Riderwood Employees Support The Children’s Inn at NIH

Employees of Riderwood retirement community took part in a service project at the Children’s Inn at NIH in Bethesda on June 15. Pictured from left to right are Fiona Divecha (Philanthropy Manager), Abby Dyjack (Move-in/Transitions Coordinator), Judy Felsenfeld (Volunteer Coordinator), Samantha Kramer (Music Therapist) and Karen Prillaman (Program Assistant III).

Residents and employees of Riderwood retirement community are encouraged to seek opportunities to live the company’s mission to “…share our gifts to create communities that celebrate life.” The end result is tens of thousands of volunteer hours contributed to the greater community each year.

That 16-year tradition continued for a group of Riderwood employees who volunteered at The Children’s Inn at NIH (National Institute of Health) on June 15.

The Inn is a private, nonprofit, residential setting located on the campus of the NIH. It offers free lodging to children receiving treatment (along with their families) at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda.

Meals are not included in the lodging so many outside groups and businesses fill the need. Samantha Kramer, Riderwood’s music therapist, organized 25 employees who donated, cooked, prepared and served meals to 75 residents of The Children’s Inn. The result was a delicious feast of summer-time favorites including BBQ pulled pork, chicken, beef, green & pasta salads and desserts.

“The group all expressed how much it fed their souls to see the smiling faces of The Children’s Inn residents enjoying their dinners,” stated Ms. Kramer. “Seeing them all together, with the worries of the tough day behind and in each other’s company, is a beautiful sight.”

“One of our volunteers noted that they put so ‘much magic into this place.’ She’s right. The Children’s Inn is more than ‘A Place Like Home,’ as their motto states. It is a place where magic happens. The kids are allowed to be kids, socializing, playing and learning in a safe environment. Our volunteers agree that it’s a special place, and we are always eager to return.”

In fact, it was the third time that Riderwood employees have donated their talent and time at The Children’s Inn.

Visit the The Children’s Inn at NIH website for more information about similar volunteer opportunities.

About Jeff Getek

Jeff Getek is the public affairs manager for Riderwood, the Erickson Living retirement community in Silver Spring. He authors the blog The Journey On on MyMCMedia.

View all posts by Jeff Getek