbors Gives Back, our nonprofit philanthropic initiative, is dedicated to supporting local charities, uplifting those in need, and strengthening the communities we call home.
Our philosophy is simple: when we give back, we create purpose, foster connection, and enhance the well-being of those around us. Our philanthropy reflects our values and commitment to making the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time.
The Arbors Philanthropy: A Legacy of Giving Back to the Community
Since its inception, The Arbors Gives Back has been a driving force in supporting local charities and organizations that align with our mission. Whether through fundraising for medical research, hosting community-wide events, or donating to local senior centers, our residents and staff are actively engaged in creating positive change.
Here are some of the most memorable contributions from The Arbors Gives Back:
- Supporting Alzheimer’s research – Since 2008, The Arbors Gives Back Golf Tournament has raised over $110,550 for the Alzheimer’s Association, funding critical research and support services.
- Empowering women’s health – In 2013, The Arbors at Westfield donated $4,000 to Noble Hospital’s Comprehensive Breast Care Program, helping to advance women’s healthcare initiatives.
- Honoring mothers & local businesses – The Arbors at Chicopee hosted a Spring Sip and Shop event in 2016, featuring 17 local vendors. The event raised over $1,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association and brought the community together to celebrate Mother’s Day.
- Funding life-saving research – Our Bucks for BRCA fundraiser in 2018 raised money to support research at the BRCA Foundation, contributing to advancements in cancer prevention and treatment.
- Raising awareness for lupus – In May 2019, The Arbors Gives Back hosted a 10K and 2-mile family walk in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, raising over $15,000 for the Lupus Foundation of America. Over 150 participants joined in the effort, making a lasting impact.
The Arbors Believes: Spreading Holiday Cheer
One of our most cherished traditions is The Arbors Believes, a holiday charity initiative that ensures those in need receive clothing, food, and gifts during the holiday season. Each year, residents, employees, and families work together to raise funds through our popular calendar sale, with all proceeds benefiting local community organizations. Each Arbors location selects a local charity to support, ensuring that donations make a direct impact in the areas where we live and work.
How It All Began
The Arbors Gives Back was founded in 2008 by Sondra Jones, Marketing Director of The Arbors at Chicopee, and Lisa Holt, Executive Director. Their vision was to create a meaningful way for assisted living residents to engage with the local community. What started as a single fundraising event, a dinner dance called “A Night to Remember,” raised over $3,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association in just one evening.
Inspired by this success, Sondra, Lisa, and the entire Arbors team continued to build on this momentum. Soon, each Arbors location was hosting craft fairs, raffles, knitting groups, and walking clubs—all organized and staffed by dedicated residents, employees, and families.
From these humble beginnings, The Arbors Philanthropy has grown into a thriving movement, connecting seniors with meaningful opportunities to serve their communities. We believe that the desire to give back is timeless, and The Arbors Gives Back ensures that our residents have the chance to make a lasting difference—at any age.
Join Us in Making a Difference
We invite you to be part of The Arbors Gives Back and experience the fulfillment that comes from making a difference. Want to learn more about our philanthropic efforts or how you can get involved?
Contact us today and discover how The Arbors and The Ivy continue to uplift our communities—one act of kindness at a time.