(March 26, 2025) SARASOTA, FL – The Golden Age of Aviva: Celebrating the Journey proved to be an unforgettable evening of inspiration, generosity, and show-stopping entertainment on Saturday evening, March 22.  The gala raised approximately $400,000 to support Benevolent Care, Safety and Security, Life Enrichment Programming, and the Memory Garden at Aviva Senior Living.

Guests were welcomed into a dazzling world of elegance, storytelling, and community impact.

The night also featured a deeply moving testimonial from 100-year-old Carolyn Kaplan, who is redefining the golden years. Her awe-inspiring attitude and perspective on the aging process left the crowd speechless, serving as a powerful reminder of the resilience, wisdom, and joy that come with each new chapter of life. Click below to watch her testimonial video:

Aviva Senior Living extends its deepest gratitude to its sponsors, donors, and guests for their unwavering support. The success of The Golden Age of Aviva marks a new chapter of growth and sustainability for the organization, ensuring that seniors in the Sarasota community continue to thrive in a nurturing and engaging environment.

We’re excited to announce the launch of our new Aviva Foundation website. A user-friendly design makes it easy to learn about all the ways your donations make a difference in the lives of our residents.

Our Benevolent Care Fund, for example, provides assistance for qualified residents who outlive their resources through no fault of their own. Gifts to our Life Enrichment Programs support a variety of stimulating cultural and educational experiences on Campus.

We invite you to learn more about how your donations make an impact on the lives of our residents in Kobernick House (Independent Living) and in Anchin Pavilion (Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation).

Your financial support helps ensure our residents continue to live extraordinary lives with access to the care they may need for as long as they need.

To learn more about giving options or how to maximize the impact of your gift, visit Aviva Foundation or contact our Foundation Office at 941-203-6237.

“We are grateful for organizations that see the need and give to support our Campus’ recovery efforts”, stated Jay Solomon. “We are thankful for their generosity.”

Aviva Senior Living President and CEO Jay Solomon welcomed Shepard Englander, CEO, Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee to the Aviva Campus on Friday, November 8 for a check presentation. The gift was made from the Federation to support recovery efforts from Hurricane’s Helene and Milton.

“The Aviva community is proud to provide safety and security to our fellow senior living communities and their residents residing in Sarasota,” stated Solomon. “This past hurricane season has been the toughest on our senior communities and the worst that we have witnessed in more than the last 10 years.”

Recovery efforts continue at the Aviva Campus as internal and external systems are repaired. Donations are gratefully accepted that will fund roof and awning damage and repairs to electrical systems.

Make a donation today at http://weblink.donorperfect.com/sspp

Each year at Yom Kippur, we honor the memory of our loved ones who have passed away. The act of lighting a candle is seen as a way to honor and remember the deceased, filling the void left by their absence with light and warmth. May their memory be for a blessing. View the 2024 Book of Remembrance (5785)

To recognize a loved one CLICK HERE to print out form

The Spark Newsletter from Aviva Senior Living is a publication designed to keep residents, and their families informed about the latest news, events, and activities within the community and keep everyone connected and active with a vibrant life at Aviva Senior living. The Spark features a variety of content, including:

• Community Updates: Information about new initiatives, resident achievements, and important announcements.
• Event Highlights: Details on upcoming social events, lectures, holiday celebrations, and special programs.
• Health and Wellness Tips: Articles focused on promoting a healthy lifestyle, including exercise routines, nutrition advice, and mental health support.
• Educational Articles: Insights on topics relevant to senior living, such as memory care, innovative therapies, and ways to stay engaged and active.

Check out the latest edition of The Spark!

Aviva Senior Living is honored to announce the receipt of an anonymous gift funding the purchase of a new vehicle to shuttle residents. This gift reflects the heartfelt appreciation and generosity of families and residents who have flourished within the Aviva community. This gift, which will directly enhance the quality of life for residents and staff, exemplifying the deep gratitude shared by those who have experienced Aviva’s compassionate care firsthand.

“We are deeply grateful for the generosity of our residents’ families and community supporters. These thoughtful contributions not only enhance the lives of our current residents but also leave a lasting legacy that will benefit generations to come,” said Jay Solomon, President and CEO of Aviva Senior Living. “At Aviva, we strive to create a place where seniors can thrive, and it’s heartwarming to see families recognizing that through their gifts. These donations remind us of the vital role philanthropy plays in helping us provide exceptional care and meaningful experiences for every resident.”

Aviva Senior Living recently received two significant gifts from families expressing their love and support for the organization that has cared for their cherished parents.

Judy Honig, along with her husband Stephen Robb, made a generous donation in honor of Judy’s mother, Ernie Kent. Ernie, who has been a resident at AVIVA for several years, deeply appreciates the staff and enjoys the offerings of the community library. Thanks to their gift, Aviva was able to renovate the staff break room and will soon refresh the library for all residents to enjoy.

At the dedication Judy commented, “This gift of gratitude is because my mom as thrived at Aviva, living her best life.”

Another family wanted to show their gratitude. In memory of their mother, Dorothy Cohen, her children (Margie, Gordon and Micheal) made a heartfelt donation after her passing. This contribution will help revitalize the memory garden and the memory care unit, reflecting their gratitude for the exceptional care Dorothy received while residing at Anchin Pavilion.

These gifts highlight the impact of the Grateful Family and Resident Program, which honors residents living fulfilling lives at Aviva Senior Living.

(April 15, 2024) Aviva Senior Living is pleased to announce Suzanne Hudson-Smith, CFRE has joined the organization as its Chief Development Officer. Hudson-Smith has over twenty years of experience in fundraising, development and nonprofit leadership. She has worked across the country, including Sarasota, to make an impact on local communities in performing arts organizations, community libraries, food banks, healthcare, and public television.

“Aviva is so fortunate to be able to welcome such a dynamic and experienced chief development officer to our leadership team,” says CEO Jay Solomon. “As we begin our fourth decade of serving seniors in our community, Suzanne’s seasoned background and certification in fundraising will be a tremendous asset to the Aviva family.”

Most recently, Hudson-Smith, served as Development Director at Parkinson Place, Inc. and Director of Leadership and Legacy Giving at the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation. She says, “I am excited to join the Aviva Senior Living team. Together, we will continue to connect and engage the community in support of quality senior care and to elevate the quality of life for our residents.

Aviva is Sarasota’s only single-site, not-for-profit, rental, senior residential community offering a full continuum of care with independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing facilities. For more information, visit avivaseniorlife.org