The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

gala

Strong Show of Support to Westchester Jewish Council Honorees & to the Larger Community

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Michele Gregson with William Schrag, WJC President, Arlene Kleinberg (to left of Michele), Executive Board member, and Karen Everett, Gala Chair
PHOTOS BY DARREN PEISTER

On Saturday, January 27, the Westchester Jewish Council held their 48th Gala at Congregation Kol Ami in White Plains. The theme was ‘Standing Strong, Standing Together.’ The honorees for the evening were Board members Michele Gregson, Sarene Shanus and Harold Treiber, and Jeremy A. Abramson of the Premier Collection. The Council connects, convenes and safeguards Westchester’s Jewish communities and strengthens relationships among Jews, the over 130+ member organizations, Westchester to Israel, our elected officials and other ethnic and faith-based individuals and organizations, and the community at large.

The evening, attended by over 500 people, included a wide-range of politicians, including Chris Burdick, Vedat Gashi, Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Mike Lawler and George Latimer. Several spoke including Latimer who made a point of reminding attendees: “You are not alone.” Entertainment was provided by Ben Nemzer, magician and mentalist, who astounded everyone with his performance.

WJC Honorees Michele Gregson, Sarene Shanus and Harold Treiber, and Jeremy A. Abramson (right) of the Premier Collection.
PHOTOS BY DARREN PEISTER

Among the honorees, Chappaqua’s Michele Gregson was recognized for her activities informing, gathering, leading and speaking out about issues of importance to both the Jewish community and her hometown. Gregson has served as Chair of UJA’s Westchester Women’s campaign, created and still chairs UJA’s Women’s Symposium. She is also the founder of Jewish Women of Westchester on Facebook, and the Chair of Friends of Chappaqua Performing Arts Center (ChappPAC).

“The Gala felt different this year because of recent events in Israel since October 7th and the rise in antisemitism in both our county and our country,” said Gregson. “But, the coming together as a community by both those who attended and the speeches given by our politicians, made everyone feel supported and united.”

At its 27th Humanitarian Gala, BGCNW Celebrated “84 Years of Transformative Impact and a Record Breaking Day of Fundraising”

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The theme of the evening was real storytelling with the common thread being how the Club serves as a second home changing the trajectory of generations.

On June 2, 2023 more than 300 people joined in the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester’s (BGCNW) gala celebration. Club Co-Presidents, Anne Citrin and Emily Stoddard, who shared their own connections with the Club and commitment to being champions of children introduced the honorees Philanthropists Kimberly and Andrew Handler. Andrew, a former board member, shared “Every time I visit the Club it is still overwhelming for me to see how this place contributes so much to the lives of so many.” He received a standing ovation after his presentation.

One of the featured storytellers was current Aquatics Director and Club Alum Eric Mitchell who shared that he had a very tough home life while growing up and the Club was his sanctuary. He had a bike accident at 15 and was told he would not swim again. “The last remaining thing in my life that gave me purpose was now taken from me. My chances of going to college were gone. I was devastated and completely hopeless. The folks that are involved with this organization rallied around me, built me up, and pushed me forward, I eventually accepted a full athletic scholarship to swim at Old Dominion University, earned a Masters degree from Columbia in Sports Management, coached college swimming for 7 years before finding my way back to the Club and every day I have the chance to make a kids day more enjoyable and be there for them to teach resiliency.

Torell Nugent, Club Alum, BGCNW Board VP and Account Executive at Disney explained that “The Club became my safe haven, support system, and my home away from home. I discovered newskills and explored my passions outside of academics. It was through these activities that I learned the importance of diversity, community, and leading by example and the importance of resilience, perseverance, kindness, and integrity.”

The third featured storyteller is the longest-serving board member, 38 years, and fondly looked to as the community Patriarch, Stuart Marwell. Mr. Marwell is also a Club alum, past Board President, and currently President of Curtis Instruments, Inc. He explained that his story with the Club was a family affair. “Generations of my family have supported and benefitted from the Club for years and we look forward to making sure that other children and their families have the same opportunity. I enjoyed all that the club had to offer – Basketball, crafts, the trampoline where I had to learn trust for those who spotted for me, and helping with community service projects such as planting the willow trees along the stream in Leonard Park some are still there today.”

To add to the storytelling theme guests were encouraged to participate by leaving a message on the audio guestbook or video booth and were treated to book art centerpieces created by Club kids. The event journal highlighted 15 Club Tales; inspiring stories from Club alumni, volunteers, and staff members of all ages. An amazing time was had by all.

To lend your own support to the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester, visit their website at www.bgcnw.com or send a check to 351 Main Street, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. Give the gift of your time as a volunteer or mentor. For more information, contact Shantae Artis at sartis@bgcnw.com

News and photos courtesy of BGCNW

At a May 12 Festival de Primavera, Neighbors Link to Honor Community Health Partners

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– Celebrating those helping to ensure health equity during the COVID-19 health crisis –

 On the evening of May 12 Neighbors Link, which provides vital services to the immigrant community in Westchester County, will host Festival de Primavera (Spring Festival), a gala event to honor community partners who have made a tangible impact in ensuring health equity during the COVID-19 health crisis. They will be honoring the Community Outreach Department of Northern Westchester Hospital and giving special recognition to the Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corps and Legend Pharmacy. There will also be a special presentation of the Gabby Rosenfeld award to Martha Palomino.

The Community Outreach Department of Northern Westchester Hospital will be honored for their work to ensure that all members of the community have access to lifesaving interventions and information during the global pandemic. The Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corps and Legend Pharmacy will receive special recognition for their efforts to provide healthcare services to the immigrant community during these times of heightened need.

The Gabby Rosenfeld “Be a Hero” award will be presented to Martha Palomino in recognition of her 12+ years of service to Neighbors Link as a dedicated board member and later a valued member of our staff. The recognition is named for the late Gabriel Rosenfeld, a WW II combat veteran and consummate volunteer who served on the board of directors of Neighbors Link and also supported many other community organizations throughout Westchester County.

The Festival de Primavera, an evening with “cocktails and strolling dinner under the stars,” is expected to bring together 300 supporters from the Neighbors Link community. The event will take place outdoors in a safe space where guests will be required to show proof of vaccination per current CDC guidelines. Funds raised at the event will be used to support Neighbors Link’s crucial work to build stronger communities through the integration and empowerment of immigrants.

For additional information please contact Adrienne Vogel at 914-666-3410 x114, avogel@neighborslink.org

 

 

 

Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center Annual Benefit Honoring Andrew Greenspan

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The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center will honor Andrew Greenspan, Principal, GHP Office Realty at their annual benefit on October 28.  Scott Shay, co-founder and chairman of Signature Bank, will be the keynote speaker.

Andrew Greenspan is a native New Yorker who has resided in Westchester for nearly his entire life.  He is a graduate of Scarsdale High School, has a Bachelor of Arts from Hamilton College, and a Master of Science from the Sloan School of Business at MIT.  In 1999, he founded GHP Office Realty with James J. Houlihan.  As Principal of GHP, he manages the daily operations of the White Plains based company, which began by acquiring and operating individual multi-tenanted suburban New York office buildings.  The partners presently own and manage buildings in Westchester, Rockland, Fairfield, and Bergen Counties.

Mr. Greenspan is a longtime Board Member of the Westchester Business and Professional Division of the UJA Federation and is the past recipient of the March of Dimes Real Estate Award.  He is a member of the President’s Circle at the Sloan School/MIT and is a member of the Founder’s Club at Hamilton College.

Mr. Greenspan and his wife, Karen, currently reside in Chappaqua and Kiawah Island, South Carolina.

Scott Shay is the son of a Holocaust survivor.  Mr. Shay’s father, George, lived in a small town in Lithuania, when the Nazis killed members of his family.  Because of this father’s history and his concern about anti-Semitism, Mr. Shay wrote Getting Our Groove Back: How to Energize American Jewry and In Good Faith: Questioning Religion and Atheism. His next book, Conspiracy U: A Case Study, comes out in October. 

The annual benefit will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the Westchester Country Club, 99 Biltmore Avenue, Rye, New York, 10580.

For more information, please contact Millie Jasper, Executive Director, mjasper@hhrecny.org or 914.696.0738

Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center (neoncrm.com)

24th Annual Benefit – Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center (hhrecny.org)

True Beauty at Fundraising Event for Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital

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Cheryl Lynch with the singers from One Voice who preformed at the event. Photo by Susan Balsam

 

Champagne, hors d’oeuvres, flowing gowns and all things beautiful set the scene at the Tamarack Country Club in Greenwich, CT on Saturday November 30th. Every detail was attended to at the highly anticipated 20th annual fundraiser to support the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital Children’s Cancer Fund (CCF). Beauty was the unofficial theme of the night: dazzling people, décor and music filled the venue.

CCF Fashion Show Photo by Susan Balsam

Cheryl Lynch, owner of Cherylyn Salon in Armonk, is known for providing luxury spa and beauty services. Her salon has won many accolades. As evident in the décor of her business and the quality of aesthetic services she provides, she is truly an expert on what is visually appealing. But Lynch’s concept extends far beyond what the eye can see. Through the passion and dedication of her philanthropic work she personifies what it means to radiate beauty both inside and out.

Over 320 people joined Lynch, and her husband and co-host Jeff, to support the CCF’s dedication to raising awareness for Pediatric Cancer and Blood Diseases. Funds raised went to support patients and their families and research programs at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, located in Valhalla and a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network.

Drinks flowed throughout the cocktail hour as guests casually mingled. When the doors to the main dining room opened, patrons were delighted by a heartwarming performance by the talented young singers from the music group One Voice. Channel 12 news correspondent Annalisa Klebers emceed the event.

Subdued elegance gave way to an upbeat vibe. The partakers “let their hair down” as a lively fashion show entertained the crowd; clothes were provided by area boutiques. Sequins, taffeta and silk filled the room. The evening was a culmination of style, community and purpose. Every detail was flawlessly planned and executed, including both live and silent auctions and a dessert buffet complete with cookies shaped like dresses and shoes.

Lynch brings the same passion to this cause as she does to her salon. She advises to “never give up…each penny makes a difference and every prayer is appreciated”. Lynch’s actions remind us that true beauty radiates from the inside.

The kindness and generosity of the evening proved to be contagious when Michael Fareri, whose family built the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, made a surprise donation of $30,000 which covered the cost of the event’s dinner thereby vastly increasing the funds donated to the CCF.

For more information on CCF of Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital: www.thechildrenscancerfund.org

For more information on Cherylyn Salon: www.cherylynsalon.com

Sabra Staudenmaier resides in Chappaqua and is a frequent contributor to Inside Press publications.