Answering the bell for a great cause

CAMP HILL, Pa. - Jan. 14, 2015 - PRLog -- The Woods at Cedar Run senior living community has produced a dynasty while helping a great cause.

    The Woods’ raised more than $10,000 and was named Grand Champion during the Salvation Army’s Harrisburg Capital City Region 2014 “Battle of the Bells.” The seniors adopted the mantra, “You’re never too old to ring the bell,” and then delivered while collecting money via the Salvation Army's kettles and online.

     In addition to earning the title of Grand Champion for the second straight year and third time in the past four years, The Woods at Cedar Run took the Top Bell Ringing Trophy and the Top Online Giving Trophy, winning a tight online competition by $20 in online gifts over Team Allegra Marking Print Mail. The Woods also won the Top Bell Ringing Trophy in 2012.

     “Altogether, we raised over $42,000, an 18 percent increase from the year before,” said Kathy Anderson-Martin, Director of Philanthropy for the Salvation Army Harrisburg Capital City Region. “That is amazing.”

    Anderson-Martin thanked all of the bell ringers who made the 2014 campaign such a success.

    Woods at Cedar Run Activities Director Julie Seifried said the Camp Hill senior community takes pride in participating in such an important charity event. The team dedicated this year’s efforts to the memory of Kenny Spangler, one of the Woods’ most enthusiastic and dedicated bell ringers prior to his recent death at age 78.

    “Kenny probably is smiling down on us,” said Seifried of Spangler, who resided at The Woods for eight years. “He was one of the most charismatic residents we had as well as being one of the most involved residents we had. Kenny was the co-founder of our Garden Club, the proprietor and chef of the popular ‘Silver Dog Diner’ where he cooked sunny side up eggs about every six weeks for residents in all three neighborhoods and served 60 or more residents and families each time we had this event.

    “Most importantly, Kenny was the most avid bell ringer on the team,” she continued. “No wind, no rain, no snow, nor bitter winter weather kept him from manning his kettle each week. He was a beacon of light to other residents.”

     Seifried credited the Woods’ seniors and team members for their diligence. She said the bell ringing event is one of the most anticipated activities involving the community’s seniors and staff.

    “Every dollar collected through our team’s efforts will stay in our area to help local adults and children in need,” Seifried said. “Our team of staff and residents looks forward to the Battle of the Bells every year. It’s an exciting holiday competition that supports the services provided by the Salvation Army year-round.”