
Elder Network Hosts Fall Fling Gala in Rochester — What To Expect in 2025!
The last three years, I have had a crash course in what the term "caregiver" means. My husband is chronically ill, and something as simple as loading a dishwasher is a task that is just too painful for him to do. Coordinating appointments at Mayo Clinic, driving him, pushing him in a wheelchair when it was needed, cleaning, laundry, cooking, moving our kids to college, shopping...when the diagnosis came, all tasks were quickly put on my shoulders.
I'm not alone in feeling that weight as a caregiver. According to AARP, 24% of U.S. adults serve as family caregivers in some capacity. Of that number, 14% of us are providing unpaid care to an elderly loved one.
Dig a little bit deeper into that research, and you'll learn that 44% of caregivers are providing high-intensity care. 30% of us with the title of "caregiver" have been in the role for five years or more.
Help is needed on so many levels, and thankfully, one organization in Southeast Minnesota is here for our seniors and their caregivers - Elder Network.
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Elder Network is Here to Help Support Caregivers and Seniors in Southeast Minnesota
Every day at Elder Network, many volunteers and staff and behind the scenes showing support to those who are 55 and over. Understandably, volunteering may not be feasible for you, but you still can show your support to seniors and caregivers in the Olmsted, Wabasha, and Winona counties - grab a seat at the Elder Network's Fall Fling Gala!

Everything You Need to Know About Elder Network's Fall Fling Gala in Rochester, MN
Mark your calendars for September 20th and get ready for an unforgettable evening. Whether you buy a single ticket, a half-table, or a full table, this is your chance to gather friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, and anyone else who wants to support a great cause. Below is everything you need to know about this great event:
- WHAT: Elder Network's Fall Fling Gala
- WHEN: September 20th, 2025
- WHERE: Rochester International Event Center at 7333 Airport View Dr. SW in Rochester, Minnesota
- SPEAKER: Tom Overlie - he anchored the evening news for over thirty years, including on KTTC. In 2024, Tom stepped aside from broadcast journalism, in part, to help take care of his mother, who is living with dementia.
- YOU'LL ENJOY: Cocktail hour, photo area, silent auction, dinner and program, live auction, live music and a dance. The cocktail hour starts at 5:00 pm and the Dinner starts at 6:00 pm.
- REASON TO ATTEND: This gala is Elder Network's biggest fundraiser and plays a crucial role in keeping our services affordable—or even free—for those who need them.
- GRAB YOUR TICKET TODAY: Tickets are available now and can be purchased easily online here.
- LEARN MORE: Find more information and ways to help the Elder Network at their website.
Do you have an event coming up in Southeast Minnesota?
Every year, we help the community in a variety of ways from supporting local fundraisers, to running daily public service messages, to creating digital community campaigns and hosting events attended by thousands. Learn more about how Townsquare Media Cares here.
If you have an event coming up or work for a nonprofit in Southeast Minnesota, I'd love to learn more! Send me a note at jessica.williams@townsquaremedia.com or on my Facebook page - Jessica On The Radio.
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Gallery Credit: Jessica Williams

