United Way Gala Offers Black Tie Good Time in Geneseo

GENESEO – The Wadworth homestead will once again host great food, live music and dancing for United Way of Livingston County’s third annual Gala in the Valley in September.

Event Coordinators Matt Cole and Karen Rumfola confirmed that Ebb Tide, the band from Rochester that likes classic rock with a Caribbean twist, is set to play the event, with Channel 10 weather correspondent Rich Caniglia presiding as master of ceremonies. Cole and Rumfola say that their prime location in the Genesee Valley and exciting atmosphere makes their gala stand out from all others.

“It really is a one-of-a-kind event,” said Cole, Chairman of the Gala Committee and Vice Chair of United Way for Livingston County. “You get to see friends, catch up, dance. It’s rare to find a formal gala with tuxedoes that is actually fun. A lot of guests ask how they can help with it next year.”

The night will open with a cocktail hour and silent auction under a huge tent at 6p.m. The tent is sometimes used for weddings at the Wadsworth estate. Dinner will be served at 7p.m., prepared by the capable hands of DiPane catering. Cole says that the menu will be seasonally inspired, not your typical steak and potatoes.

The Gertrude Houston Spirit Award winner will be formally announced at 8p.m., cocktails and live auction to follow. The award recognizes exceptional Livingston County residents who devote their hearts and hours to United Way. It is named for Geneseo resident Gertrude Houston, who was an eight-time Emmy Award winning television producer and much loved neighbor who passed away in June of 2012.

Rumfola, Regional Director for United Way, said that proceeds will help United Way of Livingston County support 19 local organizations.

“We do a fundraising campaign from September to June every year, and the gala starts it off,” said Rumfola. “The gala proceeds are a huge addition to other fundraising, which just isn’t enough to support all of the organizations that we do.”

The gala will open Saturday, September 20th. Tickets can be purchased for $125 at Wegmans, who among others sponsors the event, or by calling the United Way Office at (585)519-4250. A few tickets are available for $200 that include a VIP reception inside the Wadsworth estate.

PHOTO CAPTION: The Wadsworth estate, which will again host the Gala in the Valley this year.