ENCINITAS, California —The opportunity to honor Pam Ferris is indeed a celebration in every sense of the word. Pam began her professional career with the organization in 1989, though she had previously served as an intern while in graduate school at SDSU. Her career spans several decades, and she has been an instrumental part of the organization’s development and success. What a great occasion it will be to recognize her 35 years of dedicated leadership while honoring the 80th anniversary of Seacrest Village Retirement Communities.
After her internship, Pam went to work for another healthcare organization. Fortunate were we to have her come back as the administrator of The San Diego Hebrew Home for the Aged (as we knew it then). By 1990, she transferred to the Encinitas campus to open the Seacrest Village nursing home and all succeeding buildings. Pam has served as the President and CEO since 2000, overseeing a beautiful campus offering four levels of care for our community.
A long career comes with many personal and professional blessings. Robin Israel, Seacrest Foundation’s Chief Foundation Officer states, “This has been an almost 35-year journey of friendship and professional success. We have been blessed to take care of our own family members at Seacrest for which we are both so grateful.” Israel also noted that the night before a building opened for the first time, she and Ferris would spend the night to make sure all systems were in place before residents arrived. “We even spent the first night in the assisted living building once residents were admitted.” She smiled as she recalled going with Ferris to check on residents in the middle of the night to see if they were warm enough—”We just couldn’t sleep unless we knew they were comfortable.” Another long-time colleague and friend of 26 years, Bradley Blose, said of Pam, “We truly grew up together and have been blessed to work in a place we love so deeply.” Brad began his relationship with Seacrest in 1994 as an auditor while working for Arthur Anderson, and then began his employment with Seacrest Village Retirement Communities in 1996. He now serves as the Chief Financial Officer. Over the years, Blose and Ferris have shared many lifecycle events as well as professional successes that will always hold special meaning for him. He spoke about spending time together in Israel as part of a community trip and how meaningful that was for him. Blose further says, “Pam cares so deeply about each resident, and it shows in everything she does. I am fortunate to call her my friend and colleague.”
Ferris has been steadfast in her dedication to the residents and the staff. She makes it very evident that the most important work that the organization does is to provide a safe and secure home for those who otherwise could not afford it. According to Carl Measer, Chief Operating Officer since 2016, “Since the day I met Pam, I knew immediately how dedicated and caring she was about the residents, staff, and families. She is a wonderful mentor, advocate for the elderly, and steward for the Homes.” Measer worked for the organization in the 1990’s and came back in 2016 to rejoin the Seacrest family. Chief of Human Resources, Heidi Kvitli, explained, “Pam knows everyone and lets each employee know how important they are to the success of the organization. She walks the halls daily and is so involved with what happens with our staff. Her open-door policy allows each employee to feel safe and comfortable.”
A large part of Ferris’ career was spent with colleagues, Renee Leger and Kathy Sanger, who served on the executive team with her, Blose, and Israel for over 20 years. Both women, one traveling thousands of miles, will be in attendance as she is honored.
Seacrest Foundation and the Women’s Auxiliary will host the Ruby Jubilee Gala honoring Pam on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in Carlsbad, with Merrill and Robert Haimsohn, Erica and Steven Ratner, and Robin and Leo Eisenberg serving as Gala Chairs. Proceeds from the annual gala are directed to benefit the Seacrest Village charitable care program, known as the Resident Assistance Fund. The Fund provides support for current and future residents who have depleted their financial resources and may have nowhere else to turn for housing and healthcare.
The evening will celebrate the many residents and families whose lives have been transformed as a result of the care and services they receive at Seacrest Village. This will be a very special event honoring Pam Ferris while also celebrating the 80th Anniversary of Seacrest Village Retirement Communities being a lifeline in our community. Hundreds of guests are expected to attend to support this important cause.
Mary Epsten, Seacrest Foundation Board Member and Women’s Auxiliary President is creating a dedicated Steering Committee to make this a memorable evening.
“For 40 years, the San Diego community has turned out in impressive numbers to help raise money that gives hope to seniors who are desperately in need of housing, comfort, and support,” said Cindy Bloch, President of Seacrest Foundation. “Each year we gather to support Seacrest Village’s important mission of providing services to seniors in a Jewish environment that promotes community, independence, and innovation, while having fun at the same time. We know over the next many years that the need for senior care will increase exponentially as baby boomers require assistance, and I am grateful to the entire community for its support.”
More information about the July 8, 2023 Ruby Jubilee Gala, please contact Karen Moy, Special Events Manager at 760-516-2000 or kmoy@seacrestfoundation.org. Information regarding registration and philanthropic opportunities will be available in November at seacrestfoundation.org.
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Preceding provided by Seacrest Foundation