Dream Maker Program

Toni, a lively resident at Symphony Tri-Cities Assisted Living, often reminisces about the special times she shared with her l ate husband, John, who passed away earlier this year.

Among her fondest memories are the countless trips they made together to various casinos across Michigan. “Oh, we’d visit so many different casinos,” Toni recalled with a smile during a conversation with the Symphony staff. “We even went on an unforgettable trip to Las Vegas a few years back and had such a wonderful time.”

As she spoke, her eyes sparkled with nostalgia, especially when she recalled their contrasting approaches to gambling. “I have to admit,” she chuckled, “I was always more of a gambler than John. He’d get one quarter, play one single slot, and call it a day. But me? I’d spend hours at the machines, determined to keep going. He’d always complain that he never won, and I’d just shake my head, laughing, while I kept pulling the levers.” Her laughter echoed the fond memories of those carefree times.

Moved by Toni’s heartfelt recollections, the Symphony staff felt privileged to be entrusted with her stories and inspired to help her relive those joyful moments she cherished with John. They decided to surprise her with a special outing—a chance to visit the casino once more, not just to gamble but to reconnect with the happy times she and John had shared.

Thanks to Symphony’s Dream Maker Program, Toni, along with two of her close friends from Symphony, Doris and Barb, set off for an exciting adventure at Saganing Eagles Landing Casino. The air was filled with excitement as the trio made their way to the casino, brimming with anticipation.

As the trip unfolded, the laughter and camaraderie between the ladies grew contagious. Toni, ever the seasoned gambler, took her place at the slot machines with a mix of nostalgia and determination. In true Toni fashion, she ended up being the big winner of the day! Her friends cheered her on, and the staff watched with pride, knowing they had helped her relive a piece of her beautiful past.

It was more than just a fun outing, it was a chance for Toni to honor her memories of John and create new ones, all while surrounded by friends who shared in her joy. With a heart full of happiness and a pocket full of winnings, Toni returned home, knowing she had truly hit the jackpot.

Donn and Beth Cramton met 55 years ago at The First Presbyterian Church on Court Street in Saginaw, MI. 

Beth was active with the church choir and Donn was filling in as the Interim Choir Director. After realizing they were fond of each other, they soon began dating. Their first date was going to a movie. They loved being a part of the First Presbyterian Choir for many years. They made many close friends over the years at the church and with their choir group. They both grew up in the Saginaw area. Donn worked at the Saginaw News and eventually retired as the Marketing Manager for the newspaper. Beth worked many years as a Medical Assistant at the BCBS Clinic in Saginaw. 

Donn and Beth eventually married and combined their families. Donn had 4 children, Donn Jr, David, Laura, and Ellen, and Beth had Bryson and Mark. They have 5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren and have been happily married for 53 years. 

In the summer of 2021, Beth had a fall and came to Symphony Tri-Cities for rehabilitation and ultimately became a resident. A few months later, Donn moved in as well. They are both active residents, taking leadership roles in the resident council, as well as participating in the many fun activities we offer. 

After the staff of Symphony Tri-Cities learned about Donn and Beth’s love for their church and the congregation, they worked with the Dream Maker’s program and made arrangements for Donn and Beth to visit their church so that they could once again be surrounded by their choir friends. This Dream Maker wish, including lovely Easter corsages and transportation, was fulfilled out of the kindness and generosity of the staff at Symphony Tri-Cities. 

Symphony’s Dream Maker program is at the heart of who we are as a company. It allows us the privilege to learn about the wishes and dreams of our guests and to do whatever we can to transform that hope into a reality. A Dream Maker request can be something daring, a simple pleasure, an untold wish, or even reliving a fond memory. If it will enrich the life of a guest, we want to hear about it!