Press Releases
MorseLife Hosts Silver Anniversary Ball to Commemorate 25th Anniversary and Pay Tribute to Founders
Palm Beach, FL (December 11, 2008) – More than 350 friends and supporters of MorseLife came together at The Breakers on a spectacular winter evening last night for its Silver Anniversary Ball. The event commemorated the 25th anniversary of MorseLife, the charitable nonprofit organization serving the needs of seniors, and paid tribute to its founders: Bennett Berman (of blessed memory), Erwin H. Blonder, Alec Engelstein, Heinz Eppler, H. Irwin Levy and Alan Shulman. The Chairs of the Silver Anniversary Ball were Vicki Loring and Judy Messing.
Spotted at the event were Marilyn and Stanley M. Katz, for whom the MorseLife campus is named; as well as MorseLife Chair Beatrice Bloch and Alan Sagner, Morse Geriatric Center Chair Terri Sriberg with her husband Paul Sriber, Arthur and Vicki Loring, Gil and Judy Messing, Edwin and Harriet Levine, Robert and Robin Berman, Don and Nancy Carter, Donald and Bonnie Dwares, Jack and Barbara Kay, Seymour and Jeannette Spira, Lorraine Friedman and Lois Silverman. Also there to support their husbands and founders, Marilyn Berman, wife of the late Bennett Berman, Shirlee Blonder, Sheila Engelstein, Ruthe Eppler, and Ellen Levy.
Marjorie Agran, Chair for the Friends of MorseLife, opened the program, and introduced Rabbi Alan Sherman, who offered pre-dinner blessings. Later, president/CEO Keith Myers thanked all for coming together to celebrate the Silver Anniversary of MorseLife. “Tonight, your presence reminds us of the power of philanthropy – of connecting people who care with causes that matter deeply to them, and of the importance of MorseLife’s long-standing mission – to enhance the lives of seniors now and forever.”
In toasting the founders of MorseLife, Myers made note of their sense of obligation. “You knew that there was an unmet need in this community and in order to fulfill that need, the establishment of a senior care organization was paramount,” he said. “We thank you for your vision, your commitment and dedication and we gather as a community to pay tribute, to salute and to honor you for all you have done for this great organization.”
Myers also recognized MorseLife’s board members in attendance, thanking them for their hard work and for helping to set direction for next 25 years of MorseLife. They included Beatrice W. Bloch, Chairman of MorseLife; Terri Sriberg, Chairman of Morse Geriatric Center; Stanley M. Katz, Chairman of Kramer Seniors Services Agency; Arthur Loring, Chairman of MorseLife Foundation; and Marjorie Agran, Chair of the Friends of MorseLife.
Vicki Loring and Judy Messing, Ball Chairs, also spoke at the event, noting their privilege in helping to commemorate the first quarter century of MorseLife. “We are thrilled to also pay tribute to our founders and to all of you have been so supportive with time, energy and generosity,” noted Vicki Loring in her presentation. “We can all take great pride in knowing that through your support, MorseLife is among the foremost organizations in this country making life better for seniors.”
MorseLife is a nationally-recognized provider of health care and residential services for seniors and their families in Palm Beach County. A charitable, not-for-profit organization, its programs include short term rehabilitation, long term care, independent and assisted living, home and community-based care, care management, adult day centers, meals-on-wheels and research and training. Founded in 1983, MorseLife has built a reputation and tradition of caring for seniors with excellence, dignity and compassion -- honoring senior living -- now and forever. For more information, visit www.morselife.org.