Event Archives - Page 2 of 2 - VersAbility Resources

VersAbility Raises More Than $76,000 at Signature Fundraiser

Posted on October 23, 2022June 19, 2024 by Mark H

VersAbility Resources raised $76,060 at its 15^th annual gala presented by Old Point National Bank held Sept. 30 in Newport News.

A man and a women smile and poser together at a VersAbility fundraiser

The funds raised support the nonprofit’s mission to empower people with disabilities to lead productive and fulfilling lives.

More than 100 people attended the cruise-themed event held during the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.

A group of people surround a roulette table as they watch the ball spin.

“VersAbility is deeply grateful to all of our generous sponsors who help us create lives of purpose and opportunity for people of all abilities,” said Kasia Grzelkowski, the organization’s President and CEO. “We salute those who braved the remnants of Hurricane Ian to join us in celebration of our mission.”

Unique silent auction items at VersAbility’s signature fundraiser held at the Marriott in City Center included a guitar autographed by Bruce Springsteen, a Los Angeles Lakers jersey autographed by LeBron James, a sterling silver bracelet with white sapphires from Hauser’s Jewelers and a Lilly Pulitzer cooler and stainless steel tumbler from The Silver Box.

A woman wearing formal attire speaks into a microphone from a podium.

The evening included dinner and dessert, live music from the band Revelation, dancing, a silent auction, casino games, and a raffle.

A man wearing a Hawaiian shirt plays a white guitar onstage.

VersAbility’s new Chief Development Officer Joe Harrow joined other leadership, staff, and supporters for the memorable evening.

Four women smile, seated behind a table with papers in front of them.

“I am really excited to be joining VersAbility in my capacity as its Chief Development Officer because I believe so strongly in the mission,” Harrow said. “The people who I met at the office on my first day, as well as the supporters at the Gala, further confirmed for me that I have made the right decision joining this organization.”

VersAbility serves more than 1,800 people and their families with disabilities with programs in early childhood, student services, day support and residential. Five diverse employment programs help people with disabilities find meaningful work.

A man dances on a dance floor wearing a yellow flower lei, surrounded by other dancers.

VersAbility’s Bestows 14 Employees with Amethyst Club Honors

Posted on August 27, 2022July 20, 2024 by Mark H

VersAbility Resources welcomed 14 honorees to its newly created Amethyst Club that recognizes employees with tenure and dedication to the Hampton nonprofit.

A woman in a blue dress speaks to a crowd of people gathered for dinner.

The selected honorees attended a dinner in their honor with several from VersAbility’s senior leadership team in attendance, including Kasia Grzelkowski (CEO), Tammy Robbs (CFO) and Mike Godwin (Chief Human Resources Officer) from VersAbiliy’s senior leadership team.

A woman in a pink shirt laughs while eating dinner.

“The Amethyst Club consists of those employees who have eclipsed 25 years of either direct service to people with disabilities or support of this mission while employed with VersAbility,” Godwin said. “It is the highest honor bestowed upon any employee – an employment life well-lived and in service to others and to further the mission and provide more opportunities for individuals with disabilities.”

A woman listens while the person next to her speaks at a dinner table.

Added Robbs, “VersAbility’s goal is that the club continually grows as the years progress. We aspire to have the majority of our employees make a life-long career at VersAbility.”

A man and a woman listen as another woman speaks to them during dinner.

VersAbility Resources Achieves a Fundraising Milestone at Annual Ability Am Golf Tournament

Posted on June 7, 2022June 19, 2024 by Mark H

Call it an ace for VersAbility Resources.

The Hampton nonprofit exceeded the six-figure fundraising mark at a single event for the first time ever at its Ability Am Golf Tournament held on May 19, 2022.

VersAbility raised $106,560 from the tournament that included 21 teams and 81 golfers competing at Cedar Point Club in Suffolk. Funds raised support VersAbility’s employment programs, including its new Future of Work (FOW) program. This new initiative launched its first welding cohort in January 2022 and will add a second cohort in June.

A woman wearing a red shirt and white hat swings a golf club.

FOW is designed to help youth and adults with disabilities complete certification programs to prepare them for jobs in high-demand career fields. While welding training is underway, long-term plans include other fields such as medical coding and cybersecurity. Job coaches will provide personalized support with pre-enrollment preparation, technology use, transportation, exam preparation and job placement.

“People with disabilities represent the greatest untapped talent pool that our region needs to thrive” said VersAbility CEO Kasia Grzelkowski. “These funds will allow us to get these capable people off the sidelines and into jobs that lead to fulfilling careers. VersAbility’s employment programs give people with disabilities hope, independence, security and social belonging. We are so appreciative of our community supporters who helped us reach this fundraising milestone.”

Two men smile and wave while riding a golf cart.

Pivot Physical Therapy was Presenting Sponsor for the tournament. Other sponsors included the following:

Mission Sponsors: Annie Belle Reavis Tuccori (ARBT) Foundation, Rick Gallaer in honor of Seth and Jeremy Gallaer, Tidewater Orthopaedics, TowneBank, and Towne Insurance
Beverage Sponsors: Atlantic Union Bank, Langley Federal Credit Union, PNC Bank, Sentara CarePlex Hospital, and Wanda Austin.
Plethora of Putting Green and Hole Sponsors.

A man wearing a red shirt and a woman wearing a black shirt smile and pose together at a golf course.

Tournament Co-Chair Wayne MacMasters successfully sparked another round of fundraising by offering to match any additional gifts made during the reception. This act of generosity raised an additional $17,000 for people with disabilities served by VersAbility Resources.

VersAbility Resources Seeking Sponsors and Golfers for May Fundraiser

Posted on March 30, 2022June 19, 2024 by Mark H

VersAbility Resources invites local businesses and community members to support the 2022 Ability Am Golf Tournament, one of the nonprofit’s signature fundraisers.

Proceeds from this spring’s event will support VersAbility Employment Programs that continue to help people with disabilities get back to work during the ongoing pandemic. VersAbility’s newest employment program, Future of Work, provides wraparound support services to facilitate people with disabilities successfully completing certification, training and apprenticeship programs to expand their career opportunities in high-demand industries.

VersAbility serves more than 1,700 individuals with disabilities and their families.

The tournament will be held on May 19 at Cedar Point Country Club in Suffolk. VersAbility is seeking sponsors at all levels and encouraging recreational golfers to register for the best-ball tournament. For details and benefits related to sponsorship opportunities and registration, visit versability.org/events.

Use of the driving range and a pre-tournament lunch begin at 11 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 1 p.m. A cocktail reception and awards dinner will follow at 5:30 p.m.

Individual golfer registrations are $165. Foursomes can register for $650.

For information, contact VersAbility Marketing and Development Manager Keltie Bransford at kbransford@versability.org or by calling 757-896-6473.

Donate to VersAbility Resources Fundraiser to Provide a Thanksgiving Meal to People with Disabilities

Posted on November 11, 2021June 19, 2024 by Mark H

VersAbility Resources is asking community members to help fund Thanksgiving meals for the people with disabilities served by the nonprofit.

VersAbility aims to raise $2,500 to help pay for over 250 holiday lunches that will be handed out on Nov. 23 as part of a drive-thru event at VersAbility’s Hampton headquarters. Additional meals will go to the Envisions Day Support program in Newport News, VersAbility’s group homes in Hampton, Newport News and York County, and the Puller Center in Gloucester.

Donate online here and select Thanksgiving 2021.

“Sitting down and sharing a meal with family and friends has never been more important for the populations we serve,” said Kasia Grzelkowski, President and CEO of VersAbility Resources. “Thanks to the generous support of local individuals, businesses and organizations, we have always been able to keep our commitment to what has become an annual tradition, and we are asking for help once again.”

All lunches include a turkey dinner with sides and dessert options. While traditionally VersAbility offered a Thanksgiving luncheon in person, last year and again this year, the meals will be pre-boxed out of an abundance of caution given the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2020, VersAbility handed out more than 300 meals at the drive-thru event, made possible thanks to crowdfunding and the support of Kiwanis Clubs of Division 13.

VersAbility Resources Aces First In-person Fundraiser Since October 2019

Posted on October 20, 2021July 7, 2024 by Mark H

VersAbility Resources raised more than $87,000 at its 2021 golf tournament held on Oct. 14, 2021. The charity event was the first in-person fundraiser since the start of COVID-19 held by the nonprofit that serves community members and their families affected by disabilities.

Rows of white visors and caps and red drink holders on a table.

Pivot Physical Therapy and Annie Belle Reavis Tuccori Foundation were the presenting sponsors for the Ability Am Golf Tournament held at Cedar Point Country Club in Suffolk, Virginia.

VersAbility surpassed its fundraising goal for the event, raising a total of $87,127, which included $1,777 from its 50/50 raffle. The recipient of the raffle generously donated the winning amount of $888.50 back to VersAbility in support of the people with disabilities they serve.

A man and a woman wearing green golf shirts pose holding a flagstick on a golf course.

Proceeds from the event benefit hundreds of individuals with disabilities who participate in VersAbility’s four diverse employment programs.

A man wearing a green shirt hits a golf ball with a club on a golf course.

“Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, golfers, Board and community members during this year’s Ability Am, VersAbility is creating new jobs for people with disabilities while helping others return to work as we recover from the pandemic,” said Kasia Grzelkowski, President and CEO of VersAbility Resources.

A woman wearing golf attire talks to VersAbility members behind a purple table under a tent.

Grzelkowski joined VersAbility Board members Jackie White and Jim Schloss, greeting golfers and sponsors who contributed to making the day a success. A cocktail and awards reception followed an afternoon of golf.

Sponsors Checkered Flag Auto Group and Pearson Toyota, both of Newport News, placed cars at the two hole-in-one sponsorships on holes 5 and 16, respectively.

A woman wearing golf attire hits a golf ball with a club on a golf course.

While no one aced either hole to win the cars, VersAbility came out on top with their successful event.

Category: Event