Lorie Clark
The Hannah Ruth Foundation celebrated its first anniversary on April 9, 2011. Looking back over the past year, Hannah Ruth has been hard at work making an impact on our surrounding community.
To start, Hannah Ruth provided financial support to a graduating senior. By doing this, we have been able to maintain contact with her and offer her advice and emotional and moral support during a time that we view as pivotal in any teenage girl’s life.
We also served ice cream at Carolina Springs, a senior assisted-living facility in Carrboro. This experience was rewarding because we were able to spend time with a group of individuals who are filled with so much love for life. During the Christmas holidays, we were able to stop by the Ronald McDonald House, where we helped the children and their families make gingerbread homes. Seeing the look of excitement in their eyes was very rewarding.
This year also marked our first annual “Pamper Me Day†that took place on July 9 at Manley Estates in Chapel Hill. We “pampered†20 residents that day! None of us are licensed in the cosmetic industry; however, all of our hearts were willing to serve. We had foot stations where residents could soak their feet in bubbly water and receive a nice scented foot scrub, and a couple of us competed to see who could offer the best foot massage. Since we are not licensed, there was no cutting or filing, but one would have thought that our manicure stations were manned by Aveda staff. I am pleased to say that those were Hannah Ruth board members. One resident managed to get a French manicure, and stated that it was like a professional job.
In the midst of the socializing, fellowshipping, music and food, one lady said, “They need a tip jar,†and all of a sudden the tips began to pour in. Hannah Ruth made $20 in tips and plans to put the money towards our 501(c)3 filing fee. We didn’t expect or intend to get anything out of this experience at all. In the midst of all of this, Jennifer Evans, a local gospel recording artist, joined us to provide a special manicure and pedicure to a hospice patient. I was told she sang while she was performing her task. Before her departure, she blessed us with a rendition of “Summertime.â€
My iPod filled the room with Miles Davis, Jennifer Evans and Marvin Gaye, and we cleaned up listening to Jill Scott. We had more walk-ins than scheduled clients. One resident said she had never had a pedicure before; another asked if we could come by next week, while one asked if Billy Eckstein was playing with Miles Davis.
The conversations were priceless; it was an amazing experience to see the residents interact and their excitement over “pampering,†but I believe that we were much more impacted by serving them. One board member reported how it “lifted my soul†to perform this act of kindness.
Please join us as Hannah Ruth celebrates its first birthday on Sept. 24 at 4 p.m. at the Hargraves Community Center. Three community members will be honored for their commitment to the community. We will also have a Hat Fashion Show, made and modeled by the women of the Seymour Center. “Hats Off to Hannah Ruth†is our theme, so wear your favorite hat.
Hannah Ruth was created to enhance the community by meeting the needs of the youth and elderly. Please support our cause.
Lorie Clark is executive director of the Hannah Ruth Foundation. For more information, email hannahruthfoundation@gmail.com
Indeed, hats off to Hannah Ruth! It is encouraging to read how these small but meaningful acts of caring can change someone’s mood, outlook and overall sense of wellness and belonging. Thanks for this wonderful update and congratulations on your first anniversary.
Hats off to you Lorie Clark!!!! for taking your heart to those that needed a touch of love, laughter, and joy. The musical artist you chose stirred their memories to another place in time of their youthful lives. Your mission is great and very timely for the parents of the baby boomers. In the next five years the boomer will need the service you provide through the Hanna Ruth Foundation. Keep up the Great work you have commenced. You can count on my support and my Prayers
Apostle Linda Holliday
I’ve been Chosen Ministries International
Dallas, Texas