Redefining senior living
At The Village of St. Edward, generosity fuels a community where residents live with joy, purpose and peace of mind.
Residents at The Village of St. Edward are surrounded by joy, purpose and the comfort of being cared for like family. (Photography: Kaleyediscope Photographics)
At The Village of St. Edward, residents are surrounded by joy, purpose and the comfort of being cared for like family. That mission is supported by the VSE Foundation and its annual fundraiser VillageFEST.
Powered by the generosity of donors, the Foundation ensures that residents across its communities in Fairlawn, Green and Wadsworth experience a lifestyle rich in care, connection and opportunity.
“Any gift, small and large, makes a real difference,” says Vice President of Development Carl Bako. “Our philosophy is simple: residents come first.”
One of the most meaningful assurances they offer is through the Benevolent Care Fund. Residents will never be asked to leave if they outlive their funds. It’s a promise that brings peace of mind to families.
From museum outings and art therapy to live entertainment and spiritual enrichment in all faiths, residents enjoy a calendar filled with more than 10,000 activities each year.
Reimagining Senior Living
VillageFEST plays a vital role in supporting everyday activities at all three Village communities. Proceeds from this year’s event, set for Friday, June 26, will go toward the innovative VillageLIFE and Live Your Wish programs, inspiring initiatives centered on exploration and personal fulfillment.
“The goal of VillageLIFE and Live Your Wish is to enhance and enrich the lives of our residents,” says Carl. “We’ve done things like take a tethered hot air balloon ride, cruise on the Portage Lakes, tour the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in downtown Cleveland as well as revisit past experiences. We have a resident who was a high school athletic director. We took him to Wadsworth High School for a football game, where he turned on the lights and got things ready for the game. At the end of the evening, he turned the lights back off. Our approach is redefining people’s expectations of senior living.”
VillageFEST itself is memorable. Guests can expect an evening of lively entertainment from the Cleveland Keys dueling pianos, amazing food and drinks, raffles, a silent auction and community camaraderie. Open to residents, families, sponsors and the public, it’s a celebration and an invitation to make a difference.
“Since its inception seven years ago, VillageFEST has raised around $630,000, and we look forward to another great year,” says Carl. “It is a great way to spend a summer evening.”
Legacy Gifting
Another purpose for the Foundation is to oversee legacy gifting throughout the year.
“People can memorialize or celebrate a special person in their lives and find a way to carry on their legacy forever,” Carl adds. “It’s more than just giving money. It is an affirmation of commitment to the future of compassionate, Christ-centered care, dignity and spiritual support for generations to come.”
The Village of St. Edward Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that exists for the sole purpose of supporting The Village of St. Edward communities. Corporate sponsors for VillageFEST can join by Friday, June 5. If you cannot attend VillageFEST but would still like to donate to the Foundation, you can do that at VSECommunities.org. For more information, go to VSECommunities.org/st-edward-foundation or call Carl Bako at 330-524-4196.
The Village of St. Edward
- 3125 Smith Road, Fairlawn, 330-668-2828
- 3813 Fortuna Drive, Green, 234-294-0010
- 880 Main Street, Wadsworth, 234-217-8735
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