Senior Retreat Shines with Jewelry Shows

At Agoura Hills Senior Retreat one might not think there was a recession. The staff and residents are often indulging in jewelry purchases from The Jewelry Ladies, a traveling bazaar set up in the retreat's dining room.

How do they justify these acts of accessorizing in a time of economic crisis? In the past year the jewelry soirées have raised more than $1,000 for the Alzheimer's Association, providing charitable support to the organization.

"Our residents, their families and staff look forward to seeing The Jewelry Ladies, knowing they are helping others while they enjoy a little shopping," said Ahuva Bar Zion, executive director, for Agoura Hills Senior Retreat.

About once a month The Jewelry Ladies owner Kim Krug brings her collection of inexpensive necklaces, earrings, pins, watches and bracelets to the retreat in Agoura Hills. Krug's traveling jewelry business also offers minor jewelry repair and watch battery replacement.

A portion of the sales are allocated to the Alzheimer's Association where a matching fund program doubled the charitable amount for last year.

Among the frequent shoppers is Dina De Falco, the retreat's accounting/ HR director, who buys jewelry for herself and as gifts. "At the retreat we all know the impact of Alzheimer's because we have residents challenged with the disease. It feels good when I buy, knowing it will help fund research and support," she said.

"Supporting senior causes has always been very important to Agoura Hills Senior Retreat, and this type of fund raising strategy allows us to continue that support in financially unstable times," said Bar Zion. "The Alzheimer's Association, like many other organizations, relies on these donations."

Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia among older people and according to recent estimates, as many as 2.4 million to 4.5 million Americans are living with the disease. Many families look to assisted living centers like Agoura Hills Senior Retreat to help them care for loved ones who cannot live at home alone.