Needham residents and business leaders throwing benefit gala

Needham residents and business leaders are organizing the 12th annual spring benefit for VNA Care on Thursday, May 1, from 6 to 8 pm on the Terrace of the MIT Endicott House, 80 Haven St., Dedham.

Evening Under the Stars will be filled with food, wine, and spectacular entertainment from Shalyah Fearing, who received an outpouring of critical acclaim for her performances on The Voice. All funds raised will directly support the nonprofit’s compassionate care for patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families and community nursing in Needham and surrounding communities.

For more than 135 years, VNA Care has helped individuals remain independent at home, with their loved ones. These services help patients manage newly diagnosed or complex medical conditions and recover from surgery. When an illness is terminal, VNA Care’s hospice team enables patients to live with dignity throughout the end-of-life journey and provides grief support to their families.

The dedicated volunteer leaders in Needham who serve on VNA Care’s Community Cabinet include Louise Condon of Louise Condon Realty; Nancy Andrie, community relations director, One Wingate Way East in Needham; Debra Kazarian, VP, branch manager, Fidelity Bank in Needham; Edward Mulhall, assistant branch manager, Fidelity Bank; Gail Nannini of Condon Realty; Harding Ounanian, Jr.; and Kathy Whitney.

“This is our most critical fundraising event of the year for home-based health care in Needham and surrounding towns, and we are incredibly grateful for the Community Cabinet’s unwavering dedication to its success,” said Laura Wise, manager of fund development for VNA Care. “Every donation and ticket purchased gives individuals the greatest opportunity possible to recover from a health crisis and ensures those facing terminal diagnoses live with the dignity and grace we all deserve.”

VNA Care is proud to recognize the generosity of its Inspired Leader Sponsors: Louise Condon Realty and Mutual of America, and Changemaker Sponsors: Bulfinch, Dedham Savings, and Needham Bank.

Those interested in learning more about contributing to VNA Care and Evening Under the Stars should contact Laura Wise at Laura_Wise@vnacare.org. Tickets for the benefit are $75 and may be purchased at http://www.vnacare.org/stars.