ORLANDO, May 10, 2024 – With an outdoor, 1950s-themed party at Westminster Towers and a special proclamation of celebration from Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan, Westminster Communities of Florida celebrated its 70th anniversary of serving older adults with more than 100 attendees and guests at Westminster Towers.
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 Towers, its third community, was founded in 1975 and affiliated with Westminster Communities of Florida in 1980. 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 outdoor party featured a 1950s theme to celebrate the organization’s founding in 1954. A DJ played hits from the era, and a late-’50s vintage Bentley car was the centerpiece of a photo booth for participants to get a souvenir.
David Randazzo, Executive Director of Westminster Towers, thanked the attendees with a word of welcome. “Today’s celebration honors our current residents, as well as the countless lives we have touched over the last 70 years,” said Randazzo. “Not only that, but there are many exciting things in store for the future.”
“I hope that today you will congratulate yourselves, too,” said Chief Executive Officer Terry Rogers. “To be around for 70 years is a huge accomplishment for our organization that was made possible by our Board of Directors and all of the stakeholders, especially residents like all of you. When you put it all together, our organization has had the opportunity to touch thousands and thousands of lives.”
Commissioner Sheehan brought a special Proclamation from the City of Orlando. “I am delighted to be here this morning and to see all of you here,” Sheehan said. In reading the Proclamation, Sheehan said that on behalf of herself and Mayor Buddy Dyer, “We… do hereby proclaim May 10, 2024, as Westminster Communities of Florida 70th Anniversary Day.”
Attendees also enjoyed an invocation by the Rev. Dr. Walk Jones, a chaplain who formerly served at Westminster Towers, and benediction from Rev. Dr. Paul Gibson, Associate Minister at First Presbyterian Church of Orlando. The event program featured highlights of the history of downtown Orlando by Rachel Williams from the Orange County Regional History Center, and congratulatory remarks from Resident Council President Gene Shoaf.
Following the ceremony, residents, future residents and team members enjoyed a morning of outdoor live entertainment and games at the community’s brand-new outdoor patio. Attendees enjoyed a variety of delicious breakfast treats provided by the Westminster Towers 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.
