As spring comes into full bloom, The Wesley Foundation — the philanthropic arm of The Wesley Community in Saratoga Springs – turns its focus to warmer, sunnier days by laying the groundwork for its annual gala “‘Toasts & Tides’; a coastal tribute reminiscent of summer and the seashore.”
Toasts & Tides is slated for Saturday, June 20 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at The Lodge at Saratoga Casino Hotel in Saratoga Springs. Proceeds will support new smart technology that will enhance the quality of life and care for residents.
Presented by The Adirondack Trust Company and Amsure, the gala’s evening of coastal charm will feature dinner, complimentary beverages, dancing, a silent auction and more.
“The Wesley Community is committed to providing exceptional care for our seniors and has remained true to that mission for more than five decades, with assistance from our generous donors,” said The Wesley Community CEO J. Brian Nealon. “We are excited to bring new advancements in care-giving technology that will allow us to continue to provide the highest standard of services to our residents and their families now and in the future.”
Technology upgrades, such as a modern nurse call system, will increase safety and independence for residents and instill confidence that help is always nearby. Advanced tools will support staff and improve their ability to respond quicker, preventing falls and other potentially dangerous mishaps. The new technology will help to create a safer, more responsive and compassionate care environment.
Tickets for Toasts & Tides are $250 per person. Reservations are required and can be made at thewesleycommunity.org/gala.
Highlights of the many silent auction items include:
- Family Vision Center Luxury Sunglass Package including Wayfarer frame famously worn by John F. Kennedy Jr.
- Chef MHAT 5 Course Epicurean dinner for 6 people
- First Fill Spirits Private Whiskey Tasting for 6
- Clubhouse Box for 5 guests valid for one afternoon during the Saratoga Race Course summer meet
- Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga — An Afternoon on the Farm
- Private dinner prepared by Chef John Ireland, formerly of the Saratoga Golf and Polo Club
Meanwhile, Wesley will conduct an exclusive resident-friendly preview of the gala at the Embury Café to celebrate residents who call the campus home. The event will feature the same Toasts & Tides theme, food and drinks, engaging activities and live music by Garland Nelson. The mini gala will take place on Thursday, June 11 from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Founded in 1972, The Wesley Community was established as a long-term senior care community and has steadily grown into a continuum-of-care campus featuring independent and assisted living apartments, compassionate skilled nursing and memory-care services.
The Honorary Chairs of Toasts & Tides are Mike and Tricia Billok, who have been long-time supporters of The Wesley Community.
“We are honored to serve as the chairs of this year’s Wesley Community gala. Wesley is special to us. Their incredible employees have provided excellent care to our family members, and we trust them implicitly,” said Mike Billok. “Wesley also has a unique role in our community, providing comprehensive care to our area’s senior community with compassion and dignity. The Gala is a terrific opportunity for the community to come out to celebrate and support Wesley and its mission, and we would like to invite everyone to join us at this wonderful and joyful event!”
“Adirondack Trust is proud to act as a Presenting Sponsor for the Toasts & Tides gala,” said Adirondack Trust President and CEO Charles V. Wait, Jr. “We are also pleased to be part of the effort to raise funds for smart technology upgrades that will benefit both residents and staff now and in the future.”
Major gala sponsors include:
The Hamptons Presenting Sponsors — Adirondack Trust Co. and Amsure;
Nantucket Sponsors — D.A. Collins Companies, FMG Associate Owned; MLB Construction Services, LLC., and Saratoga Casino and Hotel;
Martha’s Vineyard Sponsors — AIM Services, Inc., Bond, Schoeneck & King Attorneys, CDPHP, Elemental Management Group, and Stewart’s Shops;
Cape Cod Sponsors — Shelly Amato, Arrow Bank, Bucknam & Conley, Business for Good Foundation, Cudney’s Cleaners, DeCrescente, Family Vision Care Center Saratoga Springs, Jeff and Susan Halstead, Herzog Law Firm, KeyBank, Katie Lahoff and MacEanraic Noonan, Rev. William and Joanna Lasher, Jim La Vigne and Mary Gavin, Lemery Greilser, LLC., Attorneys at Law; Munter Enterprises, Inc., Brian and Sandy Nealon, Roohan Realty, Robert and Lisa Moser Family Foundation, Saratoga Eagle Sales and Service, Saratoga Hospital of the Albany Med Health System, Michael and Linda Toohey, Trojanski Builders, Russ and Cindy Teplitzky, Unidine, Wilcenski Pleat Law, and Withum Audit Tax Advisory.
The 2026 Gala Committee Members — Lawrence Barisic, Marianne Barker, Ellen Brodie, Beth Brucker-Kane, Gage Fuller, Jeff and Susan Halstead, Amy Michaud-Wells, Natalie Moore, A.C. Riley, John and Sue Rogan, Todd Shimkus, Joyce Ure, Tracey Wardell, Andy and Cheryl Wise, Beth Wurtmann, and MacKenzie Zarzycki.
For more information about The Wesley Community visit Affordable Senior Housing & Care in Saratoga Springs.