October 15, 2019 —
Fred Beans Lincoln of West Chester has donated $1,000 to Barclay Friends to aid in its renewal in the wake of the tragic Nov. 16 fire that destroyed the assisted living portion of the senior living community. Barclay Friends goal is to welcome residents back to its skilled nursing community in the spring.
The donation grew out of a bond formed between a West Chester University graduate and a former professor who lived at Barclay Friends before the fire. Philip Waldenberger, a leasing and sales consultant at Fred Beans Lincoln, applied for the donation funded by the Lincoln Motor Co.’s annual “Grant My Wish List” program, which provides funds for donations to local not-for-profit organizations.
In his “Grant My Wish List” submission letter, Waldenberger references the recent tragedy at the Barclay Friends Community in West Chester and writes: “One of my college professors lived [at Barclay Friends]. These people were displaced from their home and treatments they need—anything that can be done to help in their time of need is all we can ask.”
Lincoln Motor Co. granted his wish, and on Feb. 20 Waldenberger and General Manager John Enright presented Barclay Friends with a check for $1000.
“We were moved to learn of Philip’s wish,” says Linda Sterthous, Barclay Friends Executive Director. “The West Chester business community has been overwhelmingly generous, and Philip’s action is just one more example of that generosity.” The money will be used to help restore the daily operations of the nursing community when it reopens in the spring.
“Philip’s request reminds us that communities are, at their core, comprised of people,” Sterthous noted. “His professor’s teachings—commitment, compassion, integrity— impacted him enough to reach out and offer help to the Barclay Friends community.”