During Prairie Village’s annual VillageFest event on July 4, Claridge Court, a Lifespace Community, was named winner of the 2024 Community Spirit Award for business. Community Spirit Awards recognize those who have made significant contributions to the city and community.
Mayor Eric Mikkelson presented the award during VillageFest’s patriotic ceremony.
“Claridge Court has operated as a vibrant senior living community in Prairie Village for over 29 years,” Mikkelson said.
Rob Salierno, Executive Director of Claridge Court, accepted the award on behalf of the Claridge Court community. He noted that while Claridge Court is celebrating its 30th anniversary next year, many of its residents have been part of the community for much longer.
“We are so excited to be working with Prairie Village and honored to be accepting this award,” Salierno said. “Our philosophy is not to have people come to our community and retire from society, but to provide an opportunity to continue to be part of the amazing opportunities that Prairie Village offers as people continue to age.”
Claridge Court maintains active partnerships with Highlawn Montessori School, Rockhurst High School, and Shawnee Mission East High School and hosts events and groups onsite providing intergenerational interaction for students and residents. In 2015, the residents of Claridge Court contributed $42,500 to the Shawnee Mission Education Foundation to launch the district’s STEM program.
“Claridge Court is not only home to many former homeowners, leaders and volunteers from Prairie Village, the community continues to impact the community through its partnerships and philanthropic efforts,” Mikkelson said.
Annually, Claridge Court hosts a breakfast for police officers and first responders to thank them for their service and mark the anniversary of the September 11th attacks.
During the recent pandemic, Claridge Court delivered boxed lunches to the staff and teachers at both Highlawn Montessori and Corinth elementary schools to show their support of those teams. Post pandemic, Claridge Court team members and residents have combined efforts to deliver “kindness treats” to neighboring businesses, including Corinth Square, local banks, the library, public works, city hall, police and firefighters. Twice during the last two years on “World Kindness Day” and Valentine’s Day, team members and residents have created more than 600 chocolate treat bags and gone out to local businesses to deliver the treats and thank those businesses for the service that they provide in our community.
Claridge Court also partners with other local charities each year to hold a fundraising bake sale and art sale, with proceeds being donated to charity. Past recipients include: Alphapointe, Susan G Komen, Veterans Community Project and Parkinson’s Foundation. Claridge Court also highlights local Prairie Village businesses through a culinary program aimed at purchasing, serving and showcasing baked goods from local bakeries and restaurants. To celebrate Juneteenth, Claridge Court hosted an African drum group on its outdoor patio and invited the community to participate to honor this historic day.
In 2023, Claridge Court underwent a $4.5 million renovation that included a new outside terrace and sport court with an exterior wall mural. Claridge Court has offered use of those spaces, along with their conference room and banquet hall to local businesses for use for meetings and team building events.
“We want to continue to provide value, relationships and partnerships with groups and organizations in Prairie Village,” Salierno said.
Community Spirit Award recipients are recognized annually at Prairie Village’s annual July 4th event. If you would like to nominate someone in your neighborhood to recognize their contributions to the community, nominations will open online in February.
