On Thursday, July 29, 2010, Presbyterian Villages of Michigan (PVM) Village of East Harbor senior living community welcomed more than 300 residents, family members, community members and donors to celebrate the Grand Opening and Dedication of the Karl and Frieda Kleemann Chapel. Led by volunteer and resident Waneta Hawes, the $1.6 million facility was funded entirely through the generosity of donors. The interfaith chapel is a sacred space where residents, families, community members and staff can take a moment out of their day to sit in peace, to visit and to pray.
In her remarks, Chapel Committee Chairperson Waneta Hawes thanked the generous donors who made the chapel possible. Ms. Hawes noted, “Today, we dedicate this beautiful place of worship . . . many believed and had the faith that this dream was achievable and you joined us in our mission. This is a precious gift, one that will live on for generations.”
The journey began two years ago, when Presbyterian Villages of Michigan Foundation along with a committee of residents, staff and community members began a fundraising campaign to build a chapel at The Village at East Harbor in Chesterfield Township. By raising $1.6 million, the dream of a chapel became a reality. While many of the benefits of living at the Village involve care for the body—medical care, rehab, therapy, skilled nursing and mind—activities, socializing, friendship, counseling—Presbyterian Villages firmly believes that care for the spirit is equally important.
According to PVM President and CEO Roger L. Myers, “The Chapel is the PVM Mission in action by providing new possibilities in quality senior living. Philanthropy plays an essential role at PVM – it was our donors who helped build this Village more than 30 years ago.”
