VNSW to Honor Gera Looser of White Plains

We're not as young as we used to be. Across the nation, seniors are the fastest-growing demographic. Westchester is graying, too: one in five people are 60 years or older and by 2030, one in four will fall into this group.

But, we're not just older; 68 percent of seniors have two or more chronic health conditions, according to the National Council on Aging. These trends are driving the increased demand for healthcare, creating a burgeoning need for the vital home healthcare services provided by VNS Westchester.

To help the nonprofit agency address the needs of this growing population, the VNSW Foundation will hold its signature fundraising event — its 21st Annual Spring Benefit Gala — on Wednesday, May 15, 2019, at Willow Ridge County Club in Harrison, and honor three key agency partners who work with VNSW to provide exceptional care and support for seniors.

In honoring Gera Looser, RN, William T. Smith, President/CEO, Aging in America, Inc. and Matthew G. Anderson, President and CEO of The Osborn, and the VNSW Foundation is shining a light on individuals and organizations that help them support the health and high quality of life for seniors:

Looser, who recently retired following an extraordinary 50-year nursing career, is being honored for her outstanding work and selfless dedication as a Registered Nurse and Staff Educator at VNSW's affiliate, Westchester Care at Home.

Proceeds from VNSW's Gala, which takes place during National Older Americans Month, will support a wide range of programs for residents of Westchester, the Bronx, Dutchess, Putnam and Rockland counties. These include free community health screenings, health education programs focusing on preventative care and chronic disease management, and home care services for underinsured patients. Community funding is essential in helping VNS Westchester fulfill its mission of enhancing the health and well-being of people of all ages, in the comfort of their own homes.

Tickets are now available for the gala, which will take place at 5:30 p.m. on May 15, 2019 at Willow Ridge Country Club in Harrison, N.Y. The gala's presenting sponsors include Wells Fargo Private Bank and Commercial Bank, BNY Mellon Wealth Management, and BDO USA, LLP.

Outstanding Achievement in Nursing Award

Gera Looser, RN, of White Plains, has had an extraordinary nursing career that has spanned 50 years. She recently retired as a Registered Nurse and Staff Educator for VNSW's affiliate, Westchester Care at Home. Westchester Care at Home (WCAH), a NYS Licensed Home Care Agency, provides vital assistance with activities of daily living to seniors and other vulnerable citizens in their homes. Over the past 15 years at WCAH, Looser has served as a field nurse while supervising, training and mentoring over 200 Home Health Aides. She has worked closely with family caregivers to lift their burden, helping them to secure support from insurance companies, social service agencies and hospice facilities to support their loved ones; she consistently goes "above and beyond" for the frail elderly who cannot care for themselves, and has made it her life's work to ensure that they receive all of the services and care they need and deserve. Through her mentoring and leadership skills, Looser has been an outstanding role model, instilling in the aides she trains a sense of integrity and pride that are reflected in the caliber of service they provide to the elderly population served by VNSW. In December 2018, Gera was elected to the Westchester County Senior Citizens Hall of Fame for her outstanding contributions to the elderly and other vulnerable populations in our community.

Event Details
Deborah Gogliettino and Karen Herrero, both Westchester Visiting Nurse Service Group, Inc. board members, are co-chairing the event. In addition to the awards ceremony, the event will feature a silent auction, including gift certificates for dining out, event tickets, luxury items, international wines and more. The evening also features a cocktail networking reception, gourmet dinner specialties and a sumptuous 'sweet treats' dessert and ice cream bar.
Tickets for the event may be purchased for $350 each at www.vns.org/donate. For information on Sponsorship Opportunities, Journal Ads or contributions to the Silent Auction, contact Joyce Infante, Director of Development and Communications, at JInfante@vns.org or (914) 682-1480, ext. 649.