Excellence is Ageless Gala Supports Abundant Life Mission

Friends, residents, business partners and employees of Lutheran SeniorLife joined in fellowship and celebration of our older adults on April 27 at the ninth annual Excellence is Ageless Gala at Heinz Field. The event raised more than $210,000 which will be used for Lutheran SeniorLife programs and benevolent care.

Actress/comedienne Vicki Lawrence was honored with the Excellence is Ageless Award which celebrates the spirit and vitality of individuals 55 years of age and older who have made significant contributions to the community through profession, service, philanthropy or leadership. Ms. Lawrence has inspired others to be vibrant and productive through her career and charitable work with Miller Children’s Hospital and Long Beach Memorial Center in California.

Todd C. Moules, regional president for First Niagara Financial Group, served as the gala chairman and master of ceremonies.

 “Because of your generous and thoughtful contributions, Lutheran SeniorLife can continue to fulfill its faith-based mission so that elders who are the recipients of its services experience a more abundant life regardless of their physical condition or financial circumstances,” Moules told the audience of nearly 500 guests.

“Our gala is a shining example of our culture of celebrating the gift of age and our commitment to sustain the vitality of our ministry of serving older adults, especially those who can no longer afford the care that they need,” said David Fenoglietto, president and CEO of Lutheran SeniorLife.

A silent auction was held that included several items handmade by Passavant Retirement Community residents, and a scarf handcrafted by Ms. Lawrence.

An invocation was given by The Rev. Kurt F. Kusserow, bishop of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and the benediction was given by The Rev. Dr. David P. Gleason, senior pastor at First Lutheran Church in Pittsburgh.

Vicki Lawrence, gala honoree, and Todd C. Moules, gala chairman

(L to R) Stephanie Crowley; Janelle Fenoglietto; Vicki Lawrence; David Fenoglietto; Thomas E. Crowley, J.D., Lutheran SeniorLife Foundation board of directors