Welch Healthcare & Retirement Group Given American Red Cross “Real Heroes” Award

(Norwell, MA) – November 7, 2005 -- The American Red Cross recently presented Welch Healthcare & Retirement Group President Richard Welch with a “Real Heroes” Award for the company’s leadership and commitment to volunteerism. The awards program acknowledges individuals and institutions “that have made a significant difference in the lives of others.” Welch accepted the award on behalf of the family-owned, South Shore-based company, a pioneer in the provision of senior housing, healthcare, and long-term care services. Deborah C. Jackson, CEO, American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay, said, the “Real Heroes” awards were given to those “who inspire us to continue doing good work on behalf of others.” Presented on behalf of the American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay South Area, the 1^st Annual “Real Heroes” Breakfast was held at Lombardo’s in Randolph.   

Real Heroes Award Recipient Welch Healthcare & Retirement Group President Richard Welch (second from right) is also featured with Terry Donovan, RN, Director of Nursing Services, Hancock Park Rehabilitation & Nursing Center; Kathy Gloster, CNA Instructor for the American Red Cross, who nominated Welch Healthcare & Retirement Group for the award; and Bette Kincaid, RN, Staff Development Coordinator, Hancock Park Rehabilitation & Nursing Center.
 

Welch Healthcare & Retirement Group facilities serve as educational sites for the clinical education and training of future caregivers for numerous college nursing programs, including the Quincy College School of Nursing, the Brockton College School of Nursing, the Curry College School of Nursing, and the Simmons College Graduate School of Social Work. Additionally the company founders and staff at all levels of the organization volunteer each year to collect can goods for local food pantries, help supply dinners for local families in need during Thanksgiving, and provide for necessities and gifts through various holiday “Adopt a Family” programs. Annually, Welch Healthcare & Retirement Group awards deserving employees with the Florence May. St. John Scholarship.

The company also sponsors and coordinates community service projects with area schools and churches, facilitating inter-generational experiences that benefit students and seniors, alike. This year more than 40 staff members participated in the annual Walk for Hospice of the South Shore, raising more than $3,000. A company-wide effort on behalf of victims of the 2005 South Asia tsunami raised nearly $5,000 and was donated to the American Red Cross. Said Richard Welch, “Giving back is simply part of what we do. We are proud that the spirit of volunteerism is as important to the employees of Welch Healthcare as it is to our family.”

Real Heroes Award Recipient Welch Healthcare & Retirement Group President Richard Welch (center) is shown with Quincy Mayor William J. Phelan, Honorary Chairman of the American Red Cross Real Heroes Awards, (left) and fellow award winner, Chief Timothy Pettinelli, head of the Quincy Fire Department.

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