CAPTION: Cheers to all the Gala attendees from Marjorie P. Lee residents Rev. David Lowry and Lillian Dartnall.

This year has caused plenty of changes, cancellations, and new plans — and the ERS Annual Gala is no exception. No, it’s not canceled...quite the opposite! The ERS Good Samaritan Mission Fund Gala is going virtual this year, and tickets are complimentary. That’s right. You can be part of the fun on October 9, 2020, from the comfort of your home. 

As always, though, this event is a major fundraiser for the Good Samaritan Mission (GSM) Fund. This fund helps enrich the lives of seniors at our communities and Cincinnati at large. Some of the projects funded by the Good Samaritan Mission Fund include ERS Staff Assistance, Deupree Meals On Wheels, and Partners in Care Fund, which helps residents in need afford eyeglasses, dentures, and more.

The GSM Fund has also helped us provide tuition assistance for residents participating in the SAIDO Learning® system, a revolutionary dementia therapy we incorporate into several of our communities. We’re also able to help empower residents in Affordable Living communities by providing services like preventative care and spiritual care.

CAPTION: Watch this brief video to understand why developing communities that support local seniors is crucial to ERS's mission. 

We made a promise in 1951 that none of our CCRC residents would ever be asked to leave because of financial hardship. This fund helps us keep that promise as we have for the past nearly 70 years. Because we are a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, we rely on community support to continue operating and providing our services. This Annual Gala is our major fundraiser.

The 2020 Good Samaritan Mission Fund Gala 

Our theme for this year’s Gala is Together We Rise. We may be physically separated for our event, but we believe we are indeed closer to one another than ever before. This event will celebrate that, as we enjoy a memorable evening of entertainment and inspiration!

CAPTION: This year's entertainment features renowned Cincinnati jazz performer Mandy Gaines. Click on the play button below to get a glimpse of Mandy's extraordinary talent.

Speaking of entertainment, get ready for a great night. Our Master of Ceremonies for the evening is WLWT’s Courtis Fuller, and he’ll be guiding us through the evening. You’ll also see a performance from Jazz singer Mandy Gaines, streaming live from the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Hotel. The night will be a celebration of heroism, and everyone will get a sneak peek at the historic Manse Affordable Living project. We’ve helped restore the historic Manse Hotel to a quality Affordable Living community for seniors in the Cincinnati area.

Also, get ready for TWO auctions. This year, we'll have our traditional silent auction featuring socially distance-minded items for the enjoyment of the friends of ERS. We'll also have a new "Pay It Forward" acution, which 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.

Speaking of bidding, this Annual Gala is a fundraiser, and we have many ways you can donate — the silent auction is just one of them. By making a donation of $250+, you’ll receive a Party Pack for two, so you can fully join in the celebration! Bring some friends in on the action, multiply the gift, and get plenty of Party Packs. Celebrate with us together.

We are incredibly grateful to our four presenting sponsors this year. Thanks to the Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing, Ridge Stone Builders and Developers, ModelGroup, and US Bank. 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 513.979.2313 or by email at jblang@erslife.org.

As a team and a community, we look forward to this event every year. While it will look a little different on Zoom, we’re sure it will still be an amazing night rather than in person. Our Good Samaritan Mission Fund has helped so many residents and local seniors this past year, and we know it will continue to do so, with your help, next year. We are grateful for your support.