The public is invited to attend a reception honoring Elfrieda Funk from 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 26 at Parkside Homes. The event is in recognition of her receipt of the 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award from LeadingAge Kansas at its annual Quality First Awards of Excellence Ceremony in Wichita.

Parkside Homes is a member of LeadingAge Kansas, which represents 160 not-for-profit long-term care provider organizations.

The award is presented each year to a member’s CEO, administrator, employee, trustee, or board member who has shown innovation, dedication, leadership, and the effective use of available resources to make a significant and lasting contribution to the field of aging services.

Funk has been employed at Parkside Homes, Inc., since 1977, either as a full-time employee or as a consultant. She has dedicated her life to serving the elderly. She is a volunteer in her community and loves to help others who are less fortunate.

Funk is active in her church and the Hillsboro Lions Club. She contributed to the formation of the younger-age version known as the Leo’s Club.

“Although she is my mother, she is a hero in my eyes as well as many other people from all walks of life,” Funk’s daughter Deb Donavan said.

Debra Zehr, president and CEO of LeadingAge Kansas, spoke highly of Funk:

“Elfrieda is highly respected by the Parkside family and by the larger not-for-profit aging services community of Kansas,” she said. “Through her dedication, skills, and knowledge, she has helped raise the bar not only for her own organization, but also for aging services in our state. We deeply appreciate her and congratulate her upon receipt of the Lifetime Achievement Award.”