It’s the Annual ‘Gnome Coming’ at Eskaton Lodge Cameron Park

Eskaton, a nonprofit community-based organization serving seniors throughout Northern California, will be hosting its annual Open House & Gnome Coming Party on Thursday, August 24, at 5 p.m. The free event, which takes place at Eskaton Lodge Cameron Park, 3421 Palmer Dr., Cameron Park, CA 95682.

“The Eskaton Traveling Gnome Project is designed to bring together volunteers and seniors to encourage interaction and social well-being,” said Carly Amatisto, Eskaton activity director. “We started this project as a way to connect our residents with the community.”

Amatisto partners volunteers with residents based on what geographic regions the resident is interested in visiting. “Although many of our residents no longer vacation in the summer, they are still interested in learning about new places. Our volunteers bring back photos of the Gnomes visiting locations around the world,” noted Amatisto.

Each senior is involved in making their own gnome and naming it. During the “Gnome Coming,” residents learn about where their gnomes went and each receives a photo album of the travels.

In 2014, Leroy the Gnome was deployed over Afghanistan with the Air Force Reserves on a refueling plane and participated in several missions. In 2015, Winton the Gnome traveled to Alaska, satisfying a lifelong goal of an Eskaton resident who was not able to complete all 50 states. In 2016, Suzie the Gnome traveled over 24,901 miles around the globe with her volunteer travel partner. She visited Thailand, Australia and New Zealand.

“This year, it looks like Morris the Gnome will win the title of ‘Globe Circumnavigator,’” added Amatisto. “To date, Morris has traveled 21,137.12 miles through Kathmandu, Iceland and Ecuador, and he’s not home yet.”

The Open House & Gnome Coming party will also include live music at 6 p.m., community tours, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and refreshments and a build-your-own-gnome booth. Ten Eskaton residents and eleven volunteers will be sharing their summer travel stories.

For those interested in attending the Open House & Gnome Coming Party, please visit the Eskaton Traveling Gnome Project page on Facebook.

About Eskaton 

Founded in 1968, Eskaton is now the largest nonprofit community-based organization serving seniors in the Greater Sacramento area. Our dedicated team members provide services and support for nearly 12,000 individuals annually who live in our communities or participate in our comprehensive Home Support Services. Eskaton's difference lies in our broad array of choices and affordable options to engage and support people living in their own homes, as well as those who choose to live in one of our communities. Our positive reputation extends to our signature life-enriching programs, innovative health and wellness initiatives, professional staff training and development and generous philanthropy. These, along with our nonprofit status, are Eskaton's distinguishing factors.

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