The Frostys, a youth sing-along group, honors the memory of ‘Grandma Joyce’.
CARLSBAD, Calif. — A youth singing group called the Frostys is spreading cheer to seniors living through musical performances at memory care facilities. The intergenerational program, inspired by a grandmother’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease, aims to benefit both young volunteers and elderly residents.
“The Frostys bring joy to Seniors living with dementia through music and fun,” said Wendy, daughter of the program’s inspiration, Joyce.
The group was founded after Joyce, a musician and philanthropist, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2018. Despite her illness, Joyce continued to lead sing-alongs for fellow memory care residents, often ending with “Frosty The Snowman.”
After Joyce’s passing in 2022, her daughter and granddaughters wanted to continue her tradition of sharing music with others. They created The Frostys, a volunteer program for children in grades 3 through 8 to perform at memory care homes year-round.
“Children build empathy and charitable spirits by sharing their time and cheer with Seniors impacted by dementia,” Wendy explained. “Seniors feel connection to their community and enjoy happy childhood memories sparked by The Frostys’ research-based song catalog.”
At GlenBrook Health Center we met Larry Muschek who is battling Parkinson’s. His wife Nancy was sitting with him at the concert and told us, “This is the best heart lifting, encouraging thing that we get. These kids are a blessing to their community.”
The Frostys’ song selections include a mix of patriotic and festive tunes designed to engage seniors and evoke childhood memories. Popular choices range from “You’re A Grand Old Flag” to “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.”
As a 501(c)(3) charity, The Frostys welcomes both child and adult volunteers to help plan and facilitate sing-alongs at local memory care communities. For more information, click here.
