Lutheran Crossings at Moorestown Gets a ‘PAINT’OVER with a Little Help from BB&T Bank
MOORESTOWN, NJ — Residents of Lutheran Crossings at Moorestown, a senior living community, recently benefitted from the kindness of strangers. Volunteers from BB&T Bank’s two local branches in Moorestown made their mark on the 70-year old community by joining together to place a fresh, much-needed, coat of paint on one of the building’s most frequently used spaces – its social hall.
Many Moorestown community members have likely attended an event or meeting in the 2,500 square foot space that is located on the lowest level of the building. For years, the room has not only been used for resident activities, celebrations and gatherings, but also by local community groups and the Lutheran Crossings Ladies Auxiliary for their monthly meetings. “It was time to update the room. It’s a great space that has been under-utilized and we know this ‘paint’over is just what it needed,” explains Leah Reynolds, M.S.P.L., Vice President of Philanthropy & Mission Advancement for the Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey Foundation. The Foundation is the fundraising arm of Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey (LSMNJ), the non-profit parent organization of Lutheran Crossings at Moorestown.
“That’s why partnering with organizations, like BB&T Bank, is so important – not only to us, but also to the residents we serve,” continues Reynolds. “Just look at the incredible difference it has made here with just some extra hands and some canisters of paint. The room has been literally transformed.”
Reynolds reached out to BB&T Bank expressing an interest in partnering on this project. Employees of the bank participate in numerous charitable activities each year through a number of initiatives. After connecting with Matt Freimuth, Vice President of Regional Corporate Banking at BB&T Bank, they agreed that Lutheran Crossings’ needs most closely matched the criteria of their initiative known as ‘The Lighthouse Project.’ It was a natural fit. The project calls for employees to roll up their sleeves and go to work in their community by helping to landscape, paint, prepare meals and whatever else is needed.
“BB&T is honored to partner with an organization such as LSMNJ and Lutheran Crossing at Moorestown,” shared Freimuth. “BB&T has a mission, vision, and values-driven culture. Part of BB&T’s mission is to make the communities in which we work better places to be; and we truly believe LSMNJ is executing that across the state of New Jersey with the phenomenal services they provide.” Freimuth continued, “This year marks the 10th anniversary of BB&T’s Lighthouse Project, and we are excited to share this milestone with LSMNJ and Lutheran Crossings.”
The volunteer efforts of BB&T Bank’s employees and donation of supplies at Lutheran Crossings was the first step among several that will completely transform the social hall. In addition to its fresh coat of paint, the social hall will also be receiving new flooring, a new ceiling and renovations to the restrooms. These upgrades will be made possible thanks to philanthropic support from the Lutheran Crossings Ladies’ Auxiliary, a charitable group of women who raise funds for the senior residence. The total renovation project is expected to be completed by late May of 2018.
Once the transformation is complete, plans are already being developed for Lutheran Crossings to partner with Moorestown Business Association and Moorestown Creates to construct a public art gallery, featuring the creative work of local artists. “We want Moorestown residents and the greater community to view Lutheran Crossings as a public gathering spot – and an extension of all the best that Moorestown has to offer,” adds Reynolds.
View the social hall’s progress at http://www.lutherancrossings.org and on Facebook at facebook.com/lutherancrossings/. Watch for the art gallery’s Call For Artists announcement, which will occur during Summer 2018.
BB&T Bank Employees Are Armed and Ready to Paint Lutheran Crossings at Moorestown’s Social Hall
(Pictured Left to Right)
Matt Freimuth, VP of Regional Corporate Banking, BB&T Bank with members of the BB&T Moorestown branch offices: Becca Seiden, Shawn Poinsett, Kristina Juliano and Nate Wood.
BB&T Bank Employees Volunteer to Paint Lutheran Crossings at Moorestown Social Hall
(Pictured Left to Right)
Nate Wood (BB&T Bank), Colleen Frankenfield (President & CEO of Lutheran Social Ministries of NJ), Matt Freimuth (VP of Regional Corporate Banking for BB&T Bank), Kristina Juliano (BB&T Bank), Beth Sparling (Chief Operating Officer, LSMNJ & Interim VP & Executive Director Lutheran Crossings at Moorestown), and Becca Seiden (BB&T Bank).