Susan Mazer & Dallas Smith Honored for Elder Care Concert Series
Receive President's Award from Sierra Arts Foundation

May 31, 2005 – Helping to provide concerts for the confined elderly earned Healing HealthCare Systems (HHS) founders Susan Mazer and Dallas Smith the 2005 President’s Award from the Sierra Arts Foundation. Their idea for an Elder Care Concert Series was launched in 2002 at the Truckee Meadows assisted living, daycare, and nursing home facilities in Reno, NV.

They came up with the idea for the concert series after performing for residents in an assisted living facility in 2001 Georgia where Smith’s mother and father resided.

“It was so obvious that after a week of performing for this confined community that everyone -- residents and caregivers -- were more alive,” says Smith.

Mazer and Smith subsequently gave $5,000 to the Sierra Arts Foundation to launch the Elder Care Concert Series, funds which were matched by the City of Reno Arts and Culture Commission. They also developed an orientation session for elder care facility owners/operators and musicians. They have funded this concert series since 2002 with matching funds increasing each year. To date, over 200 concerts have been presented.

While there are many volunteers performing for patients, this series sets a model that respects the value of the musician to the health of the community, a priority goal for Mazer and Smith.

Trained as classical musicians, this husband and wife team spent the first 20 years of their careers as full-time performing and recording artists. Their company, which was founded in 1992, produces The C.A.R.E. Channel® and other products and services that assist healthcare organizations in creating and sustaining clinical environments that are directly supportive of healing and recovery. Healing HealthCare Systems is currently serving hospitals and long-term care facilities in over 45 states.

The award was presented at the 25th annual Business and Arts Luncheon in Reno on May 6.

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