Rollie and Kay ThomasLongwood and Oakmont residents, Rollie and Kay Thomas have been part of the Presbyterian SeniorCare Network family for over 20 years. Kay’s mother and father received care at The Willows at our Presbyterian SeniorCare Network Oakmont campus where Kay says she built a special connection with our organization.

“The care my parents received was above and beyond. While my dad was at The Willows recovering from a stroke, my parents celebrated their anniversary. The social worker at the time orchestrated the whole evening, complete with a decorated table in his room and a sparkling drink. You just don’t expect that kind of attention; it was truly special.”

Inspired by the high quality care, Kay wanted to give back. “I began volunteering in the Café, which I quickly realized wasn’t quite for me—I made a lot of bad milkshakes! However, I did find my calling in the Gift Shop. Now, 22 years later, I am the manager and buyer at the Gift Shop; so I’m still there, volunteering my time to help residents and their family members.”

Rollie and Kay continued their relationship with us when they decided to move to Longwood at Oakmont, a Presbyterian SeniorCare Network independent living community. The pair have resided at Longwood at Oakmont for 17 years and are both very active members of the community. They have done everything from singing with their peers, escorting fellow residents to appointments, helping with continuing education programs and more! Kay also expanded her gift shop expertise—she also runs the shop at Longwood.

Being involved at Longwood at Oakmont helped Rollie to learn of a program that quickly became special to him, the Candlelight Companion program provided by our end- of-life partner Family Hospice and Palliative Care. Rollie reflects, “My mother and father both passed alone. I did not want that for anyone else.” As a Candlelight Companion volunteer, Rollie sits with dying individuals with limited social resources.

It’s no surprise that through all of the connections they’ve made with Presbyterian SeniorCare Network and our partners that Rollie and Kay have decided to make a charitable gift
annuity with our organization.

Kay says, “We have many organizations that are important to us and have always felt it
is important to give back. A charitable gift annuity is a way for us to give back, and to earn
a little income, too. When we talked to our financial advisor about the idea he told us to “go for it.” He advised that this type of gift is a great tax benefit and a good way for our money to work for us.”