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As I looked out to the audience in front of me, I wondered, "How did I get here?" When I so tentatively volunteered at Briteside almost 15 years ago, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be here, Master of Ceremonies, at Briteside's 25th Anniversary Gala.
At various tables were Board members, past and present, who have guided Briteside through the years. It was those same Board members who persisted for 11 years to find the right site for Briteside II when we became aware of the need for a second facility in the county.
For 25 years Briteside was blessed to have rented space in the Flemington Baptist Church. How fitting that the Reverend Bruce Morgan joined us to give the invocation. Recently, we were thinking, "Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a permanent location to expand the Briteside program?" It is said timing is everything. The Bet Tivka synagogue on Sand Hill Road appeared on the market as if to say, "Here I am." Peggy Hylan, Briteside's President, announced to the gala crowd, "We have the use-variance and now we can complete the purchase. We have our new home."
Raising money is always the challenge for a non-profit organization such as ours. We are so fortunate to have the, newly incorporated, Friends of Briteside, dedicated members of the community with a special bond to us. They stepped in to help us find funding for the new location and sponsored the Gala. Garry Wilbor brought greetings from President Pat McKiernan and all on their board. Friends of Briteside will spearhead the fund raising for all Briteside projects.
The evening was filled with adventure. The Silent Auction was exciting. The bidding drew lots of visits to the lobby to keep track of who was bidding on what. Laughter filled the air and shouts of glee were heard as the winners were announced. Thanks to all of the individuals and businesses that contributed auction items.
Staff members from both sites were there. Their caring manner has made Briteside the place to bring your loved one. Volunteers, who freely give of their time, year after year were there. Caregivers were there; who appreciate that Briteside is a safe place to bring their family member during the day where new friends are made. And the many other supporters of Briteside were there. Some give of their time and talents, some show their commitment with dollars, and all are committed to continuing this organization which, 25 years ago, was begun to have a "place for our frail seniors to gather to give respite to their caregivers."
To Pat Stover and her committee, bravos to all for putting together this fabulous event to culminate our 25th anniversary year and what a year it has been. In reflection, all who attended have made Briteside what it is today: an organization poised on the brink of a new adventure, ready to meet the challenges of owning its own property and expanding the program to meet the continuing needs of our participants. As we approach the holidays and the New Year our vision for the future of Briteside seems possible beyond our wildest dreams. It reminds us that sometimes we need to be like children and believe in the "impossible". Sometimes dreams really do come true.