Courtesy The Wesley Community
The Wesley Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Wesley Community, will host its annual gala at the Lodge at Saratoga Casino Hotel, 1 Nelson Ave., Saratoga Springs, on Saturday, May 14, from 6-10 p.m.
This year’s event, part of a year-long series to commemorate 50 years of service, will mark the first in-person gala for The Wesley Community since 2019.
Presented by The Adirondack Trust Co. this year’s theme is “Golden Gala,” a tribute to Wesley’s 50th year as a vital nonprofit organization supporting seniors in the community. Founded in 1972, The Wesley Community was established as a long-term senior care community and has steadily grown into a continuum-of-care campus featuring independent and assisted living apartments, compassionate skilled nursing and memory care services.
“The Wesley Community has been providing exceptional senior care and services for five decades and we are excited to celebrate our rich history with the return of our annual gala,” said community CEO J. Brian Nealon. “This exciting event will provide valuable funding to support Wesley Health Care Center and allow us to continue to evolve to bring high-quality care to our families and friends for generations to come.”
The first in a series of celebratory events planned for 2022 as part of its 50th anniversary, the Golden Gala will have music and entertainment. Guests are welcome to dress in cocktail attire for the occasion.
Proceeds will support the ongoing renovations of the Springs Building at Wesley Health Care Center. Fundraising for this project was temporarily paused during the global pandemic to allow staff to focus exclusively on delivering the best possible care to residents. The goal of the renovation project will be to provide home-like comforts and welcoming surroundings for the long-term care residents who live at the Springs building.
The honorary chairs of this event are Gary and Aimee Dake, who have been long-time supporters of The Wesley Community. Wesley Foundation board members Geriann Eddy and Timothy Busch spearheaded the planning efforts.
“We are excited to chair the event and feel very fortunate to have an asset like Wesley in our community to provide continued care for our Seniors,” said Aimee Dake.
“Ensuring there is a high-quality residence which allows individuals to age in place is essential to retain and attract interested and involved seniors to our greater Saratoga community,” Gary Dake said. “My own mother being a resident of Wesley’s Independent Living gives me peace and comfort.”
Adirondack Trust Co. recently presented a $10,000 donation to the foundation in support of the 2022 gala.
“Adirondack Trust is glad to be the presenting sponsor for the gala’s return this year,” stated President and CEO Charles V. Wait, Jr. “We are also pleased to be a part of the continued efforts to raise funds to support the second phase of renovations at the Springs Building of Wesley Health Care Center, Wesley’s oldest nursing home building.”
Other major sponsors for the gala are Marshall & Sterling Insurance, Angerame Architects, Saratoga Casino Hotel, The Fort Miller Group, Ray Martin & Crescent Hill Partners. Additional Sponsors include Allerdice Building Supply, Bonacio Construction, Fine Affairs, D.A. Collins Companies, MLB Construction, Gary and Aimee Dake, Longfellows Inn and Restaurant and Olde Bryan Inn.
Tickets for the Golden Gala can be purchased for $150 per person or $250 per couple. Reservations are required and can be made by phone at 518-691-1420 or at www.thewesleycommunity.org/gala.
Other events that will pay tribute to The Wesley Community’s 50th anniversary include:
• Share A Step for Seniors, June 24-30, a week-long fitness initiative offers participants the opportunity to raise funds for The Wesley Community while working toward a fitness-oriented goal, such as running, walking, hiking or completing a long bike ride. Participants track their workouts, share their progress on social media and encourage friends and family to support their efforts.
• Saratoga 9 and Wine, Aug. 9 at Saratoga Lake Golf Course. The third annual golf fundraiser is a fun afternoon tournament featuring nine holes of scramble-format golf with wine-and-spirits tasting along the course.
• Wesley’s 50th anniversary celebration, Sept. 20 at the Saratoga City Center. The ceremonial event will honor and reflect on The Wesley Community’s 50 years of service after opening its doors for the first time to residents in September of 1972.
More details on each of these celebratory community events throughout the year can be found at www.thewesleycommunity.org/wesley-foundation/special-events.