Wartburg, an award-winning provider of comprehensive senior residential and health care services, hosted its sixth annual “Jazz in June – A Wartburg Celebration of Arts and Music” on June 20, raising more than $290,000 to support Wartburg’s internationally recognized, award-winning Creative Aging and Lifelong Learning Program.
The event was held at the Surf Club on the Sound in New Rochelle, with nearly 330 guests and more than 55 sponsors. This year’s event included a story of triumph over adversity as blind adult day care registrant Rachel Gonzalez described her experience in the creative aging program at Wartburg.
Diagnosed with Acute Uveitis at the age of 23, Gonzalez began losing her sight until, by the age of 32, she was legally blind. When she joined the Wartburg family a few years ago, she found great joy in her weekly art class through the creative aging program. She light-heartedly shared with the audience at Jazz in June, “No one said, ‘Hey, blind lady, what are you doing in an art class?’”
Gonzalez beamed with pride as she shared the painting that earned her a LeadingAge New York Art Competition award. Her testimony highlighted the evening that supported the importance of the arts and aging at Wartburg.
“Jazz in June” honorees were humbled by the impact of the creative aging program and took pride in supporting and partnering with an agency dedicated to nurturing the body, mind and spirit.
Warburg honored Dr. Christina Staudt, president and co-founder of the Westchester End-of-Life Coalition; NorthEast Community Bank; Anthony Alfano, vice president and executive director at Montefiore New Rochelle; Macedonia Baptist Church; and Biodex Medical Systems, Inc.
After honoring Staudt, Dr. David Gentner, Wartburg president and CEO, announced a new partnership that would allow Wartburg to act as the new home for the Westchester End-of-Life Coalition.
“I am excited that WELC has found such a splendid home for our programs,” said Staudt.
Wartburg’s “Jazz in June” has become a hallmark event for lower Westchester. I extend my deepest gratitude to this year’s honorees, the event sponsors, and the many dedicated volunteers who helped create a spectacular evening,” said Gentner.
The night’s festivities also included the presentation of the 2018 Innovation of the Year Award by LeadingAge New York President James Clyne for SeniorU, which combines the educational excellence of Concordia College with Wartburg’s expertise in senior engagement, allowing retirees the opportunity to earn a two- or four-year college degree.
Mike Bennett, co-host of “Mike and Casey in the Morning” on 100.7 WHUD, was the master of ceremonies at this year’s gala. Major sponsors for included Montefiore New Rochelle, Biodex, Morrison Community Living, Patient Care Associates Inc., New York-Presbyterian/Lawrence Hospital, PharmScript LLC, and Westchester Ambulette Services Inc.
“We are so thankful for our generous supporters, without whom we could not offer innovative arts-based therapy to all those entrusted to our care,” said Angela Ciminello, Wartburg vice president of development and marketing.
For more information, visit wartburg.org.
