On May 12, 2022, the Old Soldiers Home Foundation joined residents and staff at Armed Forces Retirement Home-Washington, D.C. for a grand opening  celebrating the new sports court and outdoor furniture the Foundation installed at the Home.

The new multi-sport court features a durable playing surface, adjustable basketball hoop, and netting system accommodating pickleball, badminton, and volleyball. Residents and staff took to the court for rounds of pickleball and a basketball free throw contest, while resident Billy White provided music and the Home’s activities team offered refreshments including an ice cream truck.

In addition to the sports court, the Foundation installed age-appropriate and comfortable outdoor furniture under a pergola close by the Victory Garden which the Foundation supported with supplies for this year’s resident gardening program.  The goal of all these projects is to encourage residents to stay healthy and active and socialize together.

Past Foundation board chair Pat MacArevey told everyone gathered how proud the Foundation was to support the residents and improve their quality of life.  Home CEO Steve Rippe and Administrator Susan Bryhan thanked Pat for his and the Foundation’s support and Mrs. Bryhan presented him a gift from one of the Home’s resident glass artists.

Reporter Kidd O’Shea from local ABC News affiliate WJLA was on-hand to get reactions from residents and staff, and capped the event with a surprise presentation of a $2,000 check from Easterns Automotive Group.  Mr. MacArevey thanked Easterns and WJLA for the generous surprise, which will help other projects in the Foundation’s pipeline including refreshing the bocce court, Scott Building gardens in partnership with University of the District of Columbia master gardener program participants, and more.  The segment is expected to air locally on channel 7 on Weds., May 18 at 4:45 pm.

Thank you to Armed Forces Retirement Home-Washington for sponsoring the event and to the many residents, staff, and donors who helped bring these projects to life, in particular:  Safeway Foundation, Recorded Future, Easterns Automotive Group, Eisminger Philanthropic Fund, Eric Spiegel, SnapSports, Offenbachers, Fred Layman, Billy White, Susan Bryhan, Ron Anderson, and Steve Briefs.  See the Home’s Facebook post here.

Photos credit: AFRH