Paying it Forward: Perry Arnold’s Commitment to Changing Lives Through Education
Perry Arnold is a force for good in the world of education!
As a dedicated advocate and enthusiastic supporter of the Lifespace Foundation Scholarship Fund, Perry, an Abbey Delray South (ADS) resident of Delray Beach, Fla., believes wholeheartedly in the transformative power of education. He views it as a gateway for young people to realize their dreams and ambitions.
Having earned his medical degree, Perry, a retired physician, is a lifetime member of his college, demonstrating his lifelong commitment to learning. He carves out at least fifteen minutes each day to maintain his sharpness and continue his education in radiology.
“My father, who was first a teacher, then a lawyer, and eventually a judge, always emphasized the importance of education,” says Perry. “He had helped his three siblings pursue their college education and often told me, ‘I can give you only two things in this life: an unblemished name and all the education you desire. After that, you must learn to fly on your own.’”
Perry has consistently upheld this philosophy throughout his life by supporting various educational funds. That’s why he and his wife, Rita Linder, a retired attorney, are on a mission to pay it forward to help ADS team members reach their educational goals.
“Education makes you think about how you feel about things. It makes you consider and use all of the facts available to make informed decisions. Being able to judge factual material and what it will do to affect your life is important,” Perry says. “Any chance I get to support the scholarship fund for young people with set goals – I am willing to support quite heavily. Rita and I have the same philosophy.”
Making a difference – one student at a time
Perry and Rita encourage members of the ADS team to apply for scholarships by inquiring about future goals. They volunteer to assist them with scholarship applications and resumes.
One team member expressed how receiving scholarship funding has enabled her to work part-time instead of full-time. This flexibility allows her to focus on her studies and pursue her dream of becoming a child advocate after completing a four-year college program. Another team member is interested in working in the field of law enforcement and is currently researching the requirements for obtaining a bachelor’s degree. And yet another has pursued his aspiration to become a certified barber by attending an accredited academy.
“Education is hands down the best gift we can offer,” Perry says. “Anything we can do to give one a leg up rather than just a handout can provide them with more opportunities.”
Changing lives through education
Perry finds joy in supporting the scholarship fund and witnessing how education changes young lives. He cherishes the connections made through teaching and often receives heartfelt messages from his grateful former medical students and mentees, especially on occasions like Father’s Day. For him, these relationships and the impact of education are what truly matter.
“I’m happy the scholarship program is available for us to contribute to and for our team members to take advantage of. We are truly blessed to have such motivated individuals on our team at Abbey Delray South,” Perry says. “It’s their enthusiasm. They bring a smile to our faces, which goes a long way in making life more pleasant for us in all our daily encounters.”
Empowering futures and building dreams
Perry actively promotes the scholarship fund to team members and enthusiastically discusses it with the residents. He is optimistic about the fund’s future, which currently offers multiple scholarships each year, each worth up to $5,000.
Honoring his father’s legacy through advocacy and generosity, Perry inspires future generations to pursue education. His belief in education creates opportunities for young people striving for success. And for Perry, that’s what it’s all about!
The Lifespace Foundation appreciates Perry and Rita’s efforts. Residents like them enable the scholarship fund to continue helping team members.
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Be inspired by how Lifespace Community residents help team members through the Scholarship Fund:
- Resident Kathy Leonard Lights the Way in Fundraising for Abbey Delray South Team Member Scholarships
- Lifespace Residents Make Dreams a Reality Through Scholarship Program
- Scholarship Recipients Say “Thank You” for Lifespace Foundation Scholarships
- Empowering Dreams: The Lifespace Foundation Scholarship Program
Djouna Pierre: A Testament to Hard Work and Dedication
Culinary Team Leader at Abbey Delray South, Djouna Pierre, works part-time in culinary services and has received a Foundation Scholarship twice. She is scheduled to graduate from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor of Arts in Mental and Behavioral Health in the summer of 2025.
Djouna plans to earn a master’s degree and open a private practice focused on underserved pre-K through elementary school children. As the oldest of five sisters, she understands the challenges children face and is committed to giving them a voice.
Says resident Perry Arnold, “I’m proud to know dedicated individuals like Djouna who are working hard to make a positive impact. I admire her goals and persistence in achieving them.”
