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10:04 a.m. October 1, 2014
Neighborhood block party to raise funds for senior service at The Manor


KNOXVILLE — A block party will be held at Northgate Terrace on Wednesday, October 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to raise funds for The Manor at Northgate, affordable independent living facility.

Life Care EMS and North Knoxville organizations are hosting the party which will feature hamburgers and hotdogs for $5 with all proceeds supporting the Manor’s supportive services program, DJ music and vendor booths from neighborhood organizations, including a local jewelry artist, senior services and health services.

“We realized there was a need at the Manor at Northgate Terrace,” said Kenton Powell, special events manager at Life Care EMS. “The more we learned about the Manor, the more we fell in love it. It was just something that touched us, and we wanted to do everything we could to help them out.”

“The whole community is stepping up to support us,” said Teresa Lawson, senior asset manager of The Manor at Northgate Terrace. “We’ve had many local organizations donate food and other items so nearly all of our costs are covered. We’re very appreciative of the community support that will allow the money raised from this event to directly benefit our senior residents.”

More than 40 residents, age 60 and older, currently live at the facility, which provides two meals delivered daily to individual apartments, daily resident safety checks, specialized case management, emergency call pendants, laundry service, housekeeping and social activities for an affordable fixed rent price. The residents pay $515 each month, but according to Lawson, the cost to provide services is around $600.

“The funds raised through the block party will go toward making up the difference between what our residents privately pay and actual costs,” Lawson said. “Some of our residents’ income is as low as $700 per month, and an increase in rent would be a hardship. For the past few years, we have hosted fundraisers to supplement our supportive services program so our seniors can remain independent.”

Several family members of Manor at Northgate Terrace residents also are volunteering at the event, including Peter Kerr, who is assisting with pre-registration and setup. These volunteers know firsthand the difference that fundraisers can make to help seniors remain independent.

Kerr’s sister, Susan Payne, had lived with family her entire life until she moved into the independent living facility in 2010. Due to medical problems and mental disabilities she has had since birth, Payne always needed the extra attention provided by supervised care. With assistance from the Manor, she is able to live alone for the first time.

“Just knowing my sister is living independently with the support of Teresa and the staff makes our family sleep better,” Kerr said. “We know that any day Susie is happy and safe is a good day. Manor residents live on fixed incomes. After paying rent and other monthly bills, there is little Social Security left for personal needs. This fundraiser will go directly to help people like my sister.”

The block party is a community effort with local organizations providing donations from plates and forks to coleslaw and hot dogs. Event sponsors include Manorhouse Assisted Living and Memory Care, Sara Lee Earth Grains, Smoky Mountain Hospice, New Fellowship Church, UT Home Care Services, Food City, Beverly Park Place Health and Rehab, Coca-Cola, Milo’s, Ingles on Cedar Lane, Sam’s Club, Publix and the Northgate Terrace Residents Association.

Businesses and neighbors within a mile of the property have been invited, and Lawson hopes a lot of people from the community attend. Additionally, KCDC and Life Care EMS will provide vans to deliver to-go orders of the $5 lunches to homes and businesses within a mile of Northgate Terrace.

The Manor at Northgate Terrace staff will offer tours of the facility and discuss the services provided. Several residents also are inviting visitors into their rooms.

“If anyone is interested in getting more information about the Manor for themselves or their loved ones, the block party would be a great opportunity to check it out,” Lawson said.

The Manor at Northgate Terrace asks guests to pre-order at (865) 225-6799, but walkups are welcome the day of the event.


Published October 1, 2014




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