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Keiro 50th Anniversary Celebration Held on October 15
A Time of Reunion, Reflection, and Celebration for Our Community
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| Keiro’s 50th Anniversary Genki Living Expo on October 15 attracted over 3,000 attendees who enjoyed fun, interactive programming and over 80 exhibitors to nurture a healthy lifestyle. Photos by Ken Matsui Images Photography, courtesy of Keiro Senior HealthCare. |
On Saturday, October 15, Keiro Senior HealthCare held its 50th Anniversary Celebration Luncheon and Genki Living Expo at the Pasadena Convention Center. The reunion-like atmosphere celebrated not only “all things Keiro” but the community whose values and culture Keiro embodies. The Expo, Keiro’s free gift to the community, featured informative and delicious demonstrations, fun and entertaining activities, and over 80 exhibitors to nurture an active, healthy lifestyle.
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| Over 800 supporters filled the Pasadena Convention Center Ballroom. |
Reuniting with the "Keiro Family"
Over 800 guests filled the ballroom, which was elegantly accented with purple and amber lighting, as the rhythmic taiko sounds of Kishin Daiko ushered them in. Master of Ceremonies Rob Fukuzaki, weekday sports anchor of ABC7 Eyewitness News, greeted the guests and facilitated a panoramic photo shoot to commemorate this historic event. After a sake barrel breaking ceremony and introduction of Keiro’s Living Treasures – founders George Aratani, Kiyoshi Maruyama, James Mitsumori, and Frank Omatsu, volunteers, residents, and staff members – guests enjoyed a leisurely afternoon connecting and reconnecting with long time friends and supporters from the “Keiro family.”
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| Sake barrel breaking ceremony with representatives from Keiro’s Living Treasures: Shawn Miyake, president and CEO (staff); Fujie Wade, president of the Keiro Retirement Home Residents' Council (resident); Frank Kawana, chairman of Keiro’s board of directors (leadership); Kiyoshi Maruyama (founder); and Gary Kawaguchi, chairman of Keiro’s 50th Anniversary Committee (volunteers). |
Serving Up Wellness
Carrying out the theme of wellness and healthy living, the menu incorporated various colors, textures, and fresh vegetables in the first course (grilled lamb chops served with a side of arugula salad, parmesan cheese and capers) and entrée salad. A dessert carousel centerpiece featured a variety of assorted French pastries and included some “no sugar added” desserts.
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| Six-time GRAMMY Award winner Daniel Ho, whose grandmother in law was at Keiro, performed for Keiro’s 50th Anniversary. |
GRAMMY Winner with Ties to Keiro
In the afternoon, guests relaxed with a special performance by Daniel Ho, a six-time GRAMMY Award winning producer, featured slack key guitarist, and artist in the “Best Hawaiian Music Album” category, whose grandmother-in-law was a Keiro resident. During his third song, “Livin’ in Paradise,” choreographed video images of Keiro residents and supporters evoked fond memories and served as a reminder of what Keiro is all about – providing seniors with the best quality of life possible.
Keiro's Next Generation
After a lively table game of Jan Ken Pon against Rob Fukuzaki, Lisa Sugimoto, a member of the Keiro Nursing Home board of directors and representative of the Sansei generation, spoke about the need to continue supporting Keiro in its next 50 years.
“Keiro is here, as all successful organizations, because it is meeting a need,” said Sugimoto, whose parents also support Keiro. “Its programs, services, and facilities are carefully and prudently managed. And now and into the future, for Keiro to continue its tradition of care, I ask you to join me by contributing to a legacy that serves us all.”
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| Shawn Miyake, president and CEO, speaks about Keiro’s legacy: caring for 125,000 families, and future: supporting our community to approach aging with confidence. |
The Next 50 Years
“Our legacy from the past 50 years may well be that we took care of our own,” said Shawn Miyake, president and CEO of Keiro Senior HealthCare, in his closing remarks. “As we look ahead to our next 50 years and anticipate new programs and services which will engage us individually to be more involved with our own health management, we can rest assured that Keiro will be here for us as an important safety net of senior care.”
The drawing for a 2011 Honda Accord, generously donated by American Honda Motor Co., Inc., added to the excitement of the day as winner Gilbert Nishimura was present at the luncheon. The Grateful Crane Ensemble, which traces its beginning to performances at Keiro, also performed a closing song, Ue O Muite Arukou.
50 Years, 50 Stories
To commemorate 50 years of enhancing the quality of senior life in our community, luncheon guests received a limited-edition publication, 50 Years, 50 Stories. This full-color book highlights some of the people, events, culture, and values that have shaped Keiro into the vibrant community it is today. To learn how you may purchase a copy, please call (323) 980-7582.
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| Gilbert Nishimura won the Honda Accord, donated American Honda Motor Co., Inc. |
Making an Impact
The event generated over $760,000, and net proceeds will benefit Keiro’s endowment fund. The fund helps to ensure Keiro’s ability to continue meeting the ever-changing health care needs of seniors at Keiro Nursing Home, South Bay Keiro Nursing Home, Keiro Intermediate Care Facility, Keiro Retirement Home or in the community through The Institute for Healthy Aging at Keiro.
For information on upcoming events, please visit www.keiro.org.
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