Mercy House to host Gala of Taste

Mercy House to host Gala of TasteFrom the 2015 Gala of Taste where over 20 local breweries and wineries poured their wines and craft brews to guests. This year’s promises the same treats included in the $75 ticket with all proceeds going toward Mercy House of the Southern Tier’s goal of providing comfortable end-of-life care to its residents and families. (Photo provided by Mercy House of the Southern Tier)

Since March 2016, Mercy House of the Southern Tier has assisted 390 families and residents with the burden of end-of-life care. Its mission is to care not only for the resident, but also their family and friends in their private home facility. 

As a non-denominational community care shelter for the terminally ill, Executive Director Linda Cerra and the rest of the team know that sometimes, end-of-life care is all-consuming. Some families can’t afford to put their lives on hold, travel and provide care. On top of that, it would be their job to cook, clean, host guests and visitors during this time.   

Mercy House to host Gala of Taste

“When a resident moves in to mercy house, we take care of not only them, but their family and this becomes their home,” Cerra said. With the Mercy House caretakers covering the small, but necessary tasks, they allow “family members to be family.”

On Oct. 24, Mercy House will host its annual Gala of Taste to raise money for its cause. In years past, the Gala has drawn more than 400 people and raised over $60,000 towards the Mercy House mission of care. 

It’s named Gala of Taste for a reason. There will be a myriad of stations serving everything from hors d’oeuvres, to tenderloins, to Thai food. P.S. Restaurant in Vestal is planning the Gala’s menu as they’ve done for the previous five years. The Gala is also pulling in local wineries and breweries to pour their own products. Cerra promises there will be plenty of desserts as well. 

For entertainment Mercy House is having pianist Binghamton pianist Gene Cothran’s jazz wash over the crowd through the night. Raffles, 50/50s and a live auction will keep guests’ attention all night and prove for an elegant, fun evening. 

“We can’t do this without the community,” Cerra said, “and we want them to have a good time.”

The money raised at the Gala will allow Mercy House to continue its passion for resident care. It will continue to provide daily meals to residents and their families, keep the rooms orderly, as well as allow for the purchase of necessary supplies. 

The Gala of Taste will be Thursday, Oct. 24, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish Center in Endicott, which is located at 701 W. Main St. in Endicott. 

Tickets can be purchased at the customer service desk in Wegmans, or online at mercyhousesoutherntier.com/events.html.

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