Kansas City, MO — Bickford of Bourbonnais dishwasher Cathy Jackson was recently honored as one of three nominees for 2023 Bickford Family Member of the year at the company’s annual Pearl Ceremony in Kansas City. As part of the annual awards ceremony, Bickford headquarters sent a video crew to capture Bourbonnais’ residents and resident family members talking about the impact she’s had on them, and why she deserves the recognition. Here’s what they had to say. Congratulations, Cathy! We’re proud to have you on our team.

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Joanne Frazier: She is genuinely a sweet lady who makes everybody feel like they’re family.

Ruth Zahnd: She’s one of these that always is working, and making sure everything’s done right. I just have the highest respect for her. The fact that she’s not afraid to tackle things. And she’s not afraid to get involved in activities. She’s aware of what’s going on. She knows what to do. And she does it. She doesn’t have to be told what to do. She knows, which is something that is important to us.

Linda Kannapel: I keep thinking about the motto supposedly, of Bickford, and that’s what she reminds me of. She’s “whatever it takes” in action. Just her presence is happiness. I have never seen anybody work like she does. She just goes what, whatever it takes, you know, if somebody needs help with something, she’s there, she goes the extra mile. And that makes the difference. She’s an outstanding person.

Robert Howard Turrill: She certainly goes the extra mile. I just would encourage her to know that that doesn’t go unnoticed. 

Wayne Hossbach: All I can say is we have some good food, and exceptionally good food. And she’s doing a very good job here at Bickford. She just knows how to do it. Put a little extra, the best person for that job. I used to be a cook in the military. We talk about food. And she’s great for that. She’s always got the seniors in mind. Food is number one, I think for seniors. She’s great.

Paul Niquette: She is my favorite person in the dining room. She spoils me. I love it. It’s tremendous. She makes chocolate milk for me. And it is the best chocolate milk I get anywhere. She puts extra chocolate in it, and I’m sure there’s extra love in it as well. She’s actively looking to see if there’s some way she can help or assist. I’m often the beneficiary of that kind of care. And I very much appreciate it. Without a doubt, she deserves it. And then some. I guess I give her the grand prize: a brand new car; tickets on an airplane, reservations at Disney World…  wherever she wants to go.