Residents, team members and local civic leaders marked the occasion in celebration of the organization’s 70 years of serving older adults
TALLAHASSEE, June 7, 2024 – With a groovy 1970s-themed party with tie-dyed shirts and a special celebration by Tallahassee Mayor Pro Tem Curtis Richardson, Westminster Communities of Florida celebrated its 70th anniversary of serving older adults with more than 200 attendees and guests at Westminster Oaks.
The organization, first established as a ministry of the Presbyterian Church (USA) as Presbyterian Homes of the Synod of Florida, began its service when the Life Plan Community today known as Westminster Manor opened in 1961. Westminster Oaks, its fourth community, opened in 1982 and is now the organization’s largest community, set on more than 120 acres with more than 600 residents. Today Westminster Communities of Florida has 23 communities spanning the state of Florida, serving more than 7,000 residents with 2,300 team members.
The party featured a tie-dyed homage to the 1970s in celebration of the organization’s 70th anniversary, including live entertainment with songs from the ’70s, a caricature artist and a photo booth with real strips of printed photos.
Shannon Sauls, Executive Director of Westminster Oaks, thanked the attendees with a word of welcome. “I am very proud of what this community has accomplished and I am thankful that we are all here celebrating our organization’s success,” said Sauls. “Throughout our history, one thing remains constant: Our Mission. It has always been centered around serving older adults, since 1954.”
“We are here today to celebrate a milestone that not many organizations get to celebrate: 70 years,” said Chief Executive Officer Terry Rogers. “We have never slowed down, not for one day since then, growing and serving older adults. We are so proud that we have so many residents here today, and we are happy to have you here at Westminster Oaks.”
Mayor Pro Tem Richardson represented the City of Tallahassee in presenting his remarks of congratulations. “We cherish the relationship that we share with Westminster Oaks in providing services to our seniors. “Now I have just a few brief remarks of congratulations to make.” Richardson said. “Over the past seven decades, Westminster Communities of Florida has remained steadfast in its mission to enhance the lives of its residents. This celebration is not just a reflection of past achievements, but is also a reaffirmation of the values that drive this organization forward.”
Following the ceremony, residents, future residents and team members enjoyed an afternoon of live entertainment, resident art and history exhibits, and even outdoor axe-throwing. Attendees enjoyed a variety of delicious breakfast treats provided by the Westminster Oaks Dining Services team.
Westminster Communities of Florida, the state’s largest not-for-profit provider of active senior living, emphasizes whole-person wellbeing for its older adult residents. With communities in Bradenton, Jacksonville, Lakeland, Orlando, St. Augustine, St. Petersburg, Tallahassee and Winter Park, the organization serves more than 7,000 residents statewide with a lifestyle featuring active living, wellness and lifelong learning.
