A day of appreciation filled with competition and camaraderie.

C.A.R.E.S. had its Olympic Day and awards luncheon on Aug. 16 at Indian Trail Park in Northampton.

C.A.R.E.S. was founded by sisters Sheila Davison-Bray, CEO, and Lori Miller, president, in 2013. According to a press release, C.A.R.E.S. “exists to empower individuals to maximize their potential and opportunities and provides a family-oriented, strength-based adult day program that focuses on maximizing Independence, life-skills, decision-making abilities, personal growth and vocational training.”

The Tamaqua Chamber honored Davison and Miller with the 2019 Business Person of the Year award in April.

“We’ve been growing quite rapidly,” said Lance Williams, marketing communications specialist of C.A.R.E.S. “Almost every year, we’re bringing on at least one new program. We’re at six programs now and we’re really excited about Sept. 16, we’ll be opening our seventh day program in the northeastern area, which will be Hazleton. That’s coming up quickly, and we’re excited.”

About 70 C.A.R.E.S. VIPs from across six campuses in northeast Pennsylvania attended Olympic Day. There were 10 different stations of games set up that the VIPs participated in.

“We do maybe one or two big events each year that we get everyone together,” Williams said. “This was the event that we bring everyone together to appreciate our VIPs, in a way to recognize all of their accomplishments and contributions to the community and all that they do for everyone.”

Most VIPs attend the program to work four or five days per week. The event earlier in August was a way to unwind, take a break and hang out with friends and colleagues.

The group enjoyed some delicious catered food, which was followed by an awards ceremony to wrap up the afternoon.

“It was a good time for them,” Williams said. “There were smiles everywhere, and everyone was laughing and having a good time. They enjoyed the company. A lot of our VIPs were saying it’s like a C.A.R.E.S reunion. When they get together, it means the world to them to know there’s people all across Pennsylvania that are within their C.A.R.E.S. family. It’s great for them when they get to touch base.”