Nearly 150 joyful members of the extended Living Resources family filled the hallways, lobbies, art gallery, and cafetorium at our Albany headquarters on Friday, June 21 to raise a glass in celebration of our agency’s 50th Anniversary.
For The Golden Jubilee, the office was transformed with gold and black decorations and a fabulous red carpet, ushering guests inside in true VIP style. After they came through the doors, they were welcome to partake in wine donated by Exit 9 Wine and Liquor, beer donated by Reifenberg Brewing, and charcuterie boards and grazing stations provided by Jackson Soul Catering.
As friends old and new ate and drank, they reminisced about years past and shared well-wishes for the future as live music was performed. Downstairs, Jovan Carpino played piano and upstairs Caity Gallagher sang and played guitar. Guests also strolled
through the Miller Sanders Gallery, where artwork created by individuals enrolled in the Living Resources Arts Program was on display and available to purchase. Throughout the evening, 10 framed prints were sold, with proceeds going back to the artists themselves.
Among the supporters, staff members and supported individuals enjoying the festivities, several lawmakers made appearances. One meaningful moment came when Congressman Paul Tonko presented CEO Elizabeth Martin and Founder Fred Erlich with a commendation, marking Living Resources’ longevity and decades worth of positive impact on the Capital Region. We were also honored to received proclamations from the New York State Senate and Assembly, celebrating our non-profit’s achievements, from Senator Jake Ashby, Assemblymember Pat Fahy, and Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara.
A video presentation, featuring recorded messages from dedicated Living Resources team members, grateful program participants, and congratulatory supporters was played before glasses were raised for a triumphant champagne toast to our past, present, and future! Click below to view the video:
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Golden Jubilee! Seeing so many people united in their love for our organization truly warms our hearts and gives us renewed energy to fulfill our mission, fight ableism in all of its forms, and push for even more empowerment of the individuals we support. We are deeply grateful to each and every person who has helped shape our non-profit into the thriving agency that it is today. We are looking forward to the next 50 years and beyond!
