The Wesley Foundation — the philanthropic arm of The Wesley Community in Saratoga Springs – recently announced the success of this year’s annual fundraiser, ‘La Dolce Vita.’ The gala secured $100,000 toward the purchase of an accessible bus for residents with mobility issues at Wesley Health Care Center.
The June 21 fundraiser at The Lodge at Saratoga Casino Hotel in Saratoga Springs raised a sizeable portion of the $160,000 cost of a low-entry accessible bus for residents of the Wesley Health Care Center. The Frontrunner® Low-Floor Minibus by Frontrunner Bus Group, Inc.
does not require steps or a wheelchair lift due to its low-entry platform. It is touted as the most fuel-efficient, wheelchair-accessible vehicle currently available on the market.
“The Wesley Foundation is truly grateful for the impressive turnout to this year’s gala and the generosity of its sponsors and donors who made the event a resounding success, helping us to raise $100,000,” said J. Brian Nealon, CEO of The Wesley Community. “Our silent auction and raffle were extremely popular, with a 1967 vintage Vespa garnering the largest donation. We are confident that we will raise the additional cost of the Accessible Bus through sponsorships and other fund-raising activities in the near future.”
Other highlights of the many silent auction items included a 2003 Syracuse Orange men’s basketball jointly signed by Hall-of-Fame Coach Jim Boeheim and current Siena Men’s Basketball Head Coach Gerry McNamara who helped lead Syracuse to a national title that year; and a five-person Clubhouse Box available for one day during the 2025 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course.
The Gala was presented by The Adirondack Trust Company and Amsure, with dozens of additional sponsors, including area businesses and community members, offering monetary and in-kind donations.
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.
For more information about the gala or The Wesley Community visit www.thewesleycommunity.org/.