DEARBORN, MI – John C. Erickson, founder and CEO of Erickson Retirement Communities, was the keynote speaker at the recent “Celebrate the Spirit of Giving,” Henry Ford Village’s first donor recognition event. The invitation-only celebration was held in the Great Lakes restaurant at the Village. The audience of residents, staff, and members of the Henry Ford Village Foundation Board of Directors enjoyed an elegant meal prepared by the campus’ renowned dining staff. 

“Our mission at Henry Ford Village is to share our gifts to create a community that celebrates life,” said Erickson. “We have gathered to celebrate a community that has an attitude of generosity, by which once can receive gifts in return for gifts made. Our residents have embraced our mission with years of generous giving and their compassion continues to benefit their neighbors as well as the staff. The scope of their generosity is appreciated by everyone.”

John Erickson implemented the concept and supported the development of the Henry Ford Village Foundation in August 2004, which oversees all philanthropic efforts at the Dearborn campus. Diana Neering, director of the foundation, is leading efforts to build an endowment to secure the future of the Village’s commitment to residents and staff.

The foundation offers a charitable gift annuity program, which residents and others can participate in by making a gift to the Benevolent Care Fund and at the same time receive income to benefit their own financial portfolio. At Henry Ford Village, as well as all other Erickson retirement campuses across the United States, residents are offered a “home for life.” In the event a resident suffers an unexpected, prolonged illness that depletes their savings, the Benevolent Care Fund, assists the residents in meeting their financial obligations for their care.  

“The Foundation board is very grateful for the overwhelming generosity of our residents and staff. This dinner was a way for us to acknowledge how much their support is appreciated,” says Neering.