The kind of imaginative, innovative thinking that went into creating the Memory Hub inspired the Richard and Maude Ferry Foundation to make a generous founding gift, with a $1 million match. The Foundation has already enabled education and wellness programming for over 1,000 people with memory loss and their families each year.
“This gift enabled us to dream big,” says Becker. “When we began imagining what would truly impact the lives of people with memory loss and their families, the idea of a transformative community outreach space was born. And Richard and Maude Ferry’s gift made it possible.”
The Memory Hub is meant to model what a community of support looks like for people with dementia and memory loss, but it will also depend on the community for support — especially over the next five years. Its success depends on other visionary donors who understand the importance of supporting people with memory loss and their families at every step of the memory-loss journey.
Support from donors will not only keep the building operational, it will enable the growth of the memory garden, expand programming and improve the lives of those with memory loss and their families by providing opportunities to connect, learn, share and grow. “Future donations are essential to the daily operations of the Memory Hub,” says Becker. “We cannot create this unique space or bring together this vibrant mix of partners and programs without gifts.”
Grabowski is confident people will see the Memory Hub is worth investing in. “As our programming matures and we find new synergism within this space, it’s going to be a very compelling experience,” he says. “The Memory Hub is unlike anything out there. It’s going to inspire people.”
Written by Eleanor Licata