On March 21, O’Neil Healthcare hosted its annual Easter Eggstravaganza, bringing together residents, staff, and families to enjoy an early Easter celebration. The event featured photos with the Easter bunny, festive decorations, coloring, games, and the main attraction: the Easter egg hunt.
Upon entering, guests were greeted by the Easter Bunny on a colorful pastel bench, ready to greet all who walked through the door and take pictures.
This event has played a huge part in the mood and morale at O’Neil Healthcare.
“Today is a part of a tradition,” said Mott Wagner, an employee at O’Neil Healthcare. “Every year we have this event for our staff’s children, and the residents’ children are allowed to come in and enjoy the Easter bunny and all the festivities.”
The party room was filled to the brim with laughter from guests of all ages. The room radiated a feeling of joy and unity, raising the emotions and making all in attendance feel lighter.
Wagner saw the event as a large boost in both staff and community morale. “I think it improves our morale because it just gives the staff a chance to be a little free, just enjoying getting to spend time with their kids,” Wagner said.
Wagner, along with the rest of the staff, made the scene vibrant and joyful for all attendees, living up to the high values O’Neil upholds.
“I think today reflects our values as a community-oriented place,” Wagner said. “We’re here for our community and our residents, especially, and for their children.”
For employees like Shaniqua Johnson, who attended with her daughter, the event was a positive experience, bridging her work and home life. “I think they do a lot for the staff and the community here; the kids have fun,” Johnson said.
The grand finale of the event, the egg hunt, is one of the biggest hits of the event. “My favorite part is probably the Easter egg hunt,” Johnson, who assisted her one daughter in the hunt, said.
Johnson viewed the Eggstravaganza as an important experience for young families, providing children with a safe space to enjoy themselves. “It’s nice; I think it’s a good thing for the youth,” Johnson said.
Grace Zielinski, another O’Neil employee, attended with her friend Denise, a resident at the facility. She had one word for it: “I would describe it as fun, because there are a lot of fun things going on.”
However, the most meaningful part of the event wasn’t the activities, but the companionship. “My friend Denise is here with me,” Zielinski said, highlighting the bond between staff and residents.
Zielinski believes events like the Easter Eggstravaganza are great and encourages people to attend in the future. “I would say it is a lot of fun for all ages,” Zielinski said.
This event isn’t just about the candy and the colors; it is an event for people to be with one another, to enjoy each other’s company, and to take time away from the stress and pressure of day-to-day life. No matter how old or young, it is always nice to take a break and have fun with loved ones.
