News/Press

News/Press

September 26th, 2010
Harvest Festival to Benefit Hospice
The Saratogian (www.saratogian.com)
Published: Thursday, September 23, 2010

By PAUL POST, The Saratogian

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A harvest festival and street fair is scheduled for noon to 4 p.m. Sunday on Henry Street to raise money for construction of a new hospice facility.

The hospice project was initiated by the nonprofit Gateway House of Peace.

The family-oriented event will include children’s activities such as face painting, games, crafts and a performance by the Zucchini Brothers Band of Saratoga Springs.

Also, many Henry Street businesses will take part with individual fundraising efforts such as a cut-a-thon and a "Get Your Blue Streak On" hair extensions at Simplicity A Salon; wine tasting at Tiznow Restaurant; a beer tasting and Irish music performance by Forthlin Road at The Parting Glass; bead crafts for children at Saratoga Beads; a children’s art project coordinated by Virgil’s House, and an in-street performance by the Zucchini Brothers, sponsored by Simplicity A Salon.

In addition, several area farmers, artisans and crafters will be in attendance.

"We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and effort from so many area businesses," said Paul Brisson, Gateway’s director of strategic planning. "For more than four years we have worked diligently to educate the community on the need for a home for the terminally ill. Currently there is only one two-bed residence to support the dozens of live-alone hospice patients in our community. This event is a major milestone in our long journey, and we look forward to building our home to serve patients of hospice and their families."

Simplicy A Salon co-owner and Gateway board member Tina Levielle-Briscoe is the primary organizer for Sunday’s harvest festival. Her vision was to create an annual event to support area nonprofits that impact the entire Saratoga community. Gateway House of Peace was selected as the charity for the first festival.

"None of this would be possible without the support we have received and the leadership of several area businesses, including Simplicity A Salon, Paper Dolls of Saratoga, The Parting Glass, Tiznow, Virgil’s House, Smokey Joe’s BBQ, Scallions, Saratoga Beads and so many more. Someday we will thank our entire community by providing the much needed housing and support to live-alone patients of hospice."

Founded in 2006, Gateway House of Peace Inc. is a local nonprofit (501c3) organization with a vision to serve the terminally ill of Saratoga. Gateway seeks to provide a peaceful home-like setting for patients of hospice, their families, and loved ones.

"Our volunteers provide extended family support and end-of-life care for residents as they prepare for life’s greatest journey," Brisson said. "Gateway House does not receive any financial funding from the government or insurance reimbursements. We rely solely on donations, memorials, fundraising, grant writing, bequests and gifts from the community. This event demonstrates how community business owners are rallying to create a home for patients under the care of hospice."

Gateway has a variety of needs to make its dream of a new hospice facility become reality. These include financial donations, a land donation of 2.5 to five acres, volunteers for outreach and fundraising events, public speakers and hosts for speaking events, college and high school interns, grant writing professionals, experienced health care professionals, and business and community leaders.

For information, call (518) 654-5403 or see the Gateway House of Peace website at www.gatewayhouseofpeace.org. To make donations, make checks payable to: Gateway House of Peace, P.O. Box 145, Greenfield Center, 12833.