Out and About in RI: at the Aldersbridge Gala

The Aldersbridge Communities’ 2024 fundraising gala raised a record-breaking $112,000 in support of The Loft at Linn, a new affordable assisted living memory care community in East Providence.

The “Adding Life to Years” Gala, held on December 5th at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, brought together 200 guests to celebrate the theme “Cherishing Memories of the Heart.” Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of supporters, Aldersbridge surpassed its fundraising goal, ensuring essential resources for The Loft at Linn’s memory care programs, staff training, and activities that enhance residents’ daily lives.

Aldersbridge Communities, a nonprofit healthcare organization based in East Providence that operates affordable independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities for older adults throughout Rhode Island, announces its annual fundraising event raised a record-breaking $112,000 to support The Loft at Linn, a new affordable assisted living memory care community which opened this past summer in East Providence.

The 2024 “Adding Life to Years” Gala Presented by Moss Home Solutions took place on December 5, 2024 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick and hosted 200 guests. The theme for this year’s event was “Cherishing Memories of the Heart,” honoring the treasured memories and lasting contributions of the elders in our community.

Through the generosity of sponsors, attendees, and proceeds from auctions and other fundraising initiatives, Aldersbridge surpassed its monetary goal, ensuring critical resources for The Loft at Linn’s memory care programs, operations, staff development, and resident enrichment.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the generosity shown at this year’s Gala, which reflects our community’s deep commitment to supporting older adults – especially those who are living with cognitive or dementia diagnoses,” states Elise Strom, Aldersbridge Communities director of development, public affairs, and philanthropy. “As a nonprofit, we rely heavily on the funds raised to enable us to provide specialized activities, staff training, and other programs at The Loft at Linn.”

Mike Montecalvo, anchor at WPRI/Fox Providence, served as honorary chair for the event, while WPRI Meteorologist T.J. Del Santo emceed the evening’s program.

Jason C. Preciphs, Esq. (Foster resident) and Dr. Jun O. Parks (Princeton, Mass. resident) were each honored with an AldersHero award for their pivotal contributions to the success of The Loft at Linn to date. Preciphs, an Aldersbridge Communities trustee since 2014 and former Board president, played a key role in securing critical funding for the community’s initial development. Dr. Parks was recognized for her efforts to medically evaluate the residents of Linn Health nursing home before it closed its doors for good, to determine their ability to remain there when the building was reopened as a memory care assisted living home.

“Aldersbridge has never experienced a fundraising event like this one,” says Rick Gamache, MS, FACHCA, CEO of Aldersbridge Communities. “We’ve raised more money than ever before in our 53-year history. We’ve truly made history together. The mission of Aldersbridge was on full display, and the love and generosity in the room were palpable. People were deeply moved by who we are and what we do, and this outpouring of support will have a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.”

Key sponsors for Aldersbridge Communities 2024 “Adding Life to Years” Gala were as follows: DIAMOND SPONSORS: Starkweather & Shepley Insurance Brokerage, Inc. and Joy Home Care; SAPPHIRE SPONSORS: BayCoast Bank and Imperial Distributors; SPECIAL RECOGNITION: Waterson Terminal Services (in honor of Tom Cannarozzo)

Established in 1971, Aldersbridge Communities is a nonprofit healthcare organization that cares for the most vulnerable older adults regardless of payer source. It is the largest provider of affordable assisted living in the State of Rhode Island. Residents enjoy living in comfort, dignity and with purpose at one of Aldersbridge’s four communities: Winslow Gardens (assisted and independent living in East Providence), The Loft at Linn (assisted living memory care in East Providence), Arbor Hill Assisted Living (Federal Hill section of Providence), and St. Germain Assisted Living (Woonsocket). Main Office: 40 Irving Ave, East Providence, RI, 02914; Phone: 401-438-4456; Web: Aldersbridge.org.