Francis House Announces Leadership for the 2025 There’s No Place Like Home Event

Posted on May 22, 2025

Event Chairs Brian Macrae & Jane Amico-Macrae and Vice Chairs David & Laurie Wyman

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK, May 2025 - Francis House will host its annual fundraising event, There’s No Place Like Home, on Wednesday, October 15, and leading the planning committee in 2025 are Event Chairs Brian Macrae & Jane Amico-Macrae and Vice Chairs David & Laurie Wyman, both of Fayetteville, NY.

“Brian and I are honored to serve as this year's Chairs for the 2025 There’s No Place Like Home event,” says Jane Amico-Macrae, “Having been the end-of-life caregiver for both my parents, I understand firsthand the importance of providing dignity and compassion to those you love as they face the end of their lives. As a community, we are truly blessed to have such a vital organization that offers a home, an extended family, peace, and dignity to those at the end of life.”

“Francis House is a gift to our community; the peace, dignity, and compassion it offers to those facing the end of life is extraordinary. We are honored to be able to assist in bringing the Central New York Community together and to aid Francis House in continuing its mission and contributing to the success of its There’s No Place Like Home event,” said Laurie Wyman.

Francis House provides a home and a supportive extended family to people with terminal illnesses; those with a prognosis of three months or less to live. Francis House welcomes every resident regardless of age, faith, ethnicity, or ability to pay. Francis House does not receive federal, state, or local funding or insurance reimbursement, relying solely on the community’s generosity to operate. A significant source of funds for its operations comes from There’s No Place Like Home.

The Macraes and Wymans will lead an event planning committee of 26 dedicated volunteers to secure event sponsorships, solicit local businesses for auction items, and sell advertisements for the event’s magazine.

There’s No Place Like Home will take place at the New York State Fair Exposition Center. Attended by more than 2,000 people annually, the popular community event is a crowd-pleaser thanks to its unique attendee experience. Guests visit ten prize houses and purchase keys to try their luck at opening the doors of the houses. The cornerstone of the event is its large auction featuring more than one hundred items, trips, and experiences. Guests can bid both online (remotely) and in person. Our main raffle offers the opportunity for participants to win three highly anticipated prizes, and our diamond raffle gives guests the potential to sparkle. New this year: Sponsors enter early and have the chance to participate in two new event offerings before the general public!

Admission to the event remains at $50 per person, and includes an open bar of beer and wine, and delectable gourmet offerings from six food stations. 

The event is ticketless. To register, visit TNPLH2025.givesmart.com or text TNPLH2025 to 76278 to register via a smartphone. To review sponsorship information, donate an item for the auction, or to inquire about advertising in the event magazine, contact Francis House Event Manager Laura Grasselli at lgrasselli@francishouseny.org or 315-475-5422 ext. 322.  

###

CenterState CEO

Other Member News

2025 Central New York Real Estate Conference
October 21, 2025

2025 Central New York Real Estate Conference

This one-day event offers unparalleled opportunities for networking, lead generation, and brand visibility—whether through attending, tabling, or sponsoring.

October 20, 2025

Springbrook Expands in Central New York with New Syracuse Office

The expansion marks an exciting milestone in Springbrook’s ongoing mission to provide exceptional, person-centered support across the state.

Warm, hearty meals for casual friendly get-togethers
October 17, 2025

Fulton Dining and Activity Center Menu

Reservations are encouraged and bussing is available from participants homes to the center.

Oswego Jiu Jitsu & The Mix Women's Self-Defense Seminar
October 15, 2025

Oswego Jiu Jitsu & The Mix Women's Self-Defense Seminar

Find out more information and register here.

October 15, 2025

Join SUNY Oswego for A Showcase of Innovation, Collaboration and Impact!

RSVP to join us on October 23-24, 2025 at SUNY Oswego for any or all of the following four free events.

BCBS
October 14, 2025

Excellus BCBS 2026 Enrollment

Three simple steps to finding your new plan for 2026.

Shoulder Pain? Join SOS for a Virtual Community Talk on November 12 2025
October 14, 2025

SOS to Host Virtual Community Talk: “Your Shoulder Health: Exploring Arthritis Care and Surgical Advances”

The goal of the webinar is to empower patients and caregivers with evidence-based information, demystify the treatment process, and provide a forum for questions.

John Huhtala
October 7, 2025

Tompkins Community Bank Welcomes Commercial Banking Regional Manager

Huhtala, a 28-year industry veteran known for his leadership, mentorship and community engagement, will lead operations with the goal of driving growth and value for the bank’s clients.

shake shack pic
October 7, 2025

Shake Shack Grand Opening in DeWitt

We will be donating $1 from every burger and chicken sandwich purchased to the Food Bank of Central New York.