Showing appreciation

Members of the Meadowbrook Church Caregivers group received a proclamation for Family Caregivers Appreciation Month from the county commission during the Nov. 4 meeting. [Photo courtesy Marion County]

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Posted November 19, 2025 | By Susan Smiley-Height, [email protected]

On Nov. 4, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed November 2025 as Family Caregivers Appreciation Month, recognizing the dedication, compassion and selfless care of family caregivers across the county.

The commissioners presented a proclamation to members of a Meadowbrook Church Caregivers group who were in attendance and reminded guests of a special event on Nov. 8 on the downtown square.

On that day, a crowd of family caregivers and supporters filled the square for the Family Caregivers Appreciation Celebration.

Organized by Rizing Starz Inc., Elder Options, Quad Nurse and the Meadowbrook Church Caregivers Caregivers Group, the free two-hour event honored the approximately 70,000 family caregivers who live in Marion County, according to Leah Taylor with Rizing Starz.

“Attendees connected with 13 resource booths, heard inspiring greetings from Rev. Herran Ybarra, Ocala City Council Member Jim Hilty, Marion County School Board member Allison Campbell, recording artist Joivan Jiménez and a Hope Florida Senior Navigator. Family caregivers Linda Lofton and Rob Drescher told stories that brought tears and cheers. Cheryl Walker, who has cared for her daughter and grandchildren since a near-fatal car crash in September, traveled from Miami to preside over the event,” Taylor noted via email.

“Attendees danced to non-stop music by our amazing DJ Marco Polo, enjoyed free massages from SIME and animal drawings by Rob Smith, and received more than enough keepsakes to take home. A treasure hunt card guided guests to every booth, including the Transitions Life Center Coffee Cart Enterprise and the Step & Repeat booth, ensuring meaningful interactions, and, at one point, the crowd stopped to honor our veterans. Several guests walked away as winners of a generous gift basket, donations from sponsors, booth partners and community friends,” Taylor added.

The event followed last year’s city of Ocala proclamation and this year’s Marion County proclamation, both designating November as Family Caregiver Appreciation Month.

The press release from Marion County announcing the designation of the month stated that, “Family caregivers provide vital support to young children, aging parents, adults with disabilities and others in need. Their contributions often include physical, emotional and financial support, help with medical care and assistance with daily household responsibilities and transportation. These efforts allow loved ones to remain in their homes and communities with dignity and comfort.

“While caregiving can bring deep satisfaction, it also presents challenges that can impact a caregiver’s physical and emotional health. The county commission encourages the community to take time this month to honor and support these individuals whose work is essential but often goes unrecognized.”