GAF fosters the good life in LW
by Anna Derby and Linda Johnson
Golden Age Foundation
The Golden Age Foundation, Leisure World’s own philanthropic organization, exists to make Leisure World living the best it can be, whether by supplying free mobility aids to help people get around, tax preparation assistance or donations to upgrade GRF facilities.
As its most recent charitable gift, the GAF donated $75,000 to the Golden Rain Foundation for new state-of-the-art circuit training equipment in the Fitness Center in Clubhouse 6.
“As we all know, an active senior is a happy senior,” said GAF President Anna Derby, in handing over the check at the Dec. 23 GRF Board meeting.
Other recent gifts include $4,000 for a hearing loop in the new Learning Center in Clubhouse 3 to assist the hearing impaired and $3,000 to purchase a new ice machine in Clubhouse 4. The Fitness Center donation is among the GRF’s most sizable donations this year. It has a history of fostering fitness in LW. In 2013, resident Jack Schiffler left a generous portion of his estate to the GAF, which was used to fund an $110,000 upgrade to the gym equipment in Clubhouse 6.
This year, the Fitness Center was completely overhauled. It now has 10,000 square feet of workout space, new flooring, the latest in audio visual equipment, all-new fitness equipment, two strength circuits and a smart group fitness room, among other features. The Fitness Center is ready to go and will be unveiled as soon as it is safe to congregate again.
Like many organizations, the GAF has sought new ways to benefit the community after COVID-19 shut down many of its usual programs.
In 2020, the GAF donated a total of $40,000 to Meals On Wheels, Orange County, to help supply meals directly to LW residents in need. It also donated $20,000 to Meals on Wheels, Long Beach. This is an ongoing donation that started two years ago with a $10,000 gift.
Other activities sponsored by the GAF include:
• Mask Give-away— Fifty-five volunteers made and gave away for free more than 5,000 face masks to safeguard residents during the coronavirus pandemic. Kudos to all the volunteers who found a way to give back to the community.
• CERT Donation— The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program in Leisure World educates volunteers about disaster preparedness and trains them in basic disaster response skills. The GAF donated $8,000 to purchase needed items for the community in case of disaster.
• Redeemer Lutheran Respite Program Donation— The GAF has committed $5,000 to the church’s Orange County Care Connections Outreach, which provides an affordable adult day program at Redeemer Lutheran Church. The program is closed right now but GAF is ready with its donation as soon as the doors reopen.
• Free Shredding Service— The shredding program has continued throughout the year, with the next one set for March 2021. People can bring their sensitive documents for safe disposal for free. Battery recycling is also handled on service days. There is also a receptacle in the alley behind Building 5 where people can drop spent household batteries (no light bulbs or large batteries). Thanks to generous individual donations at these events, the GAF is able to continue shredding and battery recycling programs.
• GAF Mobility Aids Program— The GAF loans a variety of walkers and wheelchairs to residents who need them. The program has continued with safeguards in place throughout the shutdown. This is thanks to the efforts of the Mobility Aids Chair John Hlavac, who is currently the only person delivering the aids to those in need. John, who has been a tireless worker for many months, also repairs the equipment when needed.
• Tax Assistance and Hospitality Programs: Both programs are currently closed, but the GAF is looking forward to eventually reopening the tax program chaired by Diana Lambert and the hospitality program chaired by Carl Kennedy. Like all residents, GAF volunteers are looking forward to resuming socializing.
The GAF has also helped support:
• Handicapped accessible buses
• Bus benches and shelters
• Audio-alert traffic signal in St. Andrews and Golden Rain Road
• Interfaith Council directory sign
• Emergency communications system
• Ice machines and sound equipment for clubhouses Thanks to tax-deductible donations past and present, the GAF is able to make Leisure World an even better place to live. The GAF is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to serving the specific needs of shareholders and residents. The GAF was established in 1973 by members of the GRF Board of Directors. Donations can be mailed to PO Box 2369, Seal Beach, CA, 90740 For more information, leave a message at (562) 431-9589.
GRF President Susan Hopewell (left) accepts a donation for $75,000 from GAF President Anna Derby at the Dec. 23 GRF Board meeting.
