Belvedere Senior Housing treats campus community, families, and friends to annual trunk-or-treat Halloween tradition

On Friday, October 24, the community was treated to Belvedere Senior Housing’s annual trunk-or-treat event on its campus. From 4-6 p.m., visitors could loop around the front parking lot at Belvedere Senior Housing to find a variety of candy options and an array of creative costumes.

In 2017, Belvedere Senior Housing opened its doors to give seniors an opportunity to enjoy an active community that maintains the health, wellness, dignity, and independence of every resident. The staff make it a focal point to create this environment through fun events like this traditional trunk-or-treat. Last year’s event was a huge success, but this year’s attendance proved Belvedere Senior Housing is a part of NWI’s Halloween tradition!

Belvedere Senior Housing’s team members have been getting everything prepared for this year’s events for the past several weeks. Along with having a committed group of staff members to set up the trunk-or-treat, the organization has also received donations from businesses and other community members. Sales and Marketing Director Andrea Puente is always up for an opportunity to showcase the Halloween spirit as part of the Belvedere Lifestyle.

“We’re so proud that every event is bigger than the year prior,” Puente said. “This is just an opportunity for us to open our doors to the community so they can see what life is like for our residents here. It’s overwhelming heartwarming to see our residents showing off their family and friends and making new friends!”

The residents participated in both handing out the candy and getting in line to fill up their own bags. Many of them were able to celebrate with family members and friends who don’t reside at Belvedere. The event provided free food and drinks for everybody who came out.

Puente is grateful that this event has become a staple for Belvedere Senior Housing. Many of the residents have been talking about the trunk-or-treat since shortly after last year’s event concluded. She admires how it helps the residents celebrate the fall season with the people they care about the most.

“Our residents are super excited. A lot of them have their grandchildren, great grandchildren, and entire family coming. Many have offered to volunteer handing out candy. They love to be a part of everything we do here.”

While the ultimate prize for this event is walking away with a bag full of candy, the trunk-or-treat also serves as an opportunity for attendees to become more familiar with the event vendors. Kids could enjoy the bounce house after they filled up their candy bags, and a Biggs Production helped mix the tracks throughout the evening. “My husband volunteered his services this year because he enjoys spending time with our residents and he also looks forward to the trunk-or-treat here,” said Business Office Manager, Jeannette Grier.

“It gives everyone a sense of safety knowing that we’re the ones who purchase or collect donations for candy. We’re very fortunate for our community partners who contributed nearly 500 pounds of candy! That was a huge support,” Puente said. “What makes our trunk-or-treat event so great is that we have something for everybody here.”

Despite this year being one of the colder trunk-or-treat events that Belvedere has hosted, the atmosphere was filled with chilling scares and smiles. The team at Belvedere Senior Housing is looking forward to more big events at the facility for the holiday season.

“Not only do our residents always look forward to this, but also families in the area,” Puente said. “It’s fun, safe, and a great way for our chef, Kristen LaPorte to show off her cooking skills. It’s also a great way for the Merrillville Police Department to come support the community as well. This year, The Winemac Old Auto Club brought in their classic cars, too! We’re always happy that people put our events on their calendars for the upcoming years. Participation increases year over year.”

Vendors at the event included Regional Health Systems, NorthShore Health Centers, and CoAction.

For more information on Belvedere Senior Housing, you can check out its Facebook page.