Celebrating the launch of our comprehensive campaign at Raising the Roof 2025
We had a spectacular evening at our annual Raising the Roof gala on May 18, honoring 60 years of empowering older adults through affordable, supportive housing. There is nothing more exciting than bringing together nearly 500 people to celebrate 2Life's mission and feeling that together we can make our vision a reality.
The night's big announcement was the launch of our To Life For Life campaign, targeting $25 million in philanthropic gifts. With the help of the generous Dellbrook|JKS Challenge, where every gala donation was matched dollar for dollar, we are well on our way to meeting our goal.
We thank Nobel Prize laureate Dr. Simon Johnson for delivering a powerful keynote, 2Life resident Beth Levy for sharing her story, and every guest who made the evening such a momentous occasion.
This year’s Raising the Roof gala has raised over $850,000, funds that will enable more older adults to thrive in communities of joy and connection. We couldn’t have done it without three very important champions: our gala and campaign co-chairs. Lynne Elfland, Wendy Kraft, and Norman Posner have stepped up to lead our most ambitious fundraising effort to date.
Here, they share their collective thoughts on why they work tirelessly on behalf of 2Life Communities.
Investing in 2Life benefits us all
Anyone who visits a 2Life campus quickly sees the concept of aging in community brought to life. Spaces for socializing abound; programming engages the body, mind, and spirit; and a wide variety of cultures enriches the experience of all.
While witnessing the positive impact of an organization first hand has motivated us to give in support of the work, many of you may not have that chance. Here, as co-chairs of 2Life’s comprehensive campaign, we explain why giving to 2Life benefits us all.
Creating connections and communities
The benefits of aging in community are vast, both for seniors and the community as a whole:
- Improved social connection and reduced isolation for older adult
- Enhanced mental and physical health outcomes
- Increased opportunities for intergenerational learning and collaboration
- Stronger, more cohesive communities where all generations thrive
2Life provides the space and programming that encourage community building, which is the best possible antidote to loneliness. And the impact is measurable. While 20% of 2Life residents qualify for nursing home-level support, only 2% of residents who move out annually move into a nursing home.
What could be a better investment than to support strategies that help create social connection for seniors? And putting those strategies in place where they live simply makes sense.
Taking care of the vulnerable, honoring elders
The Hebrew word for this is kavod, and it’s one of 2Life’s values. Honoring the experience and wisdom of all of our elders, zakein, is another 2Life value and kavod’s twin. 2Life campuses welcome people from 61 countries. Throughout, you will find humanity at its richest: artists and academics, dissidents and tradespeople, teachers and other professionals of every ilk.
Residents have witnessed and participated in some of the most significant world events of the 21st century. Creating the opportunity for them to share their wisdom by ensuring that our elders have an affordable, high-quality place to live benefits all of us.
Shifting the paradigm on senior housing
2Life is mobilizing residents and building coalitions to bring about a revolution in how people age. We work with legislators and policymakers on local, state, and federal levels to underscore the need to augment or reform existing funding structures so they in turn support the creation of more housing where people can age in community. 2Life’s campuses showcase senior housing at its best, a powerful advocacy tool. This work benefits not only elders who live with us but also all older adults by advancing a pathway to optimal aging.
If combatting loneliness, honoring and caring for our elders, and transforming how society creates senior housing resonate with you, we urge you to support 2Life, an organization that is not only life-changing but game-changing.
Lynne Elfland has been a 2Life board member since 2018.
“My grandfather found a safe and bustling community full of friends and activities and programs while still maintaining his independence in his own beautiful, modern apartment. Ulin House not only enriched my grandfather’s life, it gave my family comfort to know that he was so well cared for.”
Wendy Kraft has been a 2Life board member since 2018.
"As our parents are aging, these can be very challenging times. With love in our hearts, it is our obligation to honor thy mother and father. How fortunate we are that 2Life Communities gives us the opportunity to do so. Together we are building a world where every senior feels respect and dignity and has the chance to live a full life of joy and purpose."
Norman Posner has been a 2Life board member since 2013 and currently serves as treasurer.
"My mother lived at Golda Meir House for seven years, one of its first residents. It was such a kind environment — a perfect place for her. 2Life has a special place in my heart. This is my way of giving back both in time and philanthropy, because no one should have to worry if their parents are safe."
