Holiday Retirement spotlights women’s achievements in celebration and honor of Women’s History Month

Lake Oswego, OR, March 15, 2015 – American history has long been associated with significant events and notable women who have made invaluable contributions to society in the past century. These women have achieved greatness in their lives by winning the right to vote in 1920; attaining permanent status in the military in 1948; and breaking male-dominated barriers to becoming astronauts, race car drivers, business and military leaders, politicians, and professional sports figures.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, 4,132 Holiday Retirement female residents responded to a four-question survey about the significance of women’s rights, women as role models, and hopes for women in the future.

* 69 percent of female residents polled feel winning the right to vote was the greatest accomplishment for women in the 20th century and today.

* 33 percent of survey participants felt that Eleanor Roosevelt and her vocal support of African-American civil rights poses her as the best role model for young women.

* 35 percent believe the U.S. will elect its first female president within the next 10 years; however, it is also important to note that 18 percent of senior women surveyed believe there will never be a female president.

* 47 percent of those surveyed list their biggest hope for women in the future as achieving equal pay with their male counterparts.

In addition to the survey, Holiday Retirement received stories about inspirational women and their role in helping to shape women’s roles as we know them today.

“There are thousands of amazing women who live at Holiday Retirement communities,” said Jamison Gosselin, vice president of marketing, communications, and resident enrichment for Holiday Retirement. “Over casual conversations, our residents may learn their neighbor was a former Olympic medalist, the first African American female basketball player, or even the recipient of a prestigious military award. These women are a great part of our history and our future.”

Many of these women have played an active role in history and now share their achievements with fellow residents in senior living communities across the country. Here are a few of their stories:

Annie P., lifelong champion of civil rights
Annie, a resident at Rancho Village in Palmdale, California, is well-known for her lifelong efforts as a civil rights activist; in fact, she chartered a chapter of the NAACP in the Pacoima neighborhood of Los Angeles in 1945. When Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated, she and her husband chartered a plane to attend the funeral. She participated in the procession that walked behind his casket for more than 3.5 miles. You can also find her name engraved in the wall at The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.

Judy D., 1952 Olympian
It was 63 years ago that Judy, now 90, represented the United States in the 1952 Helsinki Games, winning a silver medal in breaststroke. Judy was born and raised in southeast Portland and credits high school with where her Olympic dreams took hold. This Olympian now resides at Edgewood Downs in Beaverton, Oregon.

Lillie C., first African American female basketball player
At 90-years-young, Lillie was recently honored as one of the first African American women to play basketball in North Carolina. And for this momentous achievement, Lillie was named to the Hall of Fame at Atkins High School in North Carolina. Lillie grew up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, during a time of civil unrest in the South, but she was determined to be treated equally. She took part in protests and refused to leave lunch counters at North Carolina A&T University. Lillie considers herself as one of the original freedom riders. She currently lives at Forsyth Court in Winston-Salem.

Neva H., former Grand Prix driver and champion
At 92-years-old, Neva knows what it is like to have a need for speed. She’s a former Senior Malibu Grand Prix driver—and champion. Neva’s favorite part of racing: “Beating all the other men drivers.” She began racing in 1970, once her children were full-grown. Today, Neva proudly displays her awards at The Worthington in Gahanna, Ohio.

Katherine H., Order of Military Medical Merit award recipient
Known to many as Lieutenant Colonel Katherine H., she began her career in the U.S. Army as a volunteer in the wake of Pearl Harbor. Now, at 101 years old, Katherine is one of very few to receive the Order of Military Medical Merit award. This prestigious award recognizes Army medical personnel who have demonstrated the highest standards of integrity and moral character. She now calls Essington Place in Joliet, Illinois, home.

“These women are just five of the many who left major marks on American history, changing the future for men and women alike,” said Gosselin. “We encourage everyone to learn from our Greatest Generation and to strive to make their own impact on history.”

Access Women’s History Month infographics and learn more about notable women in a Holiday Retirement community at holidaytouch.com/women.

Media Contacts:
Brian K. Fawkes
Holiday Retirement
(971) 245-8837
brian.fawkes@holidaytouch.com

About Holiday Retirement
Since 1971, Holiday Retirement has endeavored to provide its signature “Holiday Touch” to residents and their families. Today, Holiday is a trusted name in senior living and provides security, comfort, and value to independent seniors seeking a fulfilling lifestyle. Holiday operates more than 300 retirement communities, making it the second largest senior housing operator in the United States. For more information about Holiday Retirement, please call 800-322-0999 or visit www.holidaytouch.com.

Contact:
Molly Koch
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
720-726-5435
mkoch@csg-pr.com
http://www.holidaytouch.com