UPPER SANDUSKY – More than 60 Fairhaven Community volunteers gathered Monday for the Best of the Best celebration, an annual event that honors the nearly 100 people who give their time and talents to Fairhaven.

In total, volunteers gave more than 7,500 hours of service to Fairhaven in 2018. Hours come from the Volunteer Service Group, Teen Impact, Friendship Ambassadors and volunteers in the Reflection Ridge memory care neighborhood, among others. The longest-serving volunteer, who asked not to be identified, has volunteered at Fairhaven for 41 years.

“All our volunteers are golden,” said Becky Blocksom, resident activities assistant. “We also have the faithful ones behind the scenes who quietly come in and serve. A lot of our volunteers humbly selected not to record most hours they serve.”

Administrator Lori Marsh thanked the volunteers on behalf of her staff. They are an extension of the Fairhaven family, she said.

The age range of volunteers runs from 19 to 90+. “The spirit of our residents continues to amaze me and the rest of the staff,” Blocksom said. “They are passing the torch to build our future, and this is why we are here. All are true examples of love, hope and abundant life.”

Also, during the celebration, Sarah Faber, a Fairhaven state-tested nurses aide, received a $1,000 scholarship to go toward her nursing degree at Owens Community College in Findlay.

To become a volunteer, contact Blocksom at 419.294.4973 or bblocksom@uchinc.org. For more information about Fairhaven, visit fairhavencommunity.org.

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About Fairhaven:  Fairhaven Community offers independent and assisted living, long-term care, short-term rehabilitation and holistic, person-directed memory care services on its beautiful campus in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. As part of the United Church Homes family of communities, its mission is to transform aging by building a culture of community, wholeness and peace.

Contact: Alissa Paolella, United Church Homes Office of Communications, 740.382.4885 or apaolella@uchinc.org