Ann's Choice Holds Second Annual Gift Wrapping Competition

Reigning champion Nancy Bowers once again proved she had the fastest fingers at Ann's Choice Friday morning by winning the retirement community's gift-wrapping race for the second consecutive year.

Bowers managed to wrap eight presents in five minutes, out-pacing her other four competitors, Nancy Lee Breece, Elise Bratis, Charley Gysi and Jane Levy. One might think there is some kind of super secret strategy for keeping the win streak alive, but Bowers says there isn't really much preparation necessary leading up to the big showdown.

"I just get up there and do it," said Bowers. "I keep the scotch tape dispenser on my thumb so that it's easy to get to, but that's really it. I just like participating in such a good cause."

After the race, the rest of the almost 200 residents in attendance got to work wrapping more than 600 gifts that are going to be distributed to needy children across the region.

The gifts, including games, books and clothing, were collected by the YWCA of Bucks County, the Pajama Program and Child, Home and Community. It is the third year that YWCA and Ann's Choice have worked together to provide presents for children in need.

"We are very pleased and proud to have such a wonderful partnership with Ann's Choice," said Catherine Behrmann, cief operating officer of YWCA Bucks County. "From providing nutritious meals to hungry YWCA families, to hosting and sponsoring our annual Bucks County Teen Volunteer Awards Program, to wrapping gifts for needy children at holiday time, Ann's Choice has been consistently there for us. As we reach out to help even more children and families in our community, we are blessed to have such a committed and giving partner."

This is the first year that Pajama Program and Child, Home and Community have joined in the festivities. Founded approximately 10 years ago, the Pajama Program is a non-profit that provides new books and pajamas to children that live in group homes, shelters and temporary housing or living below the poverty line. Child, Home and Community is a Doylestown-based organization that works to ensure healthy births and enhanced family stability. 

"At Ann's Choice we have a mission to serve not only our residents, but to share our gifts with those within the community outside of Ann's Choice," said Philanthropy Director Susan Abtouche. "The annual gift wrapping event is our way of reaching out to help underserved children at a time that many people take for granted - when people enjoy family and friends during the holiday season. Our residents look forward to being part of a network of helping the children." 

As a warm-up to the main event, three residents competed in the Most Beautifully Decorated Present Extravaganza. With five minutes on the clock and armed with paper, tape, ribbons and bows, Anita Mihalchik won over the judges with her design and earned the first place honor over Jerry Burns and Deana Dvorak.

"It was a last-minute decision to participate," said Mihalchik. "I'm just having fun while we do something that has to be done."