Winter Park City Commissioner Sarah Sprinkel, Former Mayor Joe Terranova Share Remarks

WINTER PARK, Fla. – Local dignitaries recently joined The Gardens at DePugh for a blessing ceremony recognizing the facility’s impact among residents and their families. Begun as a neighborhood mission by Mary Lee DePugh in 1932 and officially formed as a nursing home facility in 1956, The Gardens has a longstanding history in Winter Park.

After Administrator Millie Sorger began the ceremony with a brief welcome, Reverend Allison P. Harrity, rector of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Orlando and board member of The Gardens, affirmed The Gardens’ legacy of compassionate, nurturing care and invoked spiritual favor for continued success. As chaplain of The Gardens, Rev. Harrity makes regular visits to the facility.

Winter Park City Commissioner Sarah Sprinkel, whose mother lives at The Gardens, shared a testimonial about her family’s experience. “We find great comfort in knowing that Mom is being cared for with kindness and dignity,” Sprinkel said. Additionally, former Mayor Joe Terranova spoke about his brother, also a resident. “I come here every day to visit him, and every day I am pleased we have this wonderful facility in the heart of Winter Park,” Terranova said. Members of Winter Park Mayor Ken Bradley’s staff also attended.

“The ceremony was meaningful to our residents, families and staff, because it demonstrated our unified commitment to our mission,” said Millie Sorger, administrator of The Gardens at DePugh. “It was an honor to share this time with Reverend Harrity and our city leaders. We are grateful for their support.”