WinterFest 2025: A Celebration of Connection and Community
By volunteer Virginia
As a volunteer at Full Life Care for over two years, I’ve seen how Full Life is committed to the spirit of community and uplifting its clients, mainly elders and people with chronic or terminal illnesses and disabilities. This year, I had the pleasure of being part of the Social Committee that helped plan the spectacular WinterFest party for ElderFriends and Care Teams participants. It was the first high-attendance sit-down event since moving to the new Beacon Hill building, blending New Year, Lunar New Year, and Valentine’s Day into one joyous celebration.
A Feast to Remember
Longtime volunteer Cheryl, my colleague on the Social Committee, prepared an amazing lunch menu that included a chili bar, homemade cornbread and bundt cakes for dessert. 
Many attendees were pleasantly surprised by the spread and commented on how delicious the food was. The hot chocolate and cider station was also a hit—especially the coconut hot chocolate. “There were so many compliments about the food,” Care Teams Program Coordinator Kathryn shared, “People felt really cared for.”
Bingo and Bonding
Another Social Committee member, Kimberlee, enthusiastically endorsed a “human bingo” icebreaker. The interactive Bingo game was a huge success, getting attendees moving and talking. I met an elder named Clara, who approached me to ask if I spoke more than one language to help fill one of her Bingo slots. I did, and I asked her the same. It turns out she speaks many languages, including several indigenous to the Philippines. I was so happy for her when she ended up winning a big gift basket from the Bingo raffle—she was so excited about it! “It was heartwarming to see how engaged everyone was,” Cheryl noted. The prizes, simple but thoughtful, brought great enthusiasm.
A Special Robotics Demonstration
Woodinville High School teacher TJ, who grew up volunteering alongside his mother Cheryl as a teen, inspired his students to get involved in this year’s event. Robotics team “Velocity Raptors” wowed attendees with a moving, treat-distributing robot. They also helped with Bingo, greeting, setup and cleanup. “The students were great—so interactive,” Kathryn observed. One even struck up a conversation about pets, showing off pictures of his dog, Sawyer. Participants enjoyed the intergenerational interactions and students gave the service opportunity a 5-star review, appreciating the variety of opportunities to connect with our community.
Heartfelt Connections
WinterFest fostered meaningful interactions. ElderFriends Visiting Supervisor Crissy met longtime attendees she previously only met by phone, like Judi, who made a point to introduce herself. Other attendees, Felicia and her mother Irene, and Myrna who attended solo, exchanged numbers to visit Chihuly Garden and Glass together after receiving complimentary tickets at the party. “I love that people are connecting beyond our gatherings,” said Ginger, Director of Volunteer Programs. “That really gets to the heart of our goal to relieve isolation and build community.”
Lasting Impact
From delicious food to lively games and unexpected friendships, WinterFest embodied Full Life Care’s mission by fostering community and joy. “Participants just felt so much love and so much appreciation,” shared Kimberlee. “Whenever volunteers come, we make them feel included,” Cheryl noted. The robotics team even asked, “When’s the next one?”—a testament to the event’s success.
As I took photos throughout the event, I had the privilege of capturing laughter, excitement, and connection—moments of people hugging, sharing stories, and simply enjoying being together.
Thanks to all who made WinterFest 2025 unforgettable, especially my fellow Social Committee members, Cheryl, Kimberlee, Sandra, and Anneliese. Here’s to more moments of connection ahead!
Interested in Volunteering with Full Life Care? Learn more and fill out an interest form today! https://fulllifecare.org/ways-to-give/volunteer/
