For more than 60 years, The Legacy Senior Communities has provided exceptional services for seniors and their families, and the nonprofit organization is dedicated to recognizing others who make it their mission in life to do the same. The Legacy Senior Communities pays tribute to remarkable individuals who positively impact the community through its Carmen Miller Michael Legacy Senior Communities Award.
This year, at the Yes! Event fundraiser on November 2, The Legacy Senior Communities will present the award to Adlene Harrison, the first Jewish and first female mayor of Dallas, who is a fiercely independent individual whose perseverance and dedication to others continues to inspire those around her. Harrison, like Carmen Miller Michael, works as an advocate for the underserved by helping to challenge the status quo and improve their lives. Harrison was selected by a committee chaired by Maddy Unterberg and which included Andrea Statman, Shirley Tobolowsky, Julie Lowenberg and Hanne Klein, as well as Freda Gail Stern, of blessed memory.
“Adlene is an incredible resource and has helped so many people over the years,” said Unterberg. “Carmen was her dear friend, and like Carmen, she is a woman with a pioneering spirit who is always at the forefront of making a difference for others. From the very beginning, Adlene has been a constant presence for The Legacy Senior Communities and instrumental in the organization’s early success. I cannot imagine a better recipient of this award.”
Harrison has been an integral component of The Legacy Senior Communities since she became a part of the Friends of Golden Acres auxiliary board, which was responsible for raising money and providing special programs during the 1960s.
“When I was asked to accept the award, my first reaction was surprise,” said Harrison. “I never expected this recognition, and it is a true honor. I was privileged to know and be friends with Carmen throughout my life and always considered her dedication to the betterment of others as the standard for which to live my own life. I’m honored to receive this award in remembrance of my dear friend and as a continuation of her legacy.”
The Carmen Miller Michael Legacy Senior Communities Award was created to pay tribute to the special qualities Michael possessed: a pioneering spirit and an unshakeable sense of justice and compassion. Michael was a visionary who helped and gave hope to individuals facing difficult challenges. She was a major force for advancing an improved quality of life for people dealing with aging, mental illness and cognitive challenges.
“We are proud to recognize Adlene as the recipient of the Carmen Miller Michael Legacy Senior Communities Award,” said Andrea Statman, director of development for The Legacy Senior Communities. “Adlene is the perfect example of all that this award represents, as she strives to make a difference in the lives of others. As a lifelong friend of Dr. Michael, if anyone mirrored the wonderful qualities Carmen had it would be her. We can’t imagine anything would’ve pleased Carmen more than to have Adlene receive this award.”
Harrison will receive the award at the Yes! Event fundraising luncheon with special guest speaker Barbara Corcoran at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center on November 2 at 11:30 a.m. This year’s event will benefit The Legacy Senior Communities Financial Assistance Fund, which will provide charitable support to future residents of The Legacy Midtown Park, the organization’s rental continuing care retirement community currently under development in Dallas. The fund helps to supplement the cost of their care and provide the extra amenities that enrich their quality of life. In addition, the fund assists seniors using personal assistance services through The Legacy at Home, the organization’s Medicare-certified, not-for-profit home health agency. These services include help with bathing, grooming, dressing, transportation, recovery from illness and transition from a hospital stay back to home.
A single ticket for the event is $200. Various sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information about the Yes! Event and sponsorship opportunities, please visit The Legacy Senior Communities Yes! Event page: http://www.theyesevent.com/.
Members of the public can also contact Shelley Hill, associate director of development, at 972-468-6162 with specific questions, or email her at shill@TheLegacySC.org.