Press Releases
Over 400 Supporters of MorseLife Enjoy Music, Dancing and Tributes at Friends of MorseLife Butterfly Ball
Palm Beach, FL (December 15, 2007) - More than 400 friends and supporters of MorseLife came on a lovely December evening to the Breakers Hotel for the Friends of MorseLife Butterfly Ball - an evening of music and dancing, wonderful food and tributes. The event also marked the kick-off for MorseLife’s 25th Anniversary Celebration, which will culminate with a spectacular Gala next December.
This year’s event paid tribute to outgoing chair of MorseLife Arthur Loring and his wife Vicki, for their dedication and commitment on behalf of the seniors of Palm Beach County. As their own tribute to MorseLife, Arthur and Vicki announced a $2 million gift to MorseLife, to specifically fund the organization’s Institute for Geriatric Research and Education, a program that keeps MorseLife on the "cutting edge" in studying innovative ways to enhance the quality of care for seniors.
Barbara and Peter Sidel (first and second from left) and Betsy and Stephen Goldberg (first and second from right), pay tribute to Vicki and Arthur Loring (middle) who presented MorseLife with a $2 million gift to help fund its Institute for Geriatric Research and Education.
Event chairs Betsy and Stephen Goldberg and Barbara and Peter Sidel began the event with a welcome to attendees. "My friend Vicki Loring said she loved butterflies so why not use that in the title of this event," said Barbara in her presentation. “Symbolically, the butterfly represents a metamorphosis - a beautiful butterfly emerging from its cocoon - much like the wonderful metamorphosis of MorseLife over the past twenty-five years."
Co-chairs of the Friends of MorseLife Ellen Falk and Sid Rosenthal spoke about the joining of the Women’s Auxiliary and Men’s Associates to form the Friends of MorseLife. "This past year, we formed one dynamic group allowing us the unique opportunity to combine our strengths and our joint passion to making a difference in the lives of seniors of our community," noted Ellen. "It is an honor to stand together tonight."
Ellen and Sid welcomed incoming MorseLife chair Beatrice Bloch and MorseLife president CEO Keith Myers to the podium for a special donation. "This year, our idea focused on life experiences – the opportunity for the seniors we serve to see the world around them.” With that, Ellen and Sid presented Bea and Keith with a check for $87,500 for the purchase of a new accessible van for use by Morse Geriatric Center residents for activities and events. "This gift is in addition to our other commitments to MorseLife and we look forward to seeing our residents really enjoy it."
Sid Rosenthal and Ellen Falk, co-chairs for Friends of MorseLife, present a check for $87,500 to Keith Myers and Bea Bloch, president/CEO and incoming chair for MorseLife for the purchase of a handicapped accessible van for residents of Morse Geriatric Center.
When Arthur and Vicki Loring came to the podium as honorees at the Butterfly Ball, they noted their excitement in learning about the research projects undertaken by the Institute for Geriatric Research and Education. To the overwhelming surprise and joy of attendees, they then announced their gift of $2 million to support the initiative" as Arthur noted, "to support MorseLife in continuing to perform cutting edge research that will impact the lives of seniors."
The Butterfly Ball was the major fund raising event of the year of Friends of MorseLife, a group of community members - of various ages and interests - committed to enhancing the quality of life to the seniors served by MorseLife. Events such as the Butterfly Ball, are major fund raising sources for MorseLife, that help to pay for both designated gifts, such as the van provided this year, as well as flowers and wine for Shabbat and the holidays, events and outings and presents for residents of Morse Geriatric Center for Chanukah, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Additionally, they provide funding for a music enhancement program and Direct TV service for all Morse Geriatric Center residents, as well as special needs grants.
For more information about Friends of MorseLife, call (561) 242-4661.
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 long term care, short term rehabilitation, independent and assisted living, home care, and an institute for geriatric research and education. 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.