Wartburg’s First Gala Event Raises Over $120,000 for Its Creative Aging and Life-Long Learning Programs

Jazz in June: A Wartburg Celebration of Arts & Music, the first ever gala fundraiser for Wartburg, a leading adult care community in Westchester, NY, raised over $120,000 on June 27, 2013. The event was held at Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle, NY, and drew 328 guests and 24 sponsors to honor Dr. Fred B. Renwick, Wartburg Trustee Emeritus. Internationally known jazz saxophonist, Mike Phillips, a Mt. Vernon native, was the featured entertainer. Funds raised at Jazz in June will be allocated to Wartburg’s award-winning Creative Aging and Life-Long Learning Programs, which promote greater emotional health, social engagement and life-long learning for older adults through arts-based programs.

“There is no better cause for these funds than our award-winning Creative Aging Programs, which include choral, writing, painting, quilting, and African drums classes at Wartburg. They engage and teach our seniors new skills and allow them to share creative experiences,” said David J. Gentner, President and CEO.

Dr. Fred B. Renwick served on Wartburg’s board from 1992 to 2010. His illustrious career includes leadership roles in defense, space exploration and college programs, as well as government and church organizations. He served as a professor at NYU Stern School of Business, and served as a Director of Deutsche Investment Management Americas and of Morehouse College. Professor Renwick is a prolific author of books on investment and finance.

“We are delighted to honor Dr. Renwick,” said Rev. Amandus Derr, Wartburg Board Chair and member of the Jazz in June Steering Committee. “His leadership when he served on our board helped set the stage for the growth at Wartburg that we are experiencing today.”

Major sponsors for Jazz in June included: George and Joanne Bundschuh, Lecesse Construction, Lutheran Services New York Alliance, Mintz Levin PC, Morrison Senior Living and Westchester Ambulette.

Recently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the “Best Nursing Homes in New York State,” Wartburg (www.wartburg.org) is a not-for-profit Lutheran ministry, serving people of all faiths with a full range of residential options and health-related services for older area adults and their families. Wartburg offers skilled nursing care, rehabilitation, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, assisted and independent living, adult day services, home care, pastoral care and monthly caregiver support groups. Wartburg is a member organization of the National Center for Creative Aging.