JASA Celebrating Seniors Cocktail Reception
Honoring Richard Cuccia & Live Auction by Christie's Auctioneer Toby Usnik
Photos courtesy of JASA.
Attendees supporting the Annual JASA Cocktail Reception celebrating seniors at 583 Park Avenue.
Guests enjoying the cocktail reception prior to the special remarks and speeches for JASA.
On Tuesday, May 10th, 2016 JASA hosted their Annual Cocktail Reception celebrating Seniors at 583 Park Avenue in Manhattan. JASA, is a not-for-profit agency serving the city’s senior population. The event was the agency’s most successful fundraiser ever, raising more than $436,000 and counting, which will help support JASA’s many programs that service more than 43,000 older adults in the New York area. The proceeds support JASA’s Mission to Sustain & Enrich the Lives of Older New Yorkers.
JASA’s primary fundraising event of the year was attended by over 200 celebrities, activists, philanthropists, government leaders, nonprofit officials, JASA Trustees, and others. Jane Marsh, the internationally acclaimed soprano and Artistic Advisor of the Metropolitan Opera Guild, was the emcee for the program, and the special guest speaker was Philip Marshall, a recognized advocate of elder justice and the grandson of late philanthropist Brooke Astor. A special auction was led by Christie’s own Toby Usnik. The honoree for the evening was Richard Cuccia, the chief executive officer of National Maintenance Supplies, Inc., which was the presenting sponsor for the event.
“JASA would not be able to do the terrific work it does without the generosity of all our donors, including those who came out tonight to support us,” said JASA Chief Executive Officer Kathryn Haslanger. “Our programs and our services make a very real difference in the lives of so many older adults, and it is this spirit of community and service that make it all possible.”
Haslanger noted that according to the latest statistics from the NYC Department for the Aging, almost one in five New Yorkers are over the age of 60. And this number is growing daily as the boomer generation becomes the senior population.
The program began with a selection of wines and cocktails as well as hors d'oeuvres and a selection of buffet options for guests to select from. The evening followed by a welcoming speech by Jane Marsh and greetings by Mark. R. Imowitz. Special remarks were given by Philip C. Marshall followed by the "Celebrating Seniors Award" presented to Richard Cuccia by Kathy Haslanger. An emotional video displaying how JASA helps the senior community was showcased, and it was truly well done because it gave people an understand of what JASA is all about and how they support all types of seniors throughout the Boroughs.
Although JASA stands for the Jewish Association Serving the Aging, they support all seniors in need regardless of race or religion. The video we watched showcased a few different seniors and how JASA helps them live their senior years by helping them live stress-free not worrying about the everyday activities they would need to do. For example, we saw a Hispanic senior female who lived in the boroughs but very happy to be part of the JASA community as she strongly depends on them delivering food to her door on a daily basis by volunteers. In additions, they have many support programs for them to go to in their neighborhood to participate with other seniors and have a more pleasant lifestyle.
The event raises awareness for the need to support and advocate for the continuation of programs such as:
Elder Abuse Services
JASA’s innovative Legal Social Work Elder Abuse Program (LEAP) teams of attorneys and social workers assist 600 victims of abuse each year. Hundreds of professionals, gatekeepers, government personnel, and community members are trained through JASA’s Elder Abuse Training Institute, Annual NYC Elder Abuse Conference, and targeted workshops.
Home Delivered Meals
JASA delivers nearly one million Kosher and non-Kosher nutritious meals to homebound individuals and to groups at our senior centers. These meals and the staff who deliver them provide much more than nourishment; they provide a social connection and safety net.
Housing
JASA is home to over 2,300 low and moderate income older adults and disabled individuals in eight buildings across Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. As owner and manager of all our buildings, JASA provides tenants with safe, secure, and accessible environments. In many buildings, we provide social services and activities to strengthen and enliven the communities.
Mental Health Services
JASA provides mental health services to over 410 individuals suffering or recovering from mental illness at our New York State-licensed geriatric outpatient mental health clinics and our friendship houses. Services include individual and group treatment, pharmacological therapy, assistance accessing community-based services, and social activities.
Senior Centers
JASA’s 25 senior centers across New York City and Long Island are a home away from home for 10,000 seniors seeking group activities, friendships, trips, and nutritious meals. Five hundred senior center volunteers participate in more than 100 give back to the community projects.
Social Adults Day Care
JASA provides socialization programs for seniors suffering from dementia and cognitive impairments. Attentive and compassionate staff provide a caring environment with mental stimulation, movement therapy, and peer interaction. This program helps individuals avoid long-term care facilities, and has the dual benefit of providing much-needed respite time for caregivers.
About JASA
Founded in 1968, JASA is one of New York’s largest and most trusted agencies serving older adults in the Bronx, Brooklyn Manhattan, Queens and Long Island. JASA’s mission is to sustain and enrich the lives of the aging in the New York metropolitan area so that they can remain in the community with dignity and autonomy. JASA enables seniors of all races, religions and economic backgrounds to age-in-place with dignity and joy.
For more information about JASA, click here.