As the Covid-19 outbreak continued to rage around her, Ellen Grossman Stern knew she wanted to do something for the healthcare workers who were working on the frontlines during this time. For her, the logical recipient of any charity from her had to be the staff members at Weinberg Community. Because her dad lived there a few years ago, she knew Gidwitz Place and many of its devoted staff members well.
Grossman Stern imagined how hard Weinberg staff members were working—with all the extra efforts required to keep things sanitized and to ensure social distancing. So, she decided to ”pay it forward” for all those who were taking care of other residents, as they had taken care of her father. She went about setting up a fundraiser to help feed them. And, was she amazed at everyone’s generosity—she actually raised more than ten times her goal!
Because of all her efforts and coordination, during the week of April 13, Grossman Stern was able to send over 100 meals of pizza, pasta, and salad for every one of the staff members at Weinberg Community. Needless to say, it was a welcome repast for the employees, and they were most grateful for such an unexpected gesture coming out of the blue for past good deeds.
As mentioned, Grossman Stern’s father had spent time there, and her family was very appreciative and thankful for the care he received. She explained that “The best and most important part of his living at Gidwitz Place was that after I visited and went home, I had so much peace of mind and a deep sense of security knowing my father was being taken care of.” According to her, Gidwitz Place felt like family. And so, she decided to return to family and donate food to help sustain the body and the spirit.
