Bob Hopkins has traveled the world inspiring people of all ages and backgrounds to make a difference in the lives of others, and he shared that message with senior residents of The Preston of the Park Cities during a Watermark University class on October 15.
Hopkins, who founded Philanthropy in Texas and Philanthropy World magazines, also recently published a book entitled, Philanthropy Misunderstood. During his talk at The Preston, he discussed a few of the people and charitable projects from the book, which features “One Hundred Plus Stories From Those Who Helped Change The World”.
“Many people think that being a philanthropist is about money,” said Hopkins, “but it is not. That’s the ‘misunderstood’ part. Philanthropy is about ‘love of mankind’, and it is possible for anyone to do good deeds, give back, and become a philanthropist starting right where they are.”
The message is one that Hopkins has discussed with organizations and individuals across the United States and in foreign countries, including Mexico, Nepal, India, Bangladesh, and Spain, among others. He says his greatest joy was creating the PAVE program to teach young people from ages 7 to 17 about the world of giving. Hopkins believes that when a child learns about volunteerism under the age of 12, they will seek to serve forever.
“Giving back through the years has likely been a part of the lives of all of our residents,” said Ke’o Velasquez, Executive Director, The Preston of the Park Cities. “Being reminded that one is never too young to begin making a difference – a philosophy which they could encourage in their grandchildren and great-grandchildren – was a refreshing thought.”
The presentation by Bob Hopkins was part of the community’s Watermark University fall series, which features integrated programmatic offerings in the seven dimensions of wellness (spiritual, emotional, vocational, physical, social, environmental, and intellectual).
The program is a signature of Watermark Retirement Communities® at the 58 communities in 21 states it manages, including The Preston of the Park Cities, which is owned by Dallas-based Silverstone Senior Living.
The Preston of the Park Cities, parkcities.watermarkcommunities.com, is a full-service luxury rental retirement community offering Assisted Living, The Bridge and Memory Care. The community is located at 5917 Sherry Lane, Dallas 75225.
ABOUT THE PRESTON OF THE PARK CITIES
The Preston of the Park Cities is a full-service luxury rental retirement community with 134 residences offering Assisted Living, The Bridge and Memory Care. Located at 5917 Sherry Lane, Dallas 75225, in the prestigious Park Cities / Preston Hollow area, the community features an amenity-rich lifestyle with dynamic programs, fine dining, and concierge services. The Preston of the Park Cities is owned by Dallas-based Silverstone Senior Living and operated by Watermark Retirement Communities®. Visit parkcities.watermarkcommunities.com for more information.
ABOUT SILVERSTONE SENIOR LIVING
Silverstone Senior Living develops high-quality senior housing communities which provide independent living, assisted living and memory care services in Texas, Florida, and the Mid-Atlantic states. The principals of Silverstone have extensive experience and an excellent track record in the real estate industry. This experience includes designing, developing, managing, operating, and owning premier properties throughout the nation and across all the major asset platforms for both public and private companies. Silverstone is committed to developing and operating “best in class” communities that are as comfortable as home, luxurious as a country club, and provide the highest level of care. Visit silverstoneseniorliving.com for more information.
ABOUT WATERMARK RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES®
Watermark creates extraordinary communities where people thrive. We believe aging is about renewal rather than retirement. Watermark communities are known for highly trained and caring associates, a lifestyle built on choice, fine amenities, integrative wellness, and innovative programs including the award-winning Watermark University featuring a wide variety of engaging classes for residents and area seniors. Watermark has been named in the top 25 Best Workplaces for Aging Services in a national program conducted by the Great Place to Work Institute and published on Fortune.com. A privately held company with a reputation for over 30 years for service, innovation, integrity and financial stability, Watermark manages more than 65 retirement communities coast to coast. Based in Tucson AZ, Watermark is ranked as the nation’s 9th-leading senior housing operator by the American Seniors Housing Association. Visit watermarkcommunities.com for more information.