Jennings' annual fundraiser Spirit and Splendor raises funds to support mission

Oh, what a night! Thank you to everyone to supported and attended our 2025 Spirit and Splendor on Friday, September 19. We had a fabulous time at Globe Iron, a new concert venue in the Flats. We are so grateful for your time and your treasures to support the mission and ministry of Jennings. Our sponsors donated nearly $130,000 in sponsorships ahead of the event.

We enjoyed the music of local favorite, a Mix of Six, who performed our very own concert. Guests at the event - and at home - bid on some fabulous silent auction items and tried their luck at the random raffles. Jennings' Board Chair Dr. Robert Eckardt, welcomed guests and Fr. Walt Jenne led us in prayer before we dined on a delicious meal prepared by A Taste of Excellence Catering.

The event grew lively after dinner with a live auction, hosted by Chief Development Officer Jean Turcu and Sarah Barger, Executive Director of Assisted Living and Jennings at Brecksville. Emcee Bob Hale invigorated bidders as they vied for experiences like a pontoon boat ride, tickets to a Guardians game and Hell's Kitchen, a basket of hard to find bourbons, a catered meal by A Taste of Excellence and everyone's favorite - a visit from Santa! Congratulations to the winner of our Vacation Raffle: Brenda M!

Jennings' President and CEO Allison Q. Salopeck thanked guests, saying "Your generosity is more than just support—it is belief. Belief in the dignity, worth, and potential of every older adult we serve."

She went on to explain that purpose is important, especially as we age. "What gets you out of bed in the morning?" she asked. "Is it the work you love? The people who count on you? The joy of learning something new? The sense that today matters—that you have something meaningful to offer? Every older adult in our care, residences and services wakes up with that same spark inside. Some may need help getting dressed, or remembering names, or navigating their day. But their hearts, minds, and souls are still searching for purpose, for meaning, for connection. They are not done living yet."

A special highlight of our evening was the performance of the Jennings Choir. Led by Director of Mission and Ministry Ted Steiner and Pastoral Care Associate Sr. Valerie Sweeney, Jennings residents and staff members sang a song of gratitude. The emotional performance earned a standing ovation!

Thank you to all who raised their paddles for our Fund the Mission, a special bidding opportunity to directly support the Jennings Mission. A special thank you to our lead sponsors, whose gifts and support led the evening’s success:
-Event Sponsor, The Sanson Company
-Bar sponsors, David and Martha Kutik, Encore Wound Care and Absolute Pharmacy
-Jennings choir sponsor: United Medical

Thanks to your generosity, it is possible for every older adult to live each day as a gift, not just a number on a calendar. Your gifts are an investment in purpose, dignity, and life in all its fullness.