Holly Creek residents raise $52,000 for Colorado VisionWalk

Multi-generational team goes the distance to fight blindness

Residents of the Holly Creek Life Plan Community in Centennial are all about supporting good causes, especially ones that require a good level of fitness and well-made walking shoes. On October 8, Holly Creek’s team “What’s in Sight for Holly Creek” tightened their sneakers and clocked in several miles around City Park, raising funds for the Foundation Fighting Blindness’ annual VisionWalk.

Since 2017, Holly Creek has fielded a team of walkers dedicated to raising funds to help individuals with low vision, and the 2022 team was the largest one yet. This year’s multigenerational team included both Holly Creek residents and their family members, including grandchildren and great grandchildren.

“We’re the only group in all of Denver to do the walk as a retirement community,” explained Holly Creek resident David Vitale, who led the 24-person team at the VisionWalk. Vitale also spearheaded sponsorship outreach.

After logging 5 kilometers at City Park, Team Holly Creek raised $52,328, the top fundraising team of the event. All told, the VisionWalk raised more than $170,000 to fund research aimed at curing blindness.

For some Holly Creek residents, the focus on fighting blindness is personal, including Claudia Williams, a member of the community’s low vision group.

“I love our low vision support group, which gathers monthly to share ideas on how to make life easier,” said Williams. “It’s a vibrant group going through the challenges of low vision together, and we work together to meet those challenges.”

Holly Creek’s participation in the 2022 VisionWalk was special for several reasons. Not only was this year’s team and the amount of funds raised the largest yet, but it was also conducted in the memory of Marge Vitale, who passed away earlier this year. Marge was Dave’s wife, a beloved resident of the Holly Creek family who was a champion of the low vision group and the VisionWalk.

As the saying goes, there is no “I” in team. According to Vitale, Holly Creek’s efforts to raise awareness of and funds for low vision have been aided significantly by residents Mary Stewart, Helen Krebs, Claudia Williams, Dolores Meader and Bob Stong.

“These individuals need to be mentioned for their dedication supporting our low vision group and involvement in rallying the troops for the VisionWalk,” added Vitale.

Located in at 5500 E. Peakview Avenue in Centennial, Colorado, Holly Creek is owned and operated by Denver-based not-for-profit Christian Living Communities. CLC has been providing quality senior care in the south Denver metropolitan area since 1972. For more information, visit www.hollycreekcommunity.com.