GREENVILLE — Music, laughter, and community generosity filled the John & Iris Hathaway Education & Community Center as Brethren Retirement Community hosted its annual fundraising gala in support of its residents.
The evening featured dinner by Beanz Bakery and entertainment by Dueling Pianos at Spirit Transportation’s new gathering space on Sweitzer Street. The piano duo combined music, humor and audience participation for a high-energy show.
John Warner, president and CEO of Brethren Retirement Community, said the response reflected the community’s commitment to the organization and the older adults it serves.
“We couldn’t be more overwhelmed with the generosity of our community, from the sponsors to the donors and supporters, from the people who attended tonight,” Warner said. “Just overwhelming support for Brethren Retirement Community and our mission, and most importantly, our residents.”
“Every dollar we earn here tonight will go back into improving resident quality of life, which is our mission,” he added.
The gala supported BRC’s Resident Aid Fund and resident Wish List, helping the organization meet needs beyond everyday care and enhance residents’ lives.
For nearly 125 years, BRC has served older adults with an emphasis on dignity, compassion and respect. The annual fundraiser gives supporters an opportunity to contribute to that work while enjoying an evening of food, entertainment and fellowship.
Organizing the gala required a team effort, with staff members, committee members and volunteers working together to make the evening possible.
“We have a wonderful team at Brethren Retirement Community,” Warner said. “Everyone that works there, we’re part of a family.”
He credited the organizing committee, volunteers and others who contributed their time and effort.
That commitment also extends to ongoing campus improvements, including concrete work, as BRC continues investing in its facilities and the resident experience.
“That’s part of what we do,” Warner said. “That’s all part of the mission and the resident experience to improve resident quality of life, not only for the current residents but those generations to come.”
Holly Hill, BRC’s vice president and chief marketing officer, said the turnout and generosity continue to impress organizers each year.
“It’s amazing,” Hill said. “Each year we are so surprised at the crowd that turns out and the generous support.”
“We were just overwhelmed by the generosity of our business partners, our residents, the community, and we can’t thank everybody enough,” she added.
Preparation for the gala is a year-round undertaking, with planning for the next event already underway.
“We have started working on next year’s event already,” Hill said. “So it takes all year. It takes a big committee and a lot of time and dedication to put this together. But it’s a lot of fun too.”
Hill said the evening reflected the community’s strength and its willingness to support BRC’s residents.
“We have a wonderful community,” she said.
Hill said sponsors provide an important foundation for the fundraiser, with many supporting the evening through both financial contributions and their presence.
“Our sponsors really help us get the event started,” Hill said. “A lot of our sponsors were in attendance tonight, so not only their financial support but their attendance really means a lot to us. We have a lot of great partners in the community.”
Sponsors included Symbria Well-Being, Greenville National Bank (GNB), Wayne HealthCare, G&G Floor Fashions, Hamler Gingrich, Arcon Builders, Flory Landscaping, M&M Flooring, Sowers Construction, Fifth Third Bank, Brumbaugh Construction, McGohan Brabender and McCabe Painting Services.
Additional sponsors were Park National Bank, Hittle Buick GMC, EverHeart Hospice, Korrect Inc., Bolyard Heating & Cooling, United Medical Supply Company, Western Ohio Podiatric Medical Center, Ecolab, Cherish, Perennial Advantage, Greenville Federal, Spirit Medical and Hansbarger Home Solutions.
Warner said the support reinforces the relationships that allow BRC to continue its mission.
“I am continually grateful for the generosity of this community and for the trust you place in Brethren Retirement Community,” he said. “What we are able to accomplish is strengthened by people who believe in our mission and choose to be part of it.”
