By Mike Marturello - The Herald Republic on August 20, 2025
CROOKED LAKE — The Fifth Annual Great Gatsby Gala held by The Heritage Club was, to say the least, the bee’s knees.
Or maybe it was the cat’s meow.
From the beginning of the night at the Steuben County Event Center when the hotsy-totsy guests started out with some giggle water, to the spiffy buffet and the ample music, there was something for everyone.
Throughout the night one could put on their cheaters to keep an eye on the silent auction items, then there were the keen items auctioned off by Heritage Club friend Tom West, who managed to sell two trips to Italy for $7,100 apiece, along with three other trips. Folks will be making their way also to the Dominican Republic, Harbor Springs, Michigan, and longboat Key Florida.
Carried the torch
The cats at this joint definitely carried a torch for the Heritage Club on Friday, opening up their wallets and purses for the cause.
“I’d love to highlight the incredible support we received from the community. With 300 guests, 37 tables and 29 sponsorships, we raised an estimated net income of $54,745, exceeding our goal,” said Jami Stout, executive director.
Nobody in the Event Center room was about to be the fall guy for bumping off this organization, so support they did.
‘Absolutely imperative’
“This gala is absolutely imperative to our organization. While it was a tremendous success, we are still in need of others to join us in financially supporting our mission. The funds raised help us cover essential operating costs, and we continue to face significant needs to sustain our programs and services. Every contribution makes a difference, and we remain hopeful that more community members will step forward to help us meet the growing demand,” Stout said.
Some of the folks got out and cut a rug to the music of Shake Rattle and Roll Pianos, a dueling piano act from Ohio affiliated with an organization headquartered in New York.
Brian Laasko and Matt Johnson kept the party moving with their high energy hits, and kept the cash flowing for the organization, with all tips for the request line going back to The Heritage Club.
During the evening, board Vice President Bill Scherger introduced a new sustaining fundraising effort being spearheaded by fellow board member Fred Beck called The Heritage Society.
In his talk, Scherger made an appeal for those attending to step up and become contributors through The Heritage Society, which will sustain The Heritage Club and its mission.
“The Heritage Club is more than a building, it’s a lifeline. It’s a place where stories are shared, meals are served and dignity is preserved. And none of it would be possible without you,” Stout said in her opening remarks to welcome guests.
“Tonight, we celebrate that vision. We celebrate the lives we’ve touched and the lives we will continue to serve because of you,” Stout continued. So let’s raise our drinks to a night of generosity, glamour and giving.”
And so they did, to a grateful host and many of the friends who attended, including Bonnie Callan, a Heritage Club member who spoke of the importance of the organization and how it has provided meaning to her life.
“Thank you for being part of this journey. Thank you for believing in our seniors,” Stout said. “And thank you for helping us build a legacy of care, compassion and community.”
