Hearts of Gold: A Golden Night for ENCORE Adult Day Services

Some events go exactly as planned. And then there are events that show you what a community is truly made of.

That's exactly what happened at our inaugural Hearts of Gold fundraiser, benefiting the Waterford ENCORE Adult Day Program — an evening that turned an unexpected challenge into an unforgettable story of resilience and generosity.

When Plans Change, Hearts Show Up

Just hours before guests were set to arrive, a power outage at our original venue forced a last-minute relocation. In the world of event planning, few things are more stressful. But our team, volunteers, and sponsors didn't miss a beat — and neither did our guests. The evening moved to Overtyme Bar and Grill in Waterford Township, and the energy in the room was nothing short of electric.

The message was clear: no power outage, no change of plans, and no obstacle would dim the generosity of this community.

A Golden Result

Thanks to the overwhelming support of our sponsors, donors, and attendees, Hearts of Gold raised over $20,000 — and counting. With a few envelopes still arriving, the final total promises to be even more remarkable.

For a first-time event — one that overcame a same-day venue change — this result is extraordinary. It reflects the deep commitment this community has to the adults and families served by the ENCORE Adult Day Program every single day.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

This evening would not have been possible without the incredible generosity of our sponsors. We are deeply grateful to:

Platinum Sponsors: Electrical Power & Design, Inc., Maria Fletcher, and Waterfall Jewelers

Gold Sponsors: McLaren Oakland, Tammy and Dave Tallenger, and the Western Oakland Transportation Authority

Silver Sponsors: Don and Ashley Asdell, Vicki and Mike Auch, Bev and Bruce Donaldson, Carol Hoffman, Arlen and Stu Magy, Phyllis McMillen, Janet and Brian Perkins, Ronald and Judy Santavicca, Chuck and Billy Jo Veres, Debra and Chuck Wallot, Lunghamer Buick GMC, Oakland Audiology, and Riverside Chapel

We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Friends of ENCORE donors, whose contributions — large and small — reflect a beautiful generosity of spirit.

What ENCORE Means to Our Community

ENCORE Adult Day Services provides compassionate, structured care for adults living with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, physical disabilities, and other conditions — while offering critical respite to the family caregivers who love them. Every dollar raised through Hearts of Gold goes directly toward sustaining and growing this essential mission.

Save the Date — Hearts of Gold Will Return

What started as an inaugural event has become a foundation for something lasting. We look forward to growing Hearts of Gold in the years ahead, and we hope you'll be with us every step of the way.

To learn more about ENCORE Adult Day Services or to support our mission year-round, visit the ENCORE donation page or contact Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan at (248) 487-9685 or at the ENCORE website page here.

Thank you for being golden. 💛