Pictured, left to right, are Franklin Farrow (Morning Pointe), James Taylor (one of the winners of “Seniors Got Talent”), and Greg A. Vital (Morning Pointe)
Morning Pointe “Seniors Got Talent” showcase events across Tennessee and Kentucky raised over $60,000 for the Morning Pointe Foundation among four events in 2021, following a one-year hiatus in the annual fundraising series during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. Over 100 seniors danced, sang and played their way onto the big stage this year to raise money for the philanthropic arm of Morning Pointe Senior Living founded by Tennessee-based senior healthcare entrepreneurs Greg A. Vital and J. Franklin Farrow.
The 501(c)3 nonprofit public service organization was created in 2014 to provide caregiver support programs, sponsor educational awareness events and fund clinical scholarships to advance the care of seniors throughout the Southeast.
“Morning Pointe “Seniors Got Talent” events are showstoppers in our four major markets, and we knew this year was going to be extra special because we weren’t able to have it last year,” said Mr. Vital, president of Morning Pointe Senior Living. “So many sponsors and friends of Morning Pointe stepped up in huge ways in 2021 to support seniors showcasing their talents on the theatre stage.”
Building on a 10-year tradition that began at Morning Pointe of Hixson, “Seniors Got Talent” events are the hallmark fundraiser for the Morning Pointe Foundation as they seek to help aid in workforce development and fill the pipeline of future senior nursing associates.
In total, the four events in Lexington (Ky.), Chattanooga, Franklin and Knoxville raised over $60,000 to support the mission of the Morning Pointe Foundation. Top sponsors included East
Tennessee Pharmacy Services, Middle Tennessee Pharmacy Services, Propel Insurance, First Horizon Bank, CHI Health at Home and RBA Employee Benefits Advisors.
Many others contributed to make performing live on a theatre stage a reality for these senior adults, many of whom have only dreamed of something like this. The range of talent included acts such as a ventriloquist, a couple of tapdancers, a dance troupe, a choir and several bands, singers and musicians—all 62 years of age and above.
“What can I say—it’s been an unbelievable experience. It was wonderful and made me want to cry,” said Jan Douglas, 78-year old singer-songwriter and one of the top winners.
Morning Pointe Senior Living, headquartered in Chattanooga, develops, owns and manages
35 Morning Pointe assisted living, personal care and The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence communities in five southeastern states.
“This is what it’s all about—showcasing an abundance of talented older adults on the biggest stage of their lives. while proving that age is truly just a number. You can still dance, sing and showcase your talent well into the retirement years,” said Mr. Vital. “We thank all our sponsors for so generously enabling the Morning Pointe Foundation to provide much-needed opportunities to nursing students. while delivering support to caregivers and drawing attention to important senior healthcare issues."