50+ Lifestyles

Aging and You

A Village That Cares: Behind the Scenes at Ridgecrest Village

By Jenny Kitsis
Director of Development
Ridgecrest Village

A heartfelt thank you to my colleague, Julie Arndt, marketing director at Ridgecrest Village, for sharing this space so I can take you behind the scenes of a community where caring isn’t just a value, it’s a way of life.

At Ridgecrest Village, life looks vibrant and full from the outside: friends chatting over coffee, a game of mahjong, neighbors walking together on sunny afternoons. But behind these moments is an entire network of people, resources, and programs working quietly to make them possible.

That’s where the Ridgecrest Village Foundation comes in. Our mission—to enhance, enrich, engage, and support the mission of those living at RCV—guides every decision we make. Sometimes that means funding new wellness equipment to keep residents moving and strong. Other times, it means creating special events that spark joy or providing financial support to residents who need a helping hand.

Our History

Ridgecrest Foundation’s charismatic founder, the late Reverend Dr. John W. Koning, strongly believed in the power of motivating the public to accomplish extraordinary goals and work together to benefit mankind. The development of our Senior Living Community is the result of his drive and ambition began as a dream, developed into a plan of action, and after enormous community effort and extensive fundraising, it became a reality.

Now, as responsible stewards of our resources and with a cautious eye on the changing patterns of giving, it was determined in 1997 to seek alternate sources of funding to ensure that Dr. Koning’s mission continues long into the future. The Ridgecrest Foundation began its operations as a separate entity and 501(c)(3) organization to better enrich and enhance the lives of those living at Ridgecrest. The fulfillment of Dr. Koning’s dream was carried on by his children, Constance Proffitt and John Koning, Jr., who made a very generous donation in their parents’ memory.

Connecting People and Possibilities

Jenny and resident Janice Grimm in Eastridge lobby, one of the many public gathering areas at Ridgecrest.

As the foundation director, one of the most rewarding parts of my role is connecting donors with meaningful ways to give back, whether that’s funding a much-needed project or supporting a resident program that will touch dozens of lives. I work closely with residents to understand their needs and dreams, then match those needs and dreams with donors who share the same passions. This bridge between generosity and impact is what keeps the heart of Ridgecrest beating strong.

Continuing the Legacy

Our donors are the unsung heroes who make our work possible. Whether their gifts are purchasing comfortable seating for community spaces or funding a cultural outing that leaves residents beaming, their generosity is woven into daily life here.

It takes more than bricks and mortar to make a village—it takes heart. Thanks to our foundation, our donors, and the legacy of Dr. Koning, that heart beats strong for every resident who calls Ridgecrest Village home.

An Invitation to Connect

If you would like to learn more about our special retirement community and arrange a tour, please contact Julie Arndt, marketing director at Ridgecrest Village. If you would like to learn more about the Ridgecrest Village Foundation and how you can be a part of our mission, please contact me, Jenny Kitsis, foundation director. Together, we can continue enhancing, enriching, engaging, and supporting the lives of those who call Ridgecrest Village home.

Jenny Kitsis is Director of Development at Ridgecrest Village. She can be reached at jkitsis@ridgecrestvillage.org.