OOLTEWAH, Tenn. —February 24, 2026— What began as a 15th birthday wish has grown into a meaningful community effort to remind seniors they are valued and remembered.
Autumn Perez, recently featured by WDEF News 12, asked friends, family, and neighbors to forgo traditional gifts and instead write handwritten letters to seniors in honor of Give a Letter to an Elder Day. The collection effort concluded on February 22, with letters gathered for residents at Morning Pointe Senior Living communities.
“I want to take my special date and make other people’s days special,” Perez said in her interview.
Perez, who currently holds the title of Miss Knoxville’s Iris Teen and is preparing to compete for Miss Iris Tennessee Teen, used her platform “Remember Me” to advocate for Alzheimer’s awareness and meaningful connection across generations.
Her goal was to collect at least 300 letters. As the February 22 deadline passed, the response reflected the very spirit she hoped to inspire — compassion, encouragement, and a reminder that small acts can have a lasting impact.
“It does not take much energy, and it does not take much time, but it has such a meaningful impact on reminding someone that they are not alone and they are not forgotten,” Perez said.
Perez shared that her inspiration stemmed from time spent with residents at a senior living community, where one resident in particular made her feel seen and valued. That experience shaped her desire to create the same sense of belonging for others.
According to Amanda Yelenick, Vice President of Life Enrichment for Morning Pointe Senior Living, efforts like Perez’s reflect the heart of meaningful engagement within senior living communities.
“Life enrichment is about connection,” Yelenick said. “Something as simple as a handwritten letter can spark conversation, bring back memories, and remind our residents that they matter beyond our walls. We are grateful for young leaders like Autumn who not only want to make a difference but also inspire others to get involved. Volunteerism does not have to be complicated. It can begin with a single note.”
Morning Pointe Senior Living assisted with collecting the letters at its Corporate Home Office in Ooltewah, helping connect the community’s outreach with residents who will now receive these heartfelt messages.
Through one birthday decision, a local teenager transformed a personal milestone into a broader reminder that connection still matters and that no one, especially the generation that paved the way, should ever feel forgotten.
About Morning Pointe Senior Living
Founded in 1997 by healthcare entrepreneurs Greg A. Vital and J. Franklin Farrow, Morning Pointe Senior Living operates assisted living and Alzheimer’s memory care communities in five southeastern states, including AL, GA, IN, KY & TN. For more information, visit morningpointe.com.
The philanthropic arm of Morning Pointe Senior Living is the Morning Pointe Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to provide clinical scholarships and caregiver support.
