Honoring individuals and organizations that support Wake County seniors

Cary, N.C., April 28, 2016 – Last year the SearStone continuing care retirement community launched a new awards program to honor individuals and organizations that provide exemplary service, support and opportunities to Wake County seniors. After soliciting and reviewing nominations, SearStone is pleased to announce the winners of the Second Annual Ageless Hero Awards.

The winners will be celebrated at a special gala Awards Banquet May 17 from 5-9 p.m. emceed by UNC-TV Reporter/Producer Julia Carpenter and featuring a keynote address from the Honorable Gale Adcock, N.C. House of Representatives. Tickets are $40 and are available by calling 1-866-843-7534 or by completing the ticket order form at http://bit.ly/1Lr5eiZ. Proceeds will go toward a scholarship for the Student of the Year winner.

Ageless Hero Student of the Year: Unika Boyce-Cooley

At age 13 Boyce-Cooley began volunteering at Preston Pointe to hand out the weekly media news, call Bingo games, and interview new residents for the monthly newsletter. Residents and staff enjoyed her presence so much that she was offered a job when she turned 17.

Ageless Hero of the Year (55+): Jeanette Lee

As a hair stylist for over 40 years, Lee is attentive to the needs of seniors and routinely visits homebound patients to do their hair. She has also styled hair at senior living centers in Cary, and has helped customers with hair loss select wigs, which she then cuts and styles for them.

Ageless Hero Business of the Year: Silver Connections

Silver Connections is an organization that supports people 55 and over with unique local events, travel opportunities, nourishing a sense of community, and personalized service. Owner Laura Kay House started the organization nine years ago to help connect seniors who might otherwise feel isolated from other seniors.

Ageless Hero Person of the Year: Brian Blum

Blum is the volunteer organizer for Memory Café, a collaborative project among five local Rotary Clubs that provides a safe and welcoming place for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementia and their caregivers. He coordinates the event with the support of Alzheimer’s NC and the Town of Cary.

Ageless Hero Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. William Dunlap

Dr. Dunlap is a retired specialist in oncology and internal medicine with The Raleigh Medical Group, but continues to deliver care to older adults at the Oaks of Mayview skilled nursing facility. As a community leader and volunteer, he founded Hospice of Wake County in 1979 with a firm conviction that no person would be turned away regardless of ability to pay. Dr. Dunlap remains on the board of the organization, now known as Transitions LifeCare.

“We received more outstanding nominations this year than when we launched the awards last year, and I know our Selection Committee was faced with very difficult decisions,” said SearStone Executive Director Chris Romick. “On behalf of the staff, residents, families and friends of SearStone, I congratulate all of our deserving winners.”

The Selection Committee was comprised of David Wolf, SearStone resident; Cooper Linton, Transitions LifeCare; Delancy Carroll, Cary Chamber of Commerce; Jody Jameson, Cary Senior Center; Jim Trull, Keystone Financial; and Rev. George Adamik, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

For more information about SearStone, visit www.searstone.com.