If a community is defined by the people and places within it, then community service should be measured by how well each serves the other.

Bright Side Manor, a non-profit assisted living residence in Teaneck, has provided decades of service to vulnerable, low-income older adults in the region. Jacqueline Kates, a former Teaneck mayor has provided decades of service to government, schools, religious groups and worthy causes such as Bright Side Manor.

An October 18 fall gala will offer local leaders and residents a chance to say “thank you” to both of these pillars of community service.

The event will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Palisadium in Cliffside Park and will feature dinner, music and tributes to Kates, who has served on the Teaneck council, school board and in a variety of civic roles.Kates has most recently started as the project coordinator of Age-Friendly Teaneck, a community initiative to help older adults age in place.

Senior Housing Services, Inc., the non-profit that operates Bright Side Manor, is honoring Kates because, “Jackie really gets it,” Bright Side Executive Director Elizabeth Davis said. “She has understood from our very early days why a place like Bright Side is needed and why the community should support it.”

All proceeds from the October 18 gala will benefit Bright Side Manor’s future plans to build a two-story addition with private rooms and additional activity space for residents.

“Bright Side Manor has always had a home-like atmosphere, but its residents also deserve less-cramped spaces for dining, recreating and meeting with their caregivers and families,” Kates said. “The community’s support is needed to make sure Bright Side Manor can modernize while also remaining affordable in a county where assisted living rates are priced out of reach for many older adults.”

To purchase tickets or donate in other ways, please call 201-692-1000 orvisit www.seniorhousingservices.org.