Resident Marie Hos helped welcome guests to the event.
Provided to the QAM News
People of all ages — from 1 to 100 — gathered at Aegis Living Rodgers Park to honor Seattle firefighters and raise funds for the Seattle Fire Foundation, supporting local fire departments with essential tools, equipment, and training resources.
From face painting to balloon animals, therapy dog visits, raffle games, a catered Spaghetti dinner and assortment of other treats, the inaugural “Summer Heat” celebration had something for the entire family.
More than 100 people attended the special event and approximately $2,000 was raised.
“It was an action-packed day and such fun to bring our community together for an important cause, noted Kaylan Moore, senior general manager at Aegis Living. “Last year alone, our Seattle Fire Departments responded to over 100,000 calls, including some from our own Aegis Living communities. Inviting these brave first responders back into our community to say thank you for protecting our residents and offer direct support was both a joy and a privilege.”
Aside from the many people celebrated that day, one special guest Zoe, Seattle Fire Peer Support Dog, was honored with the 2023 Golden Bone Service Award. Therapy dogs like Zoe provide comfort and support to Seattle Firefighters as well as other first responders around the state. The program aims to reduce stress and lessen the impact of traumatic events. Aside from supporting those on the front lines, therapy dogs and their teams spend time at public events to further spread the love to the community at large.
“We are honored by how the Aegis Living Galer and Rodgers Park communities showed their support for Seattle firefighter/EMTs and paramedics at the Summer Heat Celebration,” said Kim Schmanke, director of public affairs for the Seattle Fire Department. “It was a pleasure to visit residents, staff, family, and neighbors without the urgency of a fire or medical call. Everyone’s kindness and generosity was over the top, and we look forward to next year’s event.”
More information about Aegis Living, providing assisted living and memory care to area seniors, can be found at www.aegisliving.com. More on the Seattle Fire Foundation is available at www.supportsfd.org.