March 14, 2025

Rolling the Dice on Friendship: How the AHEPA Derby Brought Residents Together for Fun and Connection Thanks to Walmart Foundation

Rolling the Dice on Friendship: How the AHEPA Derby Brought Residents Together for Fun and Connection Thanks to Walmart Foundation

Thanks to a generous donation from the Walmart Foundation to our three AHEPA 232 Apartments communities in Indianapolis, we were able to host an exciting event with the goal of preventing social isolation. Many older Americans face challenges when it comes to meeting new people and engaging in social activities. Events like the AHEPA Derby create opportunities for connection in a fun and welcoming environment. With a delicious meal, interactive activities, and engaging races, the event brought residents together for a memorable experience.

A Celebration of Community and Engagement

The AHEPA Derby was designed to encourage interaction among residents while providing an afternoon of entertainment. The event began with a luncheon from Jimmy John’s, featuring sandwiches, chips, and dessert. Sharing a meal together set the tone for a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where residents could comfortably engage with one another.

To help spark new connections, seating was arranged so that residents were placed with people they may not have met before. Social isolation is a common challenge in senior living communities, but structured events like this can help make a difference. By encouraging residents to step outside their regular social circles, the AHEPA Derby helped create new friendships and strengthen the community spirit within AHEPA Senior Living.

Lisa Crenshaw, ASL Quality Assurance Manager/SC Trainer, witnessed firsthand the impact of these interactions. “The residents that I spoke with all had a great time and talked about how much fun it was. I saw residents who normally do not come to programs, or stay long if they do, stay and participate the entire time. A great time was had, not only by the residents, but also by the staff.”

Creative Hat Decorating

A Derby celebration would not be complete without fancy, decorative hats. Residents had the opportunity to design their own, using an assortment of ribbons, flowers, feathers, and other materials. This hands-on activity allowed them to express their creativity while enjoying the company of their peers. The room buzzed with conversation as residents shared ideas and complimented each other’s designs.

To add an element of collaboration, participants were asked to swap hats midway through the activity, continuing to decorate someone else’s creation. This encouraged discussion, teamwork, and an appreciation for different artistic perspectives. As one resident shared, “It allowed me to be taken out of my comfort zone and be open to someone else’s view.”

James Cannon, AHEPA 232 III service coordinator, reflected on how the activity brought people together. “Many residents have stated during the past week that they enjoyed the portion of the activity where they switched hats and utilized their own decorations on someone else’s art. Residents are continuing to maintain engagement with others they don’t often communicate with since the program.”

The Excitement of the Derby Race!

After the creative session, it was time for the main event. Each table was assigned a horse, represented by a different colored tablecloth. The race was structured to be both interactive and engaging, allowing every resident to participate. The game involved rolling dice, with the highest roll determining which horse moved forward on the board.

Lisa Crenshaw described the camaraderie among residents during the game: “It was so nice to see the residents passing the dice around the tables to let anyone who wanted to have a turn at rolling. One resident didn’t quite understand how to roll the dice, but others at the table encouraged her to try, kept giving her turns, and showed her how to do it.”

To add an extra layer of fun, trivia questions about the Kentucky Derby were included. Tables that answered correctly had the chance to move their horse forward again, making the competition even more engaging. “The residents worked together to try to come up with the correct answer when they landed on a Trivia space,” Crenshaw shared. “It was a great opportunity for residents to work and interact with others they may not usually interact with.”

One resident summed up the excitement of the event perfectly: “This was so much fun! I hope we do more things like this.”

A Lasting Impact on the Community

The first AHEPA Derby was a tremendous success and highlighted the importance of social programs in senior living communities. From the shared meal and creative activities to the thrilling race, every aspect of the event encouraged connection and engagement.

James Cannon noted the impact the event had on residents’ relationships with each other. “Several residents have stated, ‘I’m looking forward to more team-building activities because sometimes I feel distant from others here at the property.’ I was really excited about the turnout and how open our community was to seeing others work together who don’t often have any engagement with one another.”

The generosity of the Walmart Foundation made it possible for residents to experience a day filled with fun and companionship, reminding everyone of the value of coming together as a community. Seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter throughout the event made it clear that programs like this have a lasting impact. We look forward to bringing the AHEPA Derby to additional communities so that even more residents can enjoy the benefits of social connection, creativity, and a little friendly competition.

Below are some videos of our residents enjoying the festivities: