St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center Celebrates 31st Annual Tasting and Auction Unveils First Mobile Outreach and Engagement Vehicle
ROCHESTER, NY --St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center welcomed over 400 guests in celebration of its 31st Annual Tasting and Auction on Wednesday, June 4th, at 5:30 PM at Temple B’rith Kodesh. The event is the organization's only fundraiser of the year, and raised over $170,000 to support its mission of providing compassionate, person-centered medical and mental health care to the uninsured and uninsured in our community.
Executive Director Jennifer Sahrle stated, “This event is so special to our organization. It’s an evening of fun and friendship, with a focus on making an impact on the healthcare of the most vulnerable populations in our community. Our 2025 event theme, “All Aboard the SJNC Express,” symbolized our vision and unwavering commitment to laying the tracks for a healthier, more inclusive future.”
In addition to our friends and supporters, the agency also welcomed eight local wine, beer, and cidery vendors. It hosted a live and silent auction with donations from across the region. Deanna Dewberry from WHEC Channel 10 News served as a “conductor” and emceed the event for the second year in a row. The organization also had its new Medical Outreach Unit (MOE) on-site for guests to tour.
Santos Cruz and Katelyn Plonczynski-Cruz served as this year’s event chairs. Cruz has been a firefighter with the City of Rochester Fire Department for the last 14 years and is also a Monroe County Legislator. In addition to Plonczynski-Cruz’s position as a Communications Office for County Clerk Jamie Romeo, she currently serves as Vice President of Rochester’s Hispanic Youth Baseball League.
Plonczynski-Cruz shared during her remarks at the event, “The inclusivity and exceptional care
provided by St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center are truly unparalleled. The services offered daily
create a healthcare system that does not discriminate but instead, provides families with a
second chance. I am deeply proud of this organization for not only acknowledging physical
illness but also mental health services.”
St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center was founded by six tenacious and dedicated Sisters of St.
Joseph in 1993. While the organization became an independent nonprofit in 2012, its
commitment to serving those in our community who cannot afford insurance or cannot afford to
use their insurance remains the core tenet of the organization.
Sahrle added, “We are truly grateful to all who helped make this event a success again this
year. The belief that our volunteers, supporters, sponsors, and friends have in us and our
mission of a healthier community with health care access for all bolsters our spirit and helps us
carry on this critical work.”
Photos of the event can be seen online at www.sjncenter.org/2025-annual-tasting-and-auction.
St. Joseph's Neighborhood Center in the tradition of the Sisters of St. Joseph, seeks to
create a healthier community by providing comprehensive affordable and affirming
healthcare to the uninsured and underinsured in the Rochester region.
For more information about St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center and the services we provide, visit
our website at www.sjncenter.org or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or Instagram