Meadow Ridge Residents In Redding Raise $260K For Scholarships Supporting Associates And Their Families – Patch

REDDING, CT — Residents of Meadow Ridge, a continuing care retirement community in Redding, have raised more than $260,000 to fund scholarships for associates and their families.
Now in its 20th year, the Meadow Ridge Scholarship Fund is supported entirely by resident donations. This year’s campaign, led by resident Ruth Wolsch, resulted in 47 scholarships awarded to recipients pursuing a range of educational paths. Thirty-five will attend four-year colleges or universities, 10 will enroll in community colleges, and two are pursuing trade programs.
“It has been extremely satisfying to be able to award scholarships to help these recipients continue their education and reach their career goals,” said Wolsch, chair of the Scholarship Selection Committee.
The scholarship program was launched two decades ago by two residents aiming to support the educational aspirations of Meadow Ridge associates and their children. Each year, beginning in late winter, a six-member resident committee solicits donations, reviews applications, and conducts interviews over the course of five weeks.
Recipients say the support goes beyond financial assistance. Peyton Rysz, a rising sophomore at the University of New England, said the funds will help cover tuition as she pursues her dream of opening a restaurant. “It’s more than just a workplace to me; it’s a community,” Rysz said.
Lily Condosta, a rising sophomore at the University of Rhode Island, echoed that sentiment. “This scholarship is not just financial support, it is a powerful message that the residents believe in my future,” she said.
In addition to the scholarship initiative, Meadow Ridge residents also contribute annually to the Employee Appreciation Fund, which provides a year-end financial gift to all staff members.
“Residents are really bowled over by how well the staff takes care of them,” said Bill Balch, a member of both the Scholarship Fund and Employee Appreciation Fund committees. “We want to show appreciation for what [associates] give us in all areas of compassion.”
Meadow Ridge is a 136-acre continuing care retirement community managed by Benchmark Senior Living and developed by Senior Care Development, LLC. It offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing services. The community has been recognized in all four Best Senior Living categories by U.S. News & World Report.
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