VillageFEST 2026 Hits a High Note for Resident Life

A Night to Remember

Dueling pianos, a whiskey pull, and more than 200 guests came together at The Village of St. Edward at Green on Friday, June 26, 2026, for one of the most memorable nights on the Village calendar: VillageFEST 2026. The award-winning Cleveland Keys Dueling Pianos kept the night lively, with guests calling out requests and tipping generously to hear their favorite songs.

Between sets, guests browsed the silent auction, tried their luck at the 50/50 raffle, placed bids on the bourbon and whiskey pull, and took chances on the gift card tree and summer party package raffles. The evening's Dining Services Team rounded out the night with food and drinks, giving guests plenty to enjoy between rounds of bidding and raffle drawings.

Since VillageFEST began in 2019, the annual event has raised more than $600,000 to support health, wellness, technology, and resident life programs across all three Village communities. This year's event added another $164,000 to that total, all directed toward VillageLIFE and Live Your Wish, two programs at the heart of Resident Life.

That kind of turnout and generosity, year after year, says a great deal about how deeply this community has come to care about the residents who call The Village home.

What VillageLIFE and Live Your Wish Make Possible

VillageLIFE, which stands for Learn, Inspire, Faith, and Explore, along with the Live Your Wish program, gives residents the chance to try something new, revisit an old passion, or simply have an experience they will remember. These programs reach every Village community and benefit more than 700 seniors and their families.

Rather than treating each day the same, VillageLIFE and Live Your Wish are built around the idea that residents still have places to go, things to try, and moments worth chasing. The goal is simple: keep residents' days filled with curiosity, adventure, and joy.

Senior Living Activities Already in Motion

The impact of VillageFEST 2026 is already showing up in residents' everyday lives. Residents from all three communities have taken trips to see the Akron RubberDucks, a minor league affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians, cheering on the team together from the stands.

One resident even got to go ziplining, a reminder that a bucket list does not have an expiration date. Residents also enjoyed a scenic train ride through the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, with a second trip already planned for the fall.

Closer to home, Fairlawn hosted a tandem bike event and a luau, giving residents a taste of both adventure and celebration without leaving the community. Looking ahead, the Dining Services Team is putting together a senior prom event, giving residents a night to dress up and dance.

Each of these experiences traces back to the generosity of VillageFEST supporters. What started as a single evening of music and fundraising has turned into ballgames, train rides, and a zipline adventure, proof that the money raised is put to work quickly and visibly for the people it is meant to help.

What This Means for Families Considering Senior Living

Events like VillageFEST offer a window into daily life at The Village of St. Edward beyond the usual list of care levels and floor plans. For families researching senior living communities in Fairlawn, Green, or Wadsworth, VillageFEST is a clear example of how Resident Life programming shapes everyday experience here.

That impact is not limited to one night a year. It carries through the trips, outings, and celebrations that Resident Life funds throughout the year.

Thank You, and Save the Date

None of this would be possible without the generosity of VillageFEST's sponsors, donors, and attendees. Businesses, families, and individuals across the community stepped up this year, whether through event sponsorship, an auction bid, or simply a ticket to attend.

The Village of St. Edward extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported this year's event and helped make these experiences possible for residents.

Mark your calendars: VillageFEST 2027 is set for June 18, 2027.

Want to learn more about supporting Resident Life year-round? Visit the Village of St. Edward Foundation to see how your gift makes a difference.