David Ammons has been part of Springmoor since our community was being constructed. “So many people, so many memories, so much joy,” he says as he reflects on our 40-year history.
David graduated from college in May 1985 and came to work at Springmoor in June, just two and a half weeks later. “When I first started working here, the birth dates of the residents were as early as the 1890s. Some were my friends’ grandparents. As the years passed, the parents of my friends began moving in. Now, my friends are getting on the waitlist.”
The first full-service retirement community located in Raleigh, North Carolina, Springmoor has always offered independent living as well as a full continuum of on-campus healthcare services. The community has evolved over the decades to respond to changes in the needs and preferences of older adults and is now home to almost 600 residents.
Thirty-five of our current residents have lived at Springmoor for more than 15 years. Of these 35, 25 are still living independently. Debbie Reynolds has lived here the longest; she has been a resident for 31 years!
Celebrating Springmoor’s 40th Anniversary
Springmoor coordinated a series of fun and meaningful events leading up to the anniversary. The first was a reception for second-generation residents held in August. “We have 38 second-generation residents,” David says. “Many find it amazing there are currently almost 40 people living at Springmoor who had a parent, aunt, uncle, or other older family member live here before they did. The reception was an emotional event.”
In September 2024, three additional events helped us celebrate the milestone of four decades of service to residents. A presentation on Springmoor’s history was held in the auditorium. Springmoor management offered insights into the origins of the community and the vision of founders Jud and Jo Ellen Ammons.
David located folks who had been on the staff when Springmoor began, and about five of them were able to return to campus to relate their thoughts and experiences. “These folks remembered the opening of the community fondly,” David says. “The auditorium was full, and we all enjoyed reconnecting and talking about the early days.”
About a week later, Springmoor recognized all employees with 20 or more years of service at a catered reception. “We have about 50 employees with 20+ years of experience,” David says. “It was extremely moving as everyone at the event had the opportunity to introduce themselves.”
He adds, “It blows me away that many people have given their entire careers to Springmoor. To name just one example, there’s an employee in Dining Services who has been here for 35 years, and his wife has worked here almost as long. They met here.”
David expresses deep appreciation for all Springmoor staff. “They provide consistently excellent service and frequently develop strong relationships with residents and their families. Springmoor is an exceptional place to retire because of their hard work every day.”
On a beautiful fall evening at the end of September, our series of 40th anniversary events concluded with an upscale barbecue. All three of David’s siblings attended. Each of them has connections to Springmoor through their parents, as well as friends and extended family.
The event was held on the South Village Lawn. It featured a delicious meal from our Dining Services Department and the wonderful big band sound of Casablanca Orchestra.
Looking back over the decades
When David began his career at Springmoor, he shared an office with Phyllis Mayo. She served residents as a social worker from the time of the community’s founding until 1991, and she then held the position of chaplain from 1992–2019. In 2017, Phyllis became a resident of Springmoor and continues to enjoy life as a member of the community.
These types of personal histories are common at Springmoor. Many residents and staff members met their spouses while living or working on our campus. David says, “Many of our staff are also life-long best friends. Outside of work, they walk together, vacation together, and take care of each other’s children.”
He continues, “My feelings about this community of people are so deep and personal that they’re hard to put into words. Springmoor is so much more than the number of units we have and the square footage and our service programs. It’s all about the relationships between the wonderful people who make up the community.”
The Springmoor Endowment Fund: Neighbors Helping Neighbors
The Springmoor Endowment Fund is a cornerstone of life at the community that helps ensure guaranteed residency for life for every resident. David explains that Springmoor, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to which people can give a tax-deductible donation. Soon after Springmoor was founded, the leadership recognized the need for an endowment fund as well.
“Springmoor, Inc. has a contractual obligation to continue to care for people who exhaust their funds through no fault of their own,” David says. “The earnings from the Springmoor Endowment Fund can offset the amount that Springmoor, Inc. spends to take care of any resident who runs out of money. In fact, over the past few years, the Endowment earnings have almost completely covered care for people who need assistance.”
The Endowment Fund is a separate legal entity from Springmoor, Inc. All donations to the Endowment are 100% protected, and all expenses related to running the fund come from the earnings. “We’ve never touched any of the principal,” David says.
Residents are unaware they are the recipient of funds from the Endowment. The board reviews and approves the need for funds on a case-by-case basis. “It’s wonderful to me that the Endowment functions the way it does because almost anyone can outlive their money,” David says. “The fact that the support is anonymous is something the board and I feel is very important.”
David (left) with Brandon Hair, Executive Director of Springmoor from 2015–2024, at the 40th Anniversary Barbecue.
He continues, “We’ve been extremely happy that a large percentage of residents have consistently donated to the Endowment Fund over the years. Some people also leave a donation in their will, and some residents’ families request that donations to the endowment be given instead of flowers when someone passes away. Because the principal is protected and the Endowment helps neighbors, most residents feel very comfortable giving to it.”
The Endowment Fund has grown tremendously over the years, in part based on earnings. A resident committee of the Springmoor Residents Association also focuses on growing the Endowment, and they conduct an annual fundraising campaign that includes events such as a yard sale.
Is Springmoor the Right Fit for You?
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David speaking with Beth Holden, Director of Sales & Marketing, at the 40th Anniversary Barbecue in September 2024. Beth has been on the Springmoor staff for more than 25 years.
Springmoor is a nonprofit CCRC that offers seniors a variety of residence options ranging from apartments to larger villas and homes. If you’re looking for an active senior living community in Raleigh, call us at 919-848-7080 with your questions. Our friendly team looks forward to meeting you soon!
Are you interested in becoming part of Springmoor’s exceptional team? Visit the careers page of our website to view our current job openings and apply online.
