News Release

Mahals To The Community Foundation
 

Wesley Meadows Retirement Community, Sep 15, 2002 - Last Thursday evening, residents gathered to celebrate their association with the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi. They entered the dining room dressed in hula skirts, moo-moos and flowered clothing and were adorned with leis and flowers. The event was hosted by the CF in celebration of the establishment of one of its first donor-advised funds, the Rosa Lee Jennings Scholarship Fund.

The evening began with CF Director William Bailey thanking the residents for choosing the CF to handle the scholarship fund. After a word of prayer, the residents were treated to a buffet meal of bar-b-cue, beans, slaw, coconut and pineapple sorbet, and cake.
 

Robin Costa, of the Maddox Foundation (founder of the Community Foundation), congratulated the residents on their hard work and stressed the importance of their efforts. Robin stated that the memory of Rosa Lee Jennings would live on forever as the scholarship in her memory will help to provide an education for a deserving college student each year.

Following the meal, coordinator Dawn Edwards, owner of “Made Ya Look”, and associate Donna Eisland led the residents in various activities and Hawaiian dances. Throughout the evening, Donna’s husband, Shannon photographed the residents as they participated in the activities. Props included a surfboard and a palm tree background. Dawn and Donna transformed the dining room into a Hawaiian paradise. One resident described the room as “unbelievable” while another asked, “How did they all do this in one afternoon?” It took willingness, creativity, and caring, with a spectacular “Dawn” and a little “Eisland” (island) magic. Thanks to everyone for an unforgettable evening.