A Championship Season

At The Belvedere of Westlake

How hosting a minor league baseball player helped Ohio’spremier assisted living facility score big with residents

Rae-Ann Skilled Nursing& Rehabilitation Centers

• Family-owned and operated since 1974• Nationally and regionally

recognized for excellence in skilled nursing and rehabilitation

• Located in Cleveland, Ohio

Rae-Ann Skilled Nursing& Rehabilitation Centers

Suburban Geneva

Westlake West Park

The Belvedere

The Belvedere of Westlake

• 33 suites• Exterior/Interior

design• Town Centre setting

The Belvedere of Westlake• Breakfast in our café• Lunch and dinner in our

restaurant style dining room

The Belvedere of Westlake• Studio and 1

bedroom suites feature private baths, kitchenettes, and in-suite laundry

The Lake Erie Crushers• Professional baseball team in the independent

Frontier League• 2009 Inaugural Season• Games played at new All Pro Freight Stadium in

neighboring Avon, Ohio

The Lake Erie Crushers

The Idea:Connecting the Belvedereand the Team• News story about the Crushers seeking host

families for players• Considered personal hosting, decided to consider

The Belvedere• Asked residents and staff and received an

enthusiastic “yes!”

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• Starting pitcher (right-handed)• Graduate of Dartmouth College• Drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 2005 and 2006• Signed with the Orioles in 2006 after graduation• Career Orioles minor league record of 3-1 with a

2.35 ERA• Signed with the

Crushers in 2009,at age 26, after 1 ½ years off due toshoulder injury

Josh Faiola

The Experience

The Experience

The Experience

The Experience

The Experience

The Experience

2009 League Championship!

The Lake Erie Crushers Win the

The Experience

The Experience

Media CoverageMay 11 – Josh’s story runs in

May 13 – reports on “Meet and Greet” event

May 14 – features story about Josh’s new living arrangement

May 17 – runs in-depth story on cover of “Friends & Neighbors” section

May 20 – visits The Belvedere for a live interview with Josh

May 21 – shares story with readers in Northeast Ohio

June 8 – Cindy meets with ESPN producer to discuss “Glory Days”

documentary

July 15 – begins filming Belvedere residents and Josh’s story

September 6 – attends Josh’s farewell party at The Belvedere

October 27 – broadcasts Glory Days documentary to a national audience of millions of viewers

Media Coverage

Media Coverage

Media Coverage

Benefits and Results

• Bridging generations, with benefits for both• Engaging residents with the community• Increase in community awareness• Local, regional, and national media coverage

about The Belvedere, Rae-Ann, and the Crushers

• Creating a partnership between Rae-Ann and the team

Josh Faiola, 2009, Pitcher• Married to Allison• 2 Kids: Carsyn and Cody• Living in Houston, TX• Inside Account Executive

for Alert Logic

“You gave us a beautiful home, have been great friends, and welcomed us like family. This has been an amazing experience.”

An Enduring Partnership

Joel Collins, 2010-2011, Catcher• 10th round draft pick for the Toronto Blue Jays in

2007• Married to Sierra, son Brody• Living in Lynchburg, VA• District store manager for Sprint

“The Belvedere played anenormous role in making this season one that we and our family will look back on with great memories.”

An Enduring Partnership

An Enduring Partnership

An Enduring Partnership

Travis Risser, 2012, Pitcher• 2010 Frontier League All Star Team• Living in Hershey, PA• Working for his dad’s business• Coaching high school pitching • Taking a year off from playing baseball

“[Residents] always wanted to know how the team was doing. The way they truly cared about me was something very special. From having one resident tell me I looked awful with facial hair to throwing out candy in parades, I really enjoyed interacting with the residents and will miss all of them.”

An Enduring Partnership

Jeff Isom, 2013, Manager• New Crushers Manager in 2013• Previously managed minor league

teams for the Milwaukee Brewers• Played for Purdue University and

San Diego Padres & Pittsburgh Pirates minor league teams

• Relocating to Cleveland

“I am thankful for the opportunity to be living in The Belvedere for the summer of 2013. I am looking forward to meeting my new neighbors.”

An Enduring Partnership

An Enduring Partnership

Lessons Learned

• “The game isn’t over until it’s over.”- Yogi Berra, NY Yankees Catcher

• “Good is not good when better is expected.”- Vin Scully, LA Dodgers Broadcaster

• “Think outside the batter’s box.”- Cindy Griffiths-Novak, The Belvedere of Westlake

Owner/Operator

For more information:

Cindy Griffiths-Novakcgnovak@rae-ann.net

Josh Faiolajoshfaiola@gmail.com