Sabal Palms Health Care Center in Largo has been named the first-place winner of FHCA’s 2024 Long Term Care Photo Contest, sponsored by Incite Strategic Partners, Inc. The winning photo, “Veterans Wall of Honor,” was taken by Sabal Palms Director of Life Enrichment, Lauren Evarts.
Evarts began her career as a recreational therapist, working with a variety of clientele from assisted living to behavioral health. Throughout her 20-year career, her time working with long-term care veteran residents has been her greatest influence. Of all the programs Evarts has facilitated since starting at Sabal Palms in 2017, she felt most drawn to the Yellow Ribbon and Valiant Veterans programs.
Evarts captured the winning photo of staff and residents alike honoring the service of Sabal Palms veterans.
“It has been my vision since first beginning at Sabal Palms seven years ago to create a wall honoring those who have served our country and protected our freedoms,” said Evarts. “This photo captures a moment in our community bringing together residents, families, volunteers, staff, and the surrounding community through a common bond of patriotism.”
The photo was taken at the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the center’s Veterans Wall of Honor during last year’s Veterans Day celebration. The ceremony opened with the pledge of allegiance followed by a set of patriotic songs shared by members of the center’s residents and staff. Sabal Palms Executive Director Theresa Felicione closed the unveiling with some moving words recognizing residents who served our country in our nation’s armed forces.
As the first-place winner, Sabal Palms received a $500 contribution from FHCA to sponsor a social event for residents and staff. Director Evarts will also receive a $50 gift card for her submission.
“We are inspired by the outpouring of submissions we received for this year’s long-term care photo contest,” said FHCA CEO Emmett Reed. “These photos, taken by caregivers, facility staff, and volunteers, capture the unique and special bonds shared in our long-term care communities. The stories shared through the pictures showcase the amazing history and relationships housed in each of our centers across the state. We are overjoyed each year to receive these submissions and learn more about the lives being changed through the kindness cultivated in our centers.”
FHCA’s Long-Term Care Photo Contest, sponsored by Incite Strategic Partners, Inc., is open annually to those who live, work, or volunteer in an FHCA member care center or work with an FHCA business partner. More than 200 photos were entered into this year’s contest, which focused on the theme “Cultivating Kindness” to recognize and reflect upon the acts of thoughtfulness and kindness happening in long term care centers across the state.
The winning photos were announced during National Skilled Nursing Care Week (May 12-18, 2024) on FHCA’s Facebook page and will be displayed during FHCA’s 2024 Annual Conference & Trade Show in Orlando. To read more about this year’s Long Term Care Photo Contest, click here.
