New Passenger Bus for Sunrise Residents

September 29, 2009

Sunrise Celebrates the Arrival of Bus

Donors are invited to sign their name on the new 14-passenger bus of Sunrise Retirement Community at a "send-off" party to celebrate the new service before the bus takes its first trip with seniors on Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 2 p.m.

Refreshments will be served. Sunrise residents will travel to Stone State Park to see the changing colors of fall.

The bus was made possible through a grant from Missouri River Historical Development (MRHD) and friends of Sunrise.

"MRHD started the wheels turning with a $10,000 grant and our Sunrise donors came up with the balance to help us purchase our bus," said Lorrie Stedman, director of fund development. "We are grateful to MRHD for their support, and humbled by the many donations we received from our donors including our residents and staff."

"Our residents have been looking forward to this bus to enjoy a new sense of freedom," says Alan Bruinsma, administrator at Sunrise. "We will use it to increase our field trips that enhance the quality of life and care for our residents."

The bus also will transport independent residents living at the newly opened The Pointe at Sunrise to cultural and community events, appointments and shopping areas. The bus is the second community vehicle on campus. Staff also drive residents in a golf cart on the spacious campus.

With 180 employees and 250 residents, Sunrise is Siouxland's only community based, non-profit retirement community with a local board of directors guiding its growth. Sunrise provides the entire continuum of care from independent living options to memory care centers for residents with Alzheimer's. To learn more call Stedman at 712-276-3821, Ext. 3144.