The Stayton at Museum Way Honors Arts Council of Fort Worth and Tarrant County Volunteer

March 31, 2011 - PRLog -- Fort Worth resident Ellie Cooper is a true patron of the arts. She spends her time volunteering for local organizations that further the arts. Because of this selfless act, The Stayton at Museum Way senior living community is recognizing Ellie Cooper as the first recipient of the 2011 Stayton Salute to Seniors Award.  Katie Caruso, event representative for The Arts Council of Fort Worth and Tarrant County, nominated Cooper for the honor.

“Ellie has a way of speaking with patrons that puts them at ease and she always creates a very comfortable atmosphere in the Arts Center,” said Caruso.  “She has taken on leadership positions at the Arts Center with good-humor and heart. She is always ready for a challenge and willing to do more than is asked of her. Her spirit always lifts mine.”

The Stayton Salute to Seniors Award is presented quarterly to honor an individual who is making a difference in their community.  Qualified nominees are active adults age 62 and above who volunteer their time and talents to their communities, and who also exemplify leadership, spirit, and citizenship.

“Being located in the cultural district, the arts are very important to us at The Stayton,” said Kerri Lambert, director of sales and marketing of The Stayton.  “It is wonderful that Mrs. Cooper spends her time serving the arts here in Fort Worth.”

Cooper, 68, started volunteering for the Arts Council several years ago. She was already a volunteer at Bass Performance Hall, but decided she wanted to do more for the community. Her primary role is as an usher at events. Cooper’s favorite event is Day in the District, where lots of museums offer free admission and special events for the community.

“I volunteer to give back to the community because I’m very blessed in what I have and what I’ve done and what I’ve been through,” said Cooper. “The Arts Council is a great organization. I love the arts. Everyone gets something different out of every piece. I am happy to give to an organization that is so grateful for my help.”

Cooper also volunteers at Bass Performance Hall, Circle Theater, Casa Manana and Scott Theater . She is the treasurer and financial secretary of Jewish Women International and she currently works part-time for the Fort Worth Visitors and Convention Bureau. When she’s not working or volunteering, Cooper spends her time playing mahjong and traveling, and will soon be heading to Italy on vacation.

The mission of the Arts Council of Fort Worth and Tarrant County is to create and environment that promotes, nurtures and supports the arts in our community. In 1963 the Arts Council was formed to provide funding and leadership to stimulate and assure the advancement of the arts throughout our community. Today’s Arts Council is a dynamic, multi-faceted, arts agency serving artists, arts organizations and the community with programs that help shape the arts and that have a significant impact on the quality of life in Fort Worth. For more information visit www.artsfortworth.org.

ABOUT THE STAYTON AT MUSEUM WAY

The Stayton at Museum Way, a $164 million senior living community now under construction in Fort Worth’s Cultural District, will be an 11-story, three building community featuring 188 independent living residences with a variety of spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans. The Stayton will provide onsite assisted living, memory support, and private skilled nursing for life care residents and others in the community.

The Stayton at Museum Way is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit senior living community sponsored by Senior Quality Lifestyles Corporation (SQLC), a Texas-based nonprofit organization that sponsors sister communities The Buckingham in Houston, Edgemere in Dallas, Querencia at Barton Creek in Austin, and Mirador under construction in Corpus Christi. For information call (817) 439-6936 or visit www.thestayton.com.