Harbor House gala celebrates founders, showcases nonprofit’s impact

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This year’s Harbor House of Rochester gala is a celebration of heart—marking two founders’ transplant anniversaries while showcasing the nonprofit’s role in supporting families during medical crises. 

The Sept. 27 event at ARTISANworks will celebrate the 20th and 25th anniversaries of successful heart transplant surgeries for two of its founders — Tom Arcara and Gary Acker, who continue to serve as board members. 

Tickets to the gala are now available.  

Acker, of Brighton and an employee of Mass Mutual, underwent his transplant in September 2000 at the Cleveland Clinic, about a year before such procedures were performed at the University of Rochester Medical Center.  

Arcara, a Spencerport resident, designer for Kornerstone Kitchens and musician, received his transplant in 2005 at URMC. 

“They both serve as an inspiration of what can be,” said Lawrence Jones, executive director of Harbor House.

Harbor House provides safe, supportive and affordable temporary lodging for families of adult patients receiving critical care at Rochester-area hospitals.

The “home-away-from-home” on Rossiter Road is the region’s only health care hospitality house serving families of adults over 21, regardless of diagnosis.

The need is pressing. Jones noted Harbor House is at capacity most of the time and turns away about 75 families annually. The nonprofit hopes to expand with a second location near its current site, some two blocks from Strong Memorial Hospital.

The organization operates with two staff members and about a dozen volunteers and more are welcome at both the board and volunteer levels.

Direct public support and investments make up a majority of income for the organization, which is why community support is essential, Jones noted.

The gala program will feature a “This Is Your Life”-inspired multimedia presentation chronicling Acker’s and Arcara’s transplant journeys.

The evening will include live music by Rochester jazz duo pianist Laura Dubin and percussionist Antonio Guerrero, narration by local pastor and voice artist Patrick Crumity and emceeing by former WHAM news anchor Ginny Ryan. URMC cardiologist Christopher Cove MD will also facilitate a post-presentation Q&A with attendees.

Jones said Harbor House of Rochester wouldn’t be here except for the work and dedication of Acker and Arcara, as well as the other three founders — Christine Arcara, Leway Chen MD and Robert Wackerman — who came together in 2007. Harbor House was incorporated in 2008 and the house opened in 2009.

Harbor House itself was born out of its founders’ lived experiences.

Arcara, who had heard stories of loved ones sleeping in waiting rooms, envisioned a home-away-from-home in Rochester.

He said Harbor House continues to deliver on its mission.

“We’re here and we can help,” Arcara said. “The housing is one aspect, but everything that came afterward — my survival and being around for my family — has been unbelievable.”

After his transplant, Acker recalled his wife’s struggle living alone in a hotel out of state while he recovered — an ordeal that inspired him to give back.

Harbor House, which offers housing and mutual support, is a way to pay-it-back, he said.

Acker noted that Harbor House reflects both gratitude and Rochester’s spirit of community.

“When you do something for people outside your area at one of the lowest points in their life — providing a very affordable and safe place to stay — it shows just how great this community is in supporting this kind of service,” he said.

For more information on Harbor House of Rochester, go to https://www.harborhouseofrochester.org/.

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