Noses used to raise funds for kids in poverty

A national campaign turned local when Mission at Castle Rock Rehabilitation Center employees and residents decided to see how much they could raise for the cause.

Bobbi Jo Drozd, CRRC administrator, said when they heard about the Red Nose Day Fundraising effort, they contacted the Rock Springs Walgreens to purchase the noses.

Drozd said they purchased about $200 worth of merchandise from the store to sell in order to raise money for the cause. All of the money raised goes to help children in poverty and a portion of those funds will stay in Wyoming, she said.

"A lot of donations came from residents, family members and staff," Drozd said. "Internally, we raised about $400."

The rest of the $600 raised came from the community. Each nose cost $1 each and the CRRC employees were happy with how much they raised in such a short period of time. Drozd said they were a little bit behind in getting the fundraiser going and only had one week to sell all of the noses.

The idea came to CRRC employees because they are always looking for ways to demonstrate the Eden philosophy, which is a cultural change movement in nursing homes.

According to the website, http://www.edenalt.org, "the Eden Alternative is an international, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to creating quality of life for elders and their care partners, wherever they may live. Through education, consultation, and outreach, we offer person-directed principles and practices that support the unique needs of different living environments, ranging from the nursing home to the neighborhood street."

"We've been working toward getting that certification," she said. "If we are successful, we will become the second one in Wyoming to be certified."

It is this philosophical approach that inspired CRRC employees to approach the CRRC Resident Council to see what they thought about the idea. The resident council was just as excited about the project, Drozd said. In fact, some of those residents are still excited.

"They had a ball," Drozd said. "Some of the residents are still wearing their noses just for fun. I think anytime we give our residents an opportunity to be bigger than themselves it brings happiness."

Since this year's event was so successful, the group plans on doing it again next year. However, they will start the fundraising event earlier and they plan to visit more businesses in Green River.