Preparations for Houlihan Lawrence’s fund drive for the American Cancer Society are in full swing in Chappaqua. Enthusiasm pervades every aspect of the endeavor which begins by enlisting participation from local merchants and businesses and culminates in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk on October 21 at Manhattanville College.
Marie Herrero is one of the key organizers of the entire fund raising endeavor. Herrero, a mortgage banker with Thoroughbred Mortgage works in conjunction with the Chappaqaua branch of Houlihan Lawrence. Her main effort is devoted to the boutique, a unique component of Houlihan’s Chappaqua office involvement in the company’s fundraising efforts. Last year, over $6,000 was raised at the boutique alone. This year the boutique will be held on October 13 at the office and the goal is even higher. Raffle tickets for many exciting prizes will be on sale on that day as well as at community day. Prizes are donated by a multitude of merchants in the hamlet, Mount Kisco and Pleasantville.
The Chappaqua community appreciates the opportunity to shop for a cause. Attendees have said that they would “love to see a future for our children without cancer,” Herrero related.
Real estate agent Jeanne Coon will be one of the vendors at the fourth annual boutique. She will be showcasing the wares of her venture entitled Jewels by Jeanne. Coon’s gems are all hand crafted and designed. Her line includes bracelets, necklaces and earrings for women and girls. “Everyone knows someone who’s a survivor,” Coon mentioned. She finds the community’s involvement “very touching.” “It makes you want to do more,” she continued.
Presents for Purpose, a business founded by several cancer survivors will also be on hand. This vendor will offer gifts, clothing, jewelry and accessories. Realtor Nancy Zucker is another one of organizers of the fundraising effort. She enjoys joining in the walk and is inspired by seeing everyone clad in pink hats and shirts. Many agents are accompanied by family members and friends.
The festive mood of the day is enhanced by live music and radio station broadcasts during the walk. The Making Strides walk is always held rain or shine. “It’s a tremendous amount of work for a tremendous cause,” Zucker noted. She is extremely motivated by the chance to “contribute to a cause” that she truly believes in. All agents are members of various groups in town including the garden club and are charged with spreading the word about the event. Clients are encouraged to attend the walk and patronize the boutique. “We build community involvement, “Zucker observed.
Sarah Ellen Berman appreciates the value of altruistic shopping and walking.
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On May 18th balloons soared above Step in Style, Chappaqua’s ladies shoe boutique. A day long event was hosted by proprietor Licia Mikulicic to raise money for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.Ten percent of all proceeds were donated to the Foundation.
The idea for the occasion was a natural for Mikulicic who has worked extensively in retail and seen many successful fundraisers held at different stores. She chose the Foundation as the beneficiary of her first charity event. “I’ve had friends and colleagues that have had breast cancer and have survived, some have not. They [the Foundation] do wonderful work,” she noted. To accommodate mothers with young children, Mikulicic chose to devote the entire day to the cause. In the evening, patrons sat outside and enjoyed prosecco, tea and light fare. “It was very festive,” Mikulicic said.
–Sarah Ellen Berman
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