The Watermark at Vistawilla recognized for fundraising efforts

The Watermark at Vistawilla, a senior living community in Winter Springs, was recently honored with the 2024 Watermark for Kids award. The award recognizes the community for its commitment to supporting Watermark for Kids, a national nonprofit dedicated to reducing barriers and providing life-enhancing opportunities for children aged 6 to 22.

The Watermark at Vistawilla was chosen from 40 senior living communities managed by Watermark Retirement Communities. Watermark for Kids was founded by David Barnes, former president of Watermark Retirement Communities, and works with communities nationwide to raise money and connect with local children in need.

“While many communities demonstrated remarkable dedication in 2024, The Watermark at Vistawilla truly stood out,” said Rachel McCoy, executive director of Watermark for Kids. “The community hosted multiple fundraisers throughout the year, but one event caught our attention. The unique Purse Wars event raffled off vendor-donated designer purses and raised an impressive $1,760.”

The community hosted Purse Wars in February and collected 15 purses from local vendors. It then collected entry fees and sold raffle tickets to collect money for Watermark for Kids. Throughout the year, The Watermark at Vistawilla hosted monthly fundraisers for Watermark for Kids, including a chili cookoff in November.

“We’re honored to support Watermark for Kids and the incredible work it is doing in our local communities,” said David Schupack, executive director of The Watermark at Vistawilla. “This would not be possible without the hard work of our associates and the unwavering support from residents and families. We plan to continue these efforts in 2025 and beyond and look forward to sponsoring a Watermark Kid soon.”

Since 2007, Watermark for Kids has awarded more than $1.2 million to local children. The organization provides financial assistance for education, extracurriculars, and healthcare covering everything from school supplies and tuition assistance to adaptive medical equipment and therapeutic treatments.

Watermark for Kids operates on the fundamental belief that all children possess innate greatness and deserve equitable opportunities, regardless of their background. For more information on Watermark for Kids, visit watermarkforkids.org.