Griswold Recaps Successful Olympic-Themed Event for Jean Griswold Foundation’s Caregiver Scholarship Program

Griswold, a leading name in non-medical home care franchises, recently celebrated its annual fundraiser highlighted by Olympic-themed challenges, capitalizing on the excitement around the Paris summer games. The ongoing campaign aims to raise awareness and funds for the Jean Griswold Foundation (JGF) while the special decathlon event fostered a sense of community and friendly competition among franchisees.

“The JGF Olympic Decathlon challenge has showcased the dedication and community spirit of our franchisees,” said Michael Slupecki, CEO of Griswold. “Their participation and enthusiasm has highlighted the collective commitment to supporting and empowering caregivers. We are incredibly proud of our company’s efforts and the positive impact we’ve made.”

The JGF Olympic Decathlon

The JGF Olympic Decathlon consisted of 10 engaging events designed to promote the foundation’s mission and support caregivers through educational scholarships. Franchisees enthusiastically participated in these events, showcasing their commitment to the cause.

The challenge also included tasks designed to help locations grow their business, like community networking, social media engagement, email marketing and more.

Impact and Success

One standout franchisee was Michelle Still, director of the Blue Bell Griswold office in Pennsylvania, who has been with the company for 25 years. Still was hired by Jean Griswold herself, and her deep connection to the brand continues to fuel her passion for supporting caregivers. 

“For me, the respect and regard that Jean always gave our caregivers was what I loved most about the brand,” said Still. “Caregivers don’t make a ton of money — but what drives me to support the foundation is seeing the difference it makes. We’re giving back to the community — they give so much to us and our clients. These caregivers are exceptional human beings.”

Still's office organized a bake sale as part of the Olympic campaign, raised a significant amount of money and completed all 10 events. “We took our annual bake sale to another level, setting up in the building lobby for all the tenants,” she said. “It was a great way to raise funds and talk about what Griswold does. Our efforts exceeded expectations, and we were able to share how the Jean Griswold Foundation supports overlooked caregivers.”

Kelly Howard, a Griswold franchise owner in Connecticut, has deep roots in the company, having joined her mother’s franchise after college. Along with her sister, they co-manage the Stratford, Bethel and Hamden offices, which covers much of the state. Howard has a strong passion for caregiving, having worked directly with clients and caregivers for years. 

During the Olympic Fundraiser, her team nominated one of their long-time caregivers for a scholarship, raised money through local outreach, and completed all of the 10 tasks.

“Caregivers are the backbone of this industry,” said Howard. “Many have overcome difficult pasts and are truly defying the odds. They’re working hard to get on a better path, but often can’t afford to take the next step in their careers, whether it's pursuing a CNA or LPN license. That’s why it's so important to give them the opportunity to advance, earn a pay raise and seek out new positions. It’s crucial that we let them know we care and support their growth.”

Maryanne Murray, chair of the Jean Griswold Foundation, played a pivotal role in the fundraising campaign by organizing outreach and raising $2,500 herself, which she matched. Her daughter, who also works with Griswold, hosted a local brewery event that generated additional funds and raised awareness for the foundation. 

“Caregivers often go unrecognized, and this was a wonderful way to show our appreciation for all they do,” said Murray. “The support we provided through the fundraiser helps them enhance their skills and advance their careers.”

A Night to Remember

The JGF Olympic Decathlon culminated in a festive Awards Ceremony at the Griswold conference in Chicago. 

“By the end of the event, we raised over $115,000 for caregiver scholarships through the Jean Griswold Foundation,” said Murray. “It was exhilarating to see everyone get into the spirit of giving back. The audience was so generous, and the energy at the ceremony was incredible.”

Highlights included a medal ceremony, cool prizes, branded JGF Olympic gear and a special toast. Even franchisees who could not attend the conference were celebrated for their achievements with a gift basket being sent to each Decathlon finisher.

“The success of this year’s fundraiser is a testament to the strength and unity of the Griswold family,” said Slupecki. “The JGF Olympic Decathlon was a fun way to jump on the summer’s olympic craze, and we are more committed than ever to supporting caregivers and making a positive impact on our communities.”

Griswold’s annual fundraising campaign for the Jean Griswold Foundation continues through the end of the year. To donate, visit www.JeanGriswoldFoundation.org.

To learn more about franchising with Griswold, visit here. To read our latest news, visit our online newsroom.

ABOUT GRISWOLD

With over 170 locations in 32 states, Griswold is one of the country’s top home care companies, providing professional, compassionate caregivers 24/7. Griswold’s “Live Assured” promise gives both clients and their loved ones peace of mind, so they can live without the weight of worry. Griswold helps adults maintain quality of life despite advanced age, onset of illness, or post-surgery recovery through services including companion care, home services, personal care, and respite care. Founded by the late Jean Griswold in 1982, the company has maintained its founder’s profound sense of empathy for older and disabled adults and those living with chronic conditions. In 2023, Griswold was ranked #267 on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 and named a 2023 and 2024 Best of Home Care® Endorsed National Provider. For more information, visit www.griswoldcare.com or call 215.402.0200.

ABOUT THE JEAN GRISWOLD FOUNDATION

Honoring the founder of Griswold Home Care, Dr. Jean Griswold, The Jean Griswold Foundation is a public non-profit whose primary goal is to support caregivers. Funds raised through private donors, corporations, franchisees, and employees will focus on caregiver education through scholarships. The Jean Griswold Foundation believes that everyone deserves to age with dignity, and the availability of quality caregivers is the key to achieving this goal. By supporting the profession of caregiving in all its forms, communities across the nation will be happier and healthier places to live. For more information, visit www.JeanGriswoldFoundation.org.