With about 220 employees working at The Clare, the time and energy the staff commits year in and year out to supporting, caring for and promoting the wellbeing of approximately 350 residents can be difficult to quantify – and adequately acknowledge.

That’s where The Clare Charitable Foundation steps in. Now in its 6th year, the foundation maintains its mission to support, recognize and reward employees at The Clare for their hard work and commitment.

“I want to help take care of the terrific people at The Clare who help take care of us,” says Roger Darley, President of The Clare Charitable Foundation. The same applies for countless other residents, family members and friends.

Discover the ins and outs of The Clare Charitable Foundation, how it began and ways to contribute.

What is The Clare Charitable Foundation?

In 2011, a group of residents came together in an effort to provide support and benefits to employees of The Clare. From there, the foundation was established as an Illinois not-for-profit corporation, recognized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization.

What is The Clare Charitable Foundation’s mission and purpose?

The Clare Charitable Foundation aims to support and encourage employees of The Clare by providing additional educational opportunities and yearly awards for loyal service and exceptional professionalism. In turn, the efforts benefit residents at the community, as the foundation contributes to a happy, appreciative staff with minimal employee turnover.

The foundation currently maintains two programs: the annual Employee Holiday Fund and the Scholarship Fund.

How is The Clare Charitable Foundation run?

The Clare Charitable Foundation operates independently of both The Clare and the Resident Advisory Council. A board of seven directors serve without compensation.

What is the Employee Holiday Fund?

Given that The Clare has a strict no-tipping policy, The Clare Charitable Foundation launched the Employee Holiday Fund as a once-a-year solicitation to provide year-end gifts to hourly full-time and part-time staff. The fund is supported by residents, their family and friends who express gratitude to the hourly staff for their excellent service.

All hourly staff are treated equally in the distribution of the Employee Holiday Fund, and the annual gift is based on hours worked and date of employment. In 2016, 203 hourly employees received generous gifts from the fund.

What is the Scholarship Fund?

In an effort to provide educational assistance to Clare employees enrolled or wishing to enroll in education programs, The Clare Charitable Foundation sets aside money for staff scholarship grants. In 2016, two long-standing employees seeking advanced general and health care education received substantial scholarships from the fund. The residents benefit, as well, thanks to the increased training and education of the staff.

How can residents, family members and friends donate?

In 2016, more than 93% of The Clare independent living residents and residents living on The Terraces (or their representatives) contributed to The Clare Charitable Foundation. Donations increased by 23% from 2015 to 2016.

In addition to participating in the annual Employee Holiday Fund solicitation, there are several other ways to give to The Clare Charitable Foundation:

– Outright Gifts: Unrestricted gifts to The Clare Charitable Foundation will be pooled with gifts from other donors to support the foundation’s programs. Restriction-purpose donations may be made in consultation with The Clare Charitable Foundation Board of Directors.

– Honor and Memorial Gifts: Contributions can be made in honor of loved ones on special birthdays, anniversaries or other occasions. Memorial donations may also be made in lieu of flowers. The honoree or his or her family will be notified.

– Bequests: The Clare Charitable Foundation may be designated as a beneficiary of an estate. A bequest may be made of cash, marketable securities, closely held stock or real estate. Such bequests can reduce the amount of a taxable estate. Consult with an attorney when making a bequest.

Recently, one Clare resident requested donations to The Clare Charitable Foundation rather than personal gifts for her 90th birthday. And since the foundation’s inception, there have been other instances such as this where residents seek donations rather than presents for major events.