Scarlet Elias (left), a 7th-grade student at St. Clare Walker Middle School, is recognized by Kathy Vesley (right), President & CEO of Bay Aging, for her outstanding fundraising efforts. Scarlet raised $1,005 in support of Bay Aging’s Caregiver Support Program and the Gloucester Adult Day Center.

– Bay Aging is proud to recognize the extraordinary efforts of Scarlet Elias, a 7th-grade student at St. Clare Walker Middle School, who raised $1,005 as part of her National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) community service project. Scarlet, who also serves as Vice President of her NJHS chapter, chose to support Bay Aging in honor of her great-grandmother, who lives with Alzheimer’s disease and attends Bay Aging’s Gloucester Adult Day Center.

Under the guidance of her teacher, Mrs. Marchetti, Scarlet organized and carried out a fundraiser that resulted in the generous donation. These proceeds will be split equally between Bay Aging’s Gloucester Adult Day Center and Caregiver Support Program, ensuring that both older adults and the family members who care for them receive the vital support they need.

On May 6, Bay Aging President & CEO Kathy Vesley and Kelsie Houston, Options Counselor for Caregiver Support, met with Scarlet and her mother at Bay Aging Headquarters in Urbanna to thank her in-person for her generous efforts. During her visit, Scarlet was presented with a certificate of appreciation and a heartfelt thank-you card from Vesley on behalf of the entire organization.

“Scarlet’s heartfelt initiative is a powerful example of how one young person can make a big impact,” said Kathy Vesley, President and CEO of Bay Aging. “Her support not only honors her great-grandmother’s journey but also brings meaningful assistance to so many others in our community.”

Bay Aging’s Caregiver Support Program provides critical resources for family members and friends caring for loved ones at home, particularly those living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. Services include respite care for caregivers, educational programs to empower them with knowledge, and emotional support to help them navigate their caregiving journey.

The Gloucester Adult Day Center offers a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment for older adults and individuals with disabilities. Participants benefit from social interaction, nutritious meals, and structured activities that promote cognitive and physical engagement—elements that are especially important for those living with dementia.

Scarlet’s support will help ensure these programs continue to uplift and sustain those who need them most.

If you or someone you know could benefit from Bay Aging’s services, we encourage you to call us at 800-493-0238 to learn how we can support you and your loved ones.

Bay Aging is deeply grateful to Scarlet Elias for her inspiring generosity, and applauds her leadership, compassion, and commitment to her community.