$1 million gifted to Berks Encore

An additional $150,000 was raised at Black Tie Bingo

On Dec. 5 at the Berks Encore’s Black Tie (Optional) Bingo anniversary gala event, board chair Carl Staples announced to the crowd of more than 220 people that local philanthropists Ray and Carole Neag had pledged a gift of $1 million to Berks Encore.

“This gift was given out of the generosity of Ray and Carole Neag to ensure that Berks Encore is around for the next 50 years, for you and your family,” said Staples.

The gift will ensure the Meals on Wheels program has a consistent funding stream. The gift is the largest in the agency’s history by an individual donor.

The Black Tie (Optional) Bingo event, held at the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton in Reading, raised approximately $150,000 in addition to the Neag gift as a kickoff to the agency’s next 50 years. LuAnn Oatman, President and CEO, was overwhelmed by the announcement.

“The Neags are truly a gift to Berks County andour community’s older adults,” said Oatman. “Berks Encore is honored to be the recipient of such a tremendous contribution. As the need for our services grows, we are thankful that our community values its older family members and friends.”

The night’s festivities included entertainment by CTO 5th Avenue, a highend silent auction, a wine pull and a whiskey tasting courtesy of George Reppert.

“The success of this event demonstrates just how important this agency is to the families of our community,” said Cameron Martin, Director of Development & Marketing. “The amazing generosity of the Neags will help us give local seniors the peace of mind that Berks Encore isn’t going anywhere.”