Celebrating Founder’s Day

The 55th annual Copeland Oaks Founder’s Day Tree of Life Celebration Service was held Friday, November 9th in Murphy Auditorium.

“Today is one of our favorite days. A chance to celebrate our history and say thank you to those who have helped create it,” said David Mannion, CEO/CFO of Copeland Oaks, as he welcomed those in attendance.

Each year new donors are recognized and a Distinguished Service Award is given. This year’s recipient was Dr. Raymond E. Wilken, Posthumously. Julia Reitz, a dear friend of Dr. Wilken, and Copeland resident, spoke on his behalf.

“He was a gentleman and a scholar and it showed every time you would speak with him. He always brought class to any conversation you had with him,” said Julia.

Julie shared a video from an interview she did with Dr. Wilken years ago about his prized Dahlias. She also spoke of the time she spent with him in his villa sharing tea.

“He had a sense of humor that would shine through, he certainly had a lot of beautiful things about him,” she added.

In addition to celebrating Founder’s Day, Lisa Gentile, Director of Development, made special acknowledgment to the 25th anniversary of Lakeshore Apartments. The independent apartment building located next to the Copeland lake was completed in 1993. Albert and Ruth Haynie were the first residents to move into the apartments. Mrs. Haynie still resides at Copeland today. A cake ornamented with a “25” was enjoyed by guests in honor of the anniversary.

The Tree of Life is updated annually to accurately reflect and celebrate the ongoing support by friends of Copeland Oaks and Crandall Medical Center. It is a recognition of the cumulative gifts by many for the betterment of our great community. The Tree of Life can be found inside Murphy Auditorium adorned with the names of all those who have provided financial support to Copeland Oaks over the past 54 years.

2018 Honorees

Elaine Armbrust

Cassaday-Turkle-Christian

Daniel & Rose Marinelli Charitable Trust

Betty Ruth Miller, Estate

John & Tricia Rauch

Liz Phillips

Stitle Construction Corp.

Maxine V. Vincent, Estate

Raymond E. Wilken, Estate