From basic sustenance and nourishment to comfort, entertainment, and social connectivity, food has played a more important role than ever in getting us through the COVID-19 pandemic. So, for this year’s Annual Fund Gala, Episcopal Retirement Services is celebrating the many ways food has impacted all of us — from our team members to our residents and their families.
Join us on October 8, 2021 at 7 p.m. ET for The Taste of Giving 2021, when we cook up some fun all in support of the ERS Good Samaritan Mission Fund!
Let’s learn more about the event, what it supports, and how you can get involved.
What Is the Good Samaritan Mission Fund?
The Good Samaritan Mission (GSM) Fund helps enrich the lives of seniors at our Cincinnati-based affordable and premier retirement communities, as well as greater Cincinnati at large.
We made a promise in 1951 that none of our continuing care retirement community (CCRC) residents would ever be asked to leave because of financial hardship. The GSM fund helps us keep that promise as we have for the past 70 years.
Because we are a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, we also rely on community support to maintain our facilities and provide high-quality care to residents across our skilled nursing, short-term rehab, memory care, assisted living, and independent living neighborhoods.
For example, the GSM Fund has helped us provide tuition assistance for those participating in the SAIDO Learning® memory training program, a revolutionary dementia therapy we incorporate into our CCRC communities. We’re also able to fund programs that empower residents in our Affordable Living communities, such as preventative care, spiritual care, and other key services.
Some of the other projects funded by the fund include ERS Staff Assistance, Deupree Meals On Wheels, and the Partners in Care Fund, which helps residents in need afford eyeglasses, dentures, and more.
The Annual Fund Gala is our biggest fundraiser of the year. We rely on your generous support to fulfill our mission to enrich the lives of older adults in a person-centered, innovative, and spiritually-based way. In return, we’d like to offer you an evening of entertainment, education, and inspiration!
What to Expect at The Taste of Giving 2021
Out of an abundance of caution, this year’s gala will be broadcast virtually. But even though we can’t be together physically, we’re still planning to have a great time!
The Taste of Giving 2021 will feature the world premiere of the Great Gala Cook-Off! Laura Lamb, President and CEO of ERS; Dora Anim, ERS Board Member and COO of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation; and The Reverend Jack F. Koepke, III, ERS Board Member and Retired Canon to the Ordinary will go head-to-head. The contests will be tasked with creating a dish that incorporates ingredients inspired by the older adults served through the Good Samaritan Mission Fund.
Their dishes will then be judged by Suzy DeYoung, Founder of Cincinnati-based La Soupe, based on their taste, presentation, and incorporation of inspiration ingredients.
And, of course, we can’t forget about our incredible hosts: Alicia Lee, Director of Talent Acquisition, and Emerson Stambaugh, Executive Director of Hospitality!
In the spirit of food and fellowship, we’ve also collected a variety of recipe cards from ERS residents and staff — complete with an explanation of why each recipe is so special. Click the button below to download the cards and learn how to make incredible dishes like summer squash salad, Norwegian super cookies, and more!
Ways to Get Involved
There are other ways you can get involved during the Taste of Giving 2021 besides watching the Great Gala Cook-Off!
Our traditional silent auction features an array of scenic getaways, luxury items, and even tickets to sporting events. The "Pay It Forward" auction puts a philanthropic twist on the silent auction. Rather than bidding on an item for your own pleasure, you have the opportunity to “purchase” programs and services for the benefit of the older adults we serve through the Good Samaritan Mission.
Make a $200+ donation now and you’ll get a party pack full of goodies to enjoy while you watch the virtual event or attend your very own watch party! You can also make a direct gift to the Good Samaritan Mission Fund here. For every $100 donation, ERS will provide a General Mills Pantry Pack to an Affordable Living resident.
We are incredibly grateful to our five major sponsors this year. Thank you to Presenting sponsor, Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing; Master Chef sponsors, Model Group and Ridge Stone Builders and Developers; Executive Chef sponsor, PNC Bank; and the official Media Sponsor, Cincinnati Magazine. We could not put on this event, even virtually, without your help.
If you’re interested in becoming a corporate sponsor, please contact Joy Blang at jblang@erslife.org. You can also click here for a full list of committed sponsors.
Join us on October 8, 2021 at 7p.m. ET for an evening of fun and help us continue to support older adults throughout Cincinnati! Click the button below to register.
