PINE RUN VILLAGER

Nestled in the countryside along tree-lined Ferry Road in Central Bucks County, the beauty of Pine Run Retirement Community’s signature 43-acre campus captivates residents—affectionately called Villagers—and visitors alike. A donor who lives at Pine Run, and wishes to remain anonymous, made her leadership gift earlier this year earmarked to elevate the natural beauty of Pine Run’s landscape.

She says she was initially drawn to the community because of its idyllic setting and affiliation with Doylestown Hospital. “The compassionate care my late husband received at Doylestown Hospital was so comforting at a difficult time,” says the Villager. “The continuum of care Pine Run offers is so important. I never considered anywhere else to live at this stage of my life but Pine Run.”

Doylestown Health purchased Pine Run Retirement Community in 1992. “It was part of a long-term vision to establish a comprehensive range of health services integrating patient-oriented care through all stages of life,” says Jim Brexler, President and Chief Executive Officer, Doylestown Health.

“As we age, it’s so comforting for our children to know we are in a place where we are cared for and valued,” the Villager says. “Pine Run is a beautiful place to live, and the reassurance of having the hospital affiliation is a part of it.”

Connecting with nature has been shown to promote physical, mental, and spiritual healing, and green spaces like those featured at Pine Run are especially beneficial for healthy aging in seniors. Thus, landscape enhancements are a significant element of the three-part master plan to improve, enhance, and renovate Pine Run’s campus.

Phase I began in 2017 with renovations to the Health Center, and the opening of the Community Center in 2019 initiated Phase II. As a signature priority of ONE VISION: The Campaign for Doylestown Health, the Community Center—known as the “Hub”— features creative dining, fitness, recreation, and learning spaces.

Since its completion, outdoor areas of the Hub have extended opportunities for Villagers to gather and socialize, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic evolved. “Many of our Villagers have shared how much they appreciate the ways our campus environment and open spaces allow them to fully enjoy an active lifestyle,” says Maria Santangelo, Executive Director of Pine Run Retirement Community. Visible just across the pond, the Pine Run “Never Forget Garden” pays tribute to military veterans and their families, offering a peaceful place to honor those who have served and sacrificed for our country. As the new projects evolved, so did interest in enhancing the grounds sooner than originally planned.

“I saw an opportunity to support things that I care about that enhance the beauty of our campus for all of us to enjoy,” says the Villager. “And, Tom Hebel, President of Bucks Country Gardens, was instrumental in the design and execution of this challenging project.”

“By designing a beautiful, terraced garden landscape around the pond, we are creating another outdoor space for reflection and enjoyment,” shares Santangelo. “All of us are deeply moved that our benefactor wants to dedicate the new garden in memory of our colleague and beloved former executive director, Cathleen Stewart, who passed away in 2019. Cathleen would have been so proud of realizing every new step in this exciting vision for Pine Run and humbled that a Villager made such a generous gift in her memory.”

“This gift, among other recent philanthropic gifts to support Pine Run’s campus transformation projects, underscores just how committed the Villagers are to stewarding the natural beauty of the campus community for each other and for future residents to enjoy,” says Laura Wortman, Vice President and Chief Development Officer, Doylestown Health.

“Plans to renovate the Craft Barn in our next project phase are underway now with input from our Villagers,” says Santangelo. In keeping with the original character of the Craft Barn, initial design plans include a stunning wall of windows which will allow plenty of natural light for artists. Santangelo continues, “The artistic endeavors of our painters, woodworkers, potters, writers, needleworkers, and others enrich all of our lives, personally and professionally.”

“The connection between art and nature at Pine Run is something I cherish, like many of my fellow Villagers,” says the donor. “I am so pleased I am able to support things that I care about right here in my community.”

Article appears in the 2021 Philanthropy Report

About Doylestown Health Foundation

As the philanthropic arm of Doylestown Health, the Doylestown Health Foundation raises funds to safeguard the future of excellence in patient care and improves the quality of life for all members of our Central Bucks County community and beyond.