Wartburg 23rd Annual Passavant Society Luncheon

Wartburg held its 23rd annual Passavant Society luncheon on Wednesday, April 29th to honor Wartburg Founder Rev. Dr. William Alfred Passavant’s rich legacy by recognizing individuals who have named Wartburg as a beneficiary in their estate plans. This annual luncheon is a celebration of love and gratitude to these generous donors, and recognition of today’s benevolent members. Wartburg Board Member, Reverend Eric Olsen, served as Master of Ceremonies of the wonderful event, where the newly inducted Passavant Society members received their elegant Passavant medals as well as a pin to wear in recognition of their benevolence. Recipients included Weymon and Anna Marie Newsome. Mr. Newsome was a former resident of the Wartburg Orphan Farm School in the mid-1950’s and is giving in thanks to those who cared for him during his memorable experience at Wartburg.

David J. Gentner, Wartburg President & CEO, said, “It is a joy and an honor to welcome Mr. and Mrs. Newsome to our Passavant Society. It is in part because of the exemplary benevolence of individuals like the Mr. and Mrs. Newsome that Wartburg is able to provide premier care and services to those entrusted to our care. They are an inspiration to us all and help ensure every step forward.”

Wartburg has a long history of caring, first for children when opened as The Wartburg Orphans’ Farm School nearly 150 years ago as well as seniors who began to live at Wartburg at the turn of the century. At the event, Mr. Gentner posthumously recognized Passavant Members who have passed in the last year, including Bruno Kurtz, who included Wartburg in his will as a thank you to the premier care given to his grandmother, who was a resident in Wartburg’s skilled nursing facility in 1956. The afternoon’s program included a special guest speaker, Dr. Jay Passavant, a direct descendent of Wartburg’s founder, Rev. Dr. William Alfred Passavant. Guests also heard from Wartburg executive staff members about current and new Wartburg initiatives including the new Outpatient Facility expected to open in Fall 2015 on campus and Wartburg’s upcoming 3rd annual Jazz in June gala on June 18, 2015 to be held at the Surf Club on the Sound in New Rochelle, NY. These innovations, new construction, and broadened outreach to the community are some of the reasons why U.S. News & World Report has recognized Wartburg as one of the “Best Nursing Homes in New York State,” for the fifth consecutive year in 2015. After the luncheon, Dr. Jay Passavant also hosted a historical lecture on Rev. Dr. William A. Passavant following the luncheon for residents and the community.

ABOUT WARTBURG

Wartburg is an award-winning provider of comprehensive senior services, including independent living, assisted living, Alzheimer’s/dementia care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, adult day services and hospice care. www.wartburg.org. Its 34-acre campus in Mount Vernon serves seniors and their families in southern Westchester and the northern Bronx, and now the tri-state area. Wartburg’s nursing home has been recognized by U. S. News & World Report as one of the “Best Nursing Homes in New York State for the fifth straight consecutive year, in 2015. Over the past few years, Wartburg has launched an ambitious building expansion program, including the Friedrichs Residence, providing affordable housing for seniors with 61 independent living apartments, and a rehabilitation and adult day services center of excellence both opened in 2013.