Senior communities create canned food sculptures for donation

Connect55+ Active Living Communities across the country collected canned goods and created canned food sculptures in their communities, all for a good cause. A combined donation of nearly 10,000 canned goods and nonperishable food items was collected that was distributed to local food shelters.

As part of a corporatewide charitable contest, the residents of Connect55+ communities were tasked with creating a “sculpture” completely out of canned goods. Dry, nonperishable items could also be incorporated. Those cans and goods would then be donated to a charity selected by the residents in their local regions.

The contest was organized by the Calamar Foundation, a division of Calamar, and involved more than 20 competing 55+ communities across the U.S. managed by Connect55+ Active Living, competing for a canned food trophy, a pizza party and bragging rights. A blind judging of all entries took place at Calamar’s corporate office by the employees, with criteria based on creativity & execution. Connect55+ Ankeny (located in Iowa) was the 2023 winner with its “Tree of Life” in memory of residents who have passed.

The 22 competing communities collected over 10,000 cans and dry goods combined, which were distributed in each community’s respective areas.

Calamar Foundation President Gay B. Molnar said, “Every year, the entries get better and better. It’s amazing to see how much effort, time and dedication the residents, with the support of our community managers and Connect coordinators, put towards their sculptures. This mission of giving aligns with the Calamar Foundation purpose of benevolence, and we’re very thankful for the great participation.”

For information on Connect55+ Active Living, visit www.connect55.com.