HOUSTON, September 4, 2007 - The Buckingham, a local retirement community, has named Houston resident Christene "Chris" Tinsley as the recipient of the "Salute to Seniors" Award for Seniors.

The Buckingham Salute to Seniors Award is presented quarterly to honor an individual who is making a difference in their community. Qualified nominees are active adults age 62+ who volunteer their time and talents to their communities, and who also exemplify leadership, spirit, and citizenship.

Ms. Tinsley, now 79 years old, became a volunteer for CanCare, Inc., a cancer support center in Houston, after fighting her own battle with cancer for the third time. In 2005, Chris became a member of one of CanCare's member congregations - St. Paul's United Methodist Church - and was searching for a way to serve in this congregation. Shortly after joining, she heard a cancer survivor speak about his experience as a CanCare support volunteer. Ms. Tinsley said she knew that she had found her way to serve.

"Cancer patients and families learning of a diagnosis need to be heard - to share their fears, concerns, and hopes in dealing with this difficult disease," said Chris Tinsley.

Chris is a trained CanCare hospital volunteer and delivers a message of hope and encouragement to newly diagnosed cancer patients and their families at The Methodist Hospital.

An active volunteer with a compassionate heart, Chris says, "I know that people dealing with cancer need someone who has successfully traveled on that same journey. In the CanCare training, volunteers learn how to be an active listener and be supportive. Just by my healthy presence, alone, I can offer that priceless thing called hope." As a seasoned volunteer, Chris also serves as a mentor assigned to help new CanCare volunteers.

"We salute Chris Tinsley, our friend, a superb senior dedicated to giving back to the community with every smile," said Betsy Schauer, director of program services of CanCare, Inc. "An incredibly upbeat woman of strong character, Chris has always found ways to put a smile on the faces of others. She always says, 'I didn't retire, I got promoted to volunteering,' and I hope to have an attitude as Chris does in my own senior years."

Ms. Tinsley lives in Houston and has two children and two grandchildren. Her favorite activities include family research, writing her autobiography, arranging albums of family photos, playing bridge, and story-telling.

The Buckingham is currently accepting nominees for the "Salute to Seniors" Award. Please submit a 50-word or less description of why your nominee is deserving of the award. Nominations may be sent in writing to: "Salute to Seniors" Award, c/o Jessica Young, The Buckingham, 8580 Woodway Drive, Houston, Texas 77063. Nominations may also be e-mailed to jessica@groupwassociates.com.

About The Buckingham and The Plaza at The Buckingham

The Buckingham is Houston's premier life care community located in the heart of the Memorial neighborhood. Situated on a 17-acre site along Buffalo Bayou at 8580 Woodway Drive, The Buckingham offers resort-style services and amenities for active, independent seniors, as well as all levels of health care services onsite at The Plaza at The Buckingham. The community features 205 independent living residences; 42 private assisted living apartments; 16 private memory support apartments; and 60 private skilled nursing suites.

The Buckingham is a not-for-profit community owned by Senior Quality Lifestyles Corporation (SQLC), a Texas-based nonprofit organization which also owns Edgemere in Dallas, Querencia at Barton Creek in Austin, and The Stayton at Museum Way under development in Fort Worth. The Buckingham is developed and managed by Irving, Texas-based Greystone Communities.

For information on your neighborhood resource for premier senior living and comprehensive health care services, call (713) 660-6552, or visit www.buckinghamhouston.com.