Cora Weeks: A Watermark for Kids Success Story
Residents at The Fountains at La Cholla, in Tucson, Arizona, gathered for an exciting fencing demonstration featuring Cora Weeks, a 12-year-old para-athlete and a recipient of Watermark for Kids funding. Cora, who began using a wheelchair two years ago due to a series of syndromes affecting her lower extremities, dazzled the audience with her fencing skills, positive attitude, and unwavering determination. She recently won the Parafencing North American Cup Tournament in Atlanta, Georgia — bringing her one step closer to competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games. Through Watermark for Kids, residents and associates at The Fountains at La Cholla are supporting Cora’s training, specialized equipment, and competition expenses, helping her pursue her dreams. KVOA CH4 -- Local para-athlete Cora Weeks receives support for Paralympic dream.
At Watermark Retirement Communities, we believe that greatness resides in every child. That belief inspired the creation of Watermark for Kids, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children and young adults, ages 6 to 22, overcome barriers and access life-changing opportunities. Since its founding in 2007, Watermark for Kids has supported more than 3,300 children nationwide, investing more than $1.2 million in their futures.
A Commitment to Opportunity
Regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation, children deserve the chance to dream big and achieve their goals. Watermark for Kids works to clear financial obstacles, ensuring that young minds can explore their interests, develop skills, and realize their full potential.
From education and exploration to sports and fine arts and health and well-being, Watermark for Kids provides funding that allows children to participate in programs, access essential resources, and pursue passions that would otherwise be out of reach.
Making a Difference One Child at a Time
Watermark for Kids has transformed the lives of thousands of children by funding:
- Education & Exploration — Providing books, supplies, laptops, tuition assistance, after-school activities, summer camps, and academic travel.
- Sports & Fine Arts — Covering sports registration fees, equipment, musical instruments, dance and theater classes, and performance opportunities.
- Health & Well-Being — Offering financial assistance for counseling, dental care, adaptive wheelchairs, medical equipment, and therapeutic treatments not covered by insurance.
The Watermark Connection
David Barnes, president of Watermark Retirement Communities, founded Watermark for Kids more than 18 years ago with a vision to extend Watermark’s philosophy of empowerment beyond its senior living communities. Today, each Watermark community across the country has a dedicated Watermark for Kids Champion, a representative who works closely with children, volunteers, residents, associates, donors, and the executive director of Watermark for Kids to identify and support deserving applicants.
How Watermark for Kids Empowers Young Dreamers
The success of Watermark for Kids depends on the generosity of donors, volunteers, and community members who believe in the power of opportunity. Our biggest fundraiser, Watermark’s annual Thrive! Classic Golf Tournament, is held each November in Tucson. In 2024, 48 sponsors and generous donations helped raise over $166,000.
Whether through financial contributions, mentorship, or advocacy, supporters of Watermark for Kids are helping to empower bright, determined individuals to achieve their dreams. See more success stories at Watermark for Kids.
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