At Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant’s FY25 Annual Fund Campaign kick-off event, three residents were celebrated for their tireless efforts in supporting the community’s Employee Appreciation Committee with the Outstanding Resident Fundraisers of the Year award. Linda Graham, Kathy Hottel and Lois Clark have raised over $80,000 in FY2024 for the resident-led initiative.

The funds raised support the Employee Appreciation Gift Fund for hourly team members. Based on the number of hours team members worked in the previous year, they are awarded a gift check at the anticipated annual event.

“There’s always a little extra excitement in the air as the event draws near. Sometimes I wonder which group is more excited – the team members receiving the gift checks or the residents who eagerly look forward to giving the gift checks. Their contributions to the gift fund as well as their time and energy enhance a sense of community – one of our core values,” stated Michelle Rosenheim, LVMG executive director.

Additionally, throughout the year, the committee likes to provide the team with fun activities, reminding them of just how special they are to the residents they serve. For example, the Employee Appreciation Committee has surprised team members with dessert socials, luncheons, Valentine’s Day Cards, Halloween treats and more.

“Those who are the happiest, are those who seek to bring happiness to others. I enjoy giving to others without any particular reason. The payback is in six figures: S-M-I- L-E-S,” said Graham.

Like many Life-Plan Communities, LVMG’s team members may not accept tips or gifts from residents and family members. Wanting to express their gratitude, residents started the Employee Appreciation Gift Fund five years ago.

According to Hottel, the three make-up a small portion of the Employee Appreciation Committee. Others who support the Employee Appreciation Gift Fund, whether it be time, ideas, skills and/or donations, help make the Employee Appreciation Gift Fund successful. “The gift fund would not be possible without the very generous contributions made by LVMG residents,” stated Hottel. Lutheran Social Ministries of Maryland’s Finance team is also involved in preparing the gift checks.

Residents and team members are consistently reminded of their relationship with each other from The Giving Tree, a wooden tree-like structure hand-crafted by the Woodshop residents and designed by Hottel’s husband, Jim. For every resident donation received, to the gift fund, a hand-made quilted leaf is added to the tree.

“I am truly honored to work alongside such generous and inspiring residents and donors alike. They are the heart of this community and the reason I love what I do. Their commitment to our mission makes me proud to serve and motivates me every day to help make a difference,” stated Karen McNamara, director of philanthropy at LMVG.

The Outstanding Resident Fundraiser(s) of the Year award celebrates an individual, group or couple who shows exceptional dedication, passion and creativity in raising funds to benefit LVMG residents or team members. This award recognizes the resident(s) who have gone above and beyond to generate support and awareness for a charitable initiative.

The recipient(s) of this award demonstrate outstanding leadership, innovation and perseverance in fundraising activities, inspiring others to get involved and make a difference. The recipients(s) selfless commitment to fundraising has made a significant impact on the LVMG community and helped to advance the organization’s mission. This award honors the recipients(s) hard work, generosity and unwavering dedication to making the world a better place.

Support LVMG’s 2025 Annual Fund Campaign

Help us raise vital funds for resident assistance, scholarships for team members and unrestricted dollars to use where needed most. You can support our mission by donating online. Thank you for your generosity!