Twins Alexander and Savanah Darby participate in the annual Bessie’s Hope Intergenerational Bowl-a-thon on Oct. 27 at Brunswick Zone in Westminster.
Generations were united during the annual Bessie’s Hope Intergenerational Bowl-a-thon at Brunswick Zone in Westminster.
Bowlers from the age of 3 all the way to 103, enjoyed a day of friendly competition on Oct. 27 while raising money for Bessie’s Hope.
Bessie’s Hope is a metro-Denver nonprofit organization that brings generations together to enhance the lives of nursing home elders and at-risk youth. For 18 years, the organization has helped create mutually rewarding relationships for both elders and young people, said Linda Holloway with Bessie’s Hope.
“About 60 percent of elders in nursing homes receive no personal visits. So what we do at Bessie’s Hope is connect that at-risk youth with one of those elders,” she said. “What we’ve discovered is that both parties want to feel valued and needed and it creates a success story that is win-win.”
Bessie’s Hope also provides volunteers opportunities for people interested in giving back to the elders in their community. Holloway said she helps families and individuals adopt an elder in a near-by nursing home.
“Through Bessie’s Hope, the elders regain a spark in their eyes, and they have something to look forward to,” she said. Whether it’s volunteer or a youth, being there for the elder is replacing the loneliness and the hopelessness with their caring presence and loving touch.”