Zanesville Senior Citizens from Helen Purcell and the Abbot Home recently enjoyed a Donatos pizza party and boat ride on the historic Lorena, Sternwheeler with Zanesville Mayor Zwelling and NY based entrepreneur and Zanesville native Ruth Amber Gristak, 27.
Over 30 seniors attended the event on the historic Sternwheeler Lorena. This sternwheeler measures at 104 feet long and 17 feet wide and is one of the few remaining sternwheelers. Other members of the community also joined in the late morning boat ride that left from Zane´s Landing Park.
“It was so nice,” said Helen Purcell’s Activities Director Shari Pitcock.
A "Thank You" letter from Residents of the Abbot Home in Zanesville, Ohio
This outing was made possible by the private funds of The Gristak Foundation’s Founder and President, Ruth Amber Gristak. Originally, Gristak bid on an “experience package” in The Carr Center‘s Cake Auction, this past spring. After buying the $600 package on auction, with funds going to the Carr Center, Gristak, impressively, thought of a way to double up her donation impact. She then took it to the next level and invited some Zanesville senior citizens to come and enjoy a field trip.
“Thank you so much for your generosity. The residents had a great time”, wrote Jane Thompson, Executive Director of the Abbot Home.
Gristak’s grandparents, Richard Cooper, commodore of the Muskingum Valley Boating Association, and his wife Joan P. Cooper also attended came out for the boat ride.
“I think it is good to let people enjoy an early afternoon boat ride. I also think it was generous of Bill Page [Lorena Sternwheeler Captain] to donate his time as well. His donation also helped The Carr Center and this group of seniors,’ said Mr. Cooper.
Gristak is an accomplished actress, author, and fundraiser. She recently established the Gristak Foundation to develop opportunities. The Gristak Foundation is primarily focused higher education scholarships, Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs and cultural based learning.
Zanesville Seniors: Photos
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- Mayor Zwelling with Boat Captain, Bill Page
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- photo courtesy of Ruth Amber Gristak
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- Ruth Amber Gristak with Mayor Zwelling (Zanesville, Ohio)
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- Dana Matz, Chamber Membership Director & Zanesville Downtown Association Manager
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- Shari Pitcock (right) with Zanesville senior and Helen Purcell resident
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- A “Thank You” letter from Residents of the Abbot Home
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- Lorena Sternwheeler – Captains box
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- Some seniors who enjoyed the boat ride
