Watercrest Senior Living's Costume Contest Delivers Big Fun and Community Spirit

Watercrest Senior Living's 2nd Annual Costume Contest

The spooktacular season of Halloween saw Watercrest Senior Living Group hosting its second annual community costume contest, promoting creativity and camaraderie among associates, residents, and their families. The event followed the success of the previous year's costume competition, which encouraged participants to fully embrace the festive spirit with elaborate costumes and themed presentations across various Watercrest locations.

This year, enthusiasm soared, marked by a remarkable social media engagement that included over 22,000 likes, comments, and interactions within a mere four days. Watercrest communities, stretching from South Florida to Virginia and Texas, united in their creative expressions, crafting distinctive costumes that captivated all involved. Each location showcased unique themes — from a carnival spectacle at Watercrest Buena Vista to a thrilling 'Wicked' experience at Watercrest Spanish Springs, culminating in a full-fledged performance of 'The Monster Mash' at Watercrest Myrtle Beach.

The competition was not just about showcasing creativity but also about engaging with the community. The choice of themes encouraged interactions among members of each community, driving their spirits up. Participants and voters shared a journey through captivating costumes, creating an environment rife with excitement and joy. Votes poured in through Facebook pages, where audience participation outstripped industry standards by more than threefold. With a staggering reach of about 195,000 impressions, the event touched many lives, illustrating Watercrest's commitment to creating vibrant and supportive environments for seniors.

The engagement rate skyrocketed to 11.1%, a significant achievement when compared to the typical 1-4% considered good in the senior living sector. Among fierce competition, Pelican Landing Assisted Living and Memory Care clinched the title with their delightful Minion-themed entry, led by the charming character Gru. Following closely was Watercrest St. Lucie West, dazzling voters with a stunning circus performance replete with colorful performers and a lovable lion.

Jessica Desjarlais, Watercrest's Director of Associate Experience, expressed immense pride in the community's response, stating, “Our second annual Watercrest costume competition generated so much community-wide enthusiasm and collaboration. We experienced an exponential increase in our social media engagement and voting.” The event brought residents and staff together in unprecedented ways, culminating in a joyous celebration filled with laughter and creativity.

Residents actively participated by hosting costume parties, joining trunk-or-treat events, and contributing to the voting process. The imaginative themes included beloved characters from popular culture that spurred participation and creativity. For instance, Watercrest Richmond's team enchanted the crowd with a Harry Potter-themed costume, while teams from Watercrest Winter Park and Sage Park Austin celebrated nostalgia with characters like The Wizard of Oz, I Love Lucy, and even Little Red Riding Hood. Even local entrants like Watercrest Fredericksburg, under construction and gearing up to welcome residents, partook in the event with a 'Golden Girls' theme.

This lively interaction creates more than just memories; it strengthens community bonds and underscores Watercrest Senior Living Group’s mission. Founded by Marc Vorkapich and Joan Williams, Watercrest aims to honor seniors and their families, promoting an environment where the unique gifts of their associates are celebrated to enhance the lives of residents. With a reputation for luxury, exceptional amenities, and innovative memory care programming, Watercrest continues to elevate the quality of senior living.

For anyone interested in seeing the whimsical costume submissions, Watercrest invites everyone to visit their official Facebook page, where the spirit of creativity and fun lives on. As the organization builds towards future events, the emphasis remains on fostering an inclusive atmosphere that celebrates life, community, and the artistic talents of residents and associates alike. As Watercrest Senior Living Group expands its presence in the senior living landscape, they remain committed to leading with heart and purpose.