“Adding Life to Years” Gala Raises $85,000 For Aldersbridge Communities’ Mission

East Providence, R.I. (July 21, 2023): Aldersbridge Communities announces its 2023 fundraising gala raised $85,000 in support of the nonprofit’s mission to provide compassionate, dignified care and enrichment programs for its long-term care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, assisted living and independent living services elderly residents.

The ”Adding Life to Years” Gala took place in June at the Omni Providence Hotel and hosted 200 guests. “This is Aldersbridge Communities’ single-largest fundraising event of the year and was the most that has been raised since the event tradition began in 1978,” states Elise Strom, director of development, public affairs and philanthropy.

Honorary Chair for the Gala was David Cicilline, chief executive officer of the Rhode Island Foundation. WPRI-TV Meteorologist T.J. Del Santo served as emcee for the evening’s programming.

Festivities included a cocktail reception, full-course dinner, a mission-driven speaking program, 50/50 raffle, a wine pull, and live and silent auctions. New this year was a goat derby race, a live performance by the RI Gay Men’s Chorus, and a special appearance by a comedic Big Nazo dog puppet.

Aldersbridge Communities presented Dr. Jodi Glass and Barbara Sokoloff each with an “AldersHero Award” for their unfaltering dedication to the organization’s initiative to build East Point, an independent living community in Rumford for persons of the LGBTQ population and their allies. Sokoloff, president of the affordable housing development consulting firm Barbara Sokoloff Associates, brought her decades of planning, finance and deal structuring experience to guide the project. Glass, a long-time community activist and trustee of Aldersbridge Communities, brought the LGBTQ conversation into the organization with energy and dedication and was celebrated for her vision and initiative for her role in making East Point a reality.

Funds raised will be used to support customized care, specialized medical and activity programs, and operational capital needed to serve the resident population at Aldersbridge Communities’ four locations: Winslow Gardens (assisted and independent living), East Providence; Linn Health & Rehabilitation (skilled nursing and long-term care), East Providence; Arbor Hill (assisted living), Providence; and St. Germain (assisted living), Woonsocket.

“The gala is our opportunity to celebrate and share the mission and passion of our organization which is to provide communities where older persons can live in comfort, with dignity and purpose,” states Richard Gamache, MS, FACHCA, chief executive officer of Aldersbridge Communities. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our attendees, sponsors, staff, volunteers, participants, and Omni Hotel staff for making this year’s event truly special. It has enabled us to significantly impact the lives of those we serve.”

Key sponsors for Aldersbridge Communities’ 2023 “Adding Life to Years” Gala are as follows: GOLD: Starkweather & Shepley Insurance Brokerage, Inc. SILVER: Bay Coast Bank, CCA Health Rhode Island, and Jason Preciphs, Esq.

Aldersbridge Communities (formerly known as United Methodist Elder Care) was founded in 1971 to provide communities where older persons can live in comfort, dignity, and with purpose. Winslow Gardens (assisted and independent living), Linn Health & Rehabilitation (skilled nursing, rehabilitation, long-term care), Arbor Hill Assisted Living, and St. Germain Assisted Living provide each resident with the living environment and level of care that best suits their individual needs. Main Office: 40 Irving Ave, East Providence, RI, 02914; 401-438-4456; www.Aldersbridge.org.