By Deirdre Doheny, Communications VP, Junior League of Bronxville
Jun. 21, 2017: The Junior League of Bronxville's ("JLB") spring fundraiser, Trends & Treasures, raised over $25,000, thanks to the 200+ attendees that showed their support.
The two-day event was held at the Bronxville Field Club beginning with a Fashion Show & Shop on Thursday, April 27, and followed by the Home Show & Shop on Friday, April 28. Mitzi Ambrose-Washington, 2016-2017 JLB president, said, "We were proud to host an event that highlighted so many volunteers--outstanding women in our community and supportive local businesses that collectively work together to improve the areas we serve, which include Bronxville, Eastchester, Tuckahoe, Mount Vernon, and Yonkers."
At Thursday's Fashion Show & Shop, spring fashions were on display from event vendors and local businesses, such as Harry: A Rothmans Project, Shoes 'N' More, Toney Toni & the Gang, and Yum Yum Tree. The trends were discussed by Sarah Gerrish, the fashion market director of Redbook magazine; however, the true stars of the show were the lineup of impressive "role" models, which were Mitzi Ambrose-Washington, Antonio Arena, Ellen Bryceland, Melinda Burge, Julie McNally Daher, Danielle Marrow, Ana Dimas, Lia Gravier, Jennie Jacobs, Amy Korb, Emily Liggitt, Nicole Ndzibah, Joseph Nigro, Jenny Richardson Jaquette, Sharon Robinson, Danielle Spring, and Michelle Tween. These women, and two men representing the JLB's Sponsor of the Year, PCI Industries, were nominated by members of the JLB for their outstanding contributions to their community, which reflects a core element of the JLB's mission of promoting voluntarism.
VIP ticket holders at the event were treated to reserved seating courtesy of sponsor Pepe Auto Group. Each seat was adorned with a swag bag underwritten by sponsor D.C. Ranieri Insurance Agency that was valued at over $150 each, thanks to the treats inside donated by Maison Rouge, Mano A Mano, and Nutmeg, to name a few.
After the twenty-minute fashion presentation, each "role" model was acknowledged, highlighting where the looks came from as styled by Maria Matera of Moda Makeover. Attendees were then encouraged to shop from the thirteen vendors, with a percentage of proceeds benefitting the JLB, or purchase raffle tickets for some amazing prizes, including a two-night stay at the Shore Club in Turks & Caicos, courtesy of JLB sponsor Bayside Travel.
On Friday morning, the doors opened to the first-ever Home Show & Shop, which included a new mix of vendors and a full day of mini-workshops highlighting the latest home trends. The speakers and their presentations were Carolina Neubern Fonseca of CNF Design, "Setting the Mood with Lighting"; "Built at Last!" by Janet Gorgone of I-Grace; "Introduction to Landscape Design," by Lilac Garden Design owner and sustainer of the JLB, Jennifer Colao; "Cosmetic Renovations," by Ken Gemes of Ken Gemes Interiors; "Keeping Your Closet On Trend," by Maria Matera of Moda Makeover; "Kitchen Trends: Indoor & Outdoor," by sponsor Jonathan Giannettino of Curto's Appliances; "Modern Convenience, Sophisticated Style: Today's Kitchen," by Francine Smith of Hunt Woods Manor Design, LLC; and, finally, summing up the day, "Organizing Trends for the Ever-Evolving American Home," by Robert Mizrahi of Chaos Commandos Professional Organizing.
"Trends & Treasures was a true collaboration between the community and the dedicated volunteers of the JLB, including event chair Autumn Tush Foley and rising fundraising vice president Jennifer Carella. It is their vision and passion that makes these events something to treasure, a trend that will never go out of style," said Michelle Schoulder, 2016-2017 fundraising vice president.
Pictured here (L to R): Danielle Spring, Kimberly Russell, Elaine Rodriguez, Mitzi Ambrose Washington, Julie McNally Daher, Carol Godfrey, Michelle Schoulder, Laura Benson, Trish Toolan, and Sarah D’Amico, members of the JLB board of directors and management team.
Photo by K. Salkey
Bronxville Beautification Council
Organized in 1982 and incorporated in 1993, the Bronxville Beautification Council (BBC) is a not for profit organization administered by a Board of Directors. Its mission is to enhance and maintain the natural and man-made beauty of Bronxville Village, with emphasis on the downtown business district of Bronxville. The BBC uses the dollars raised in its annual spring solicitation letter to residents to fund the mum, tulip and summer flower plantings downtown and at traffic intersections, as well as the summer hanging baskets. Every few years the group spearheads such major endeavors as the renovation of Leonard Morange Square on the west side of the railroad tracks and the beautification of the Lawrence Hospital traffic circle, which included the addition of plants and the building of the fountain that now makes a gracious western portal to our town. The BBC also works with other civic groups to monitor the aesthetics of retail signage, the consistency of sidewalk materials, and litter and graffiti. During Beautify Bronxville Week, the BBC sponsors a poetry reading and works with Scout groups on the annual village clean-up.
Bronxville Beautification Council
PO Box 127
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-779-6123
Bronxville Boy Scouts
The village of Bronxville has a long tradition of scouting. “The troops and packs of Bronxville have maintained the finest scouting organizations and have taught the boys of the Bronxville area to be leaders and outstanding members of the local, national and global communities.”
There are several Boy Scout Troops in Bronxville, including Troops 1, 2, 4, and 5.
Bronxvillle Girls Scouts
The Girls Scouts is “the world’s preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build character and skills for success in the real world.” In Girl Scouts, “girls discover the fun, friendship and power of girls together. Through the many enriching experiences provided by Girl Scouts, they can grow courageous and strong.”
Bronxville Historical Conservancy
The Bronxville Historical Conservancy was founded in 1998 to further the understanding and appreciation of the history and current life of the village. The Conservancy furthers its mission through the presentation of programs, publications, lectures and special events that foster an awareness of the village's architectural, artistic and cultural heritage, and lends its support for projects designed to strengthen and preserve those legacies. Anyone who is interested in the Bronxville and its history can become a member; varying levels of membership are available.
Bronxville Historical Conservancy
PO Box 989
Bronxville, New York 10708
http://bronxvillehistoricalconservancy.org/
Bronxville School Foundation
The Bronxville School Foundation, founded in 1991, is a non-profit organization independent from the school with the sole purpose of supporting the school. The Foundation raises money each year through donations from school families, community members, and alumni, among others.These contributions fund grants that provide cutting-edge technology, innovative programs and curriculum and other resources that are beyond the scope of public school funding.
177 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-395-0515
https://www.bronxvilleschoolfoundation.org/
Bronxville Women’s Club
The Bronxville Women’s Club offers lectures, exhibits and concerts. It also has a beautiful clubhouse which is available for rental for events.
135 Midland Avenue
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-3252
www.bronxvillewomensclub.org
Bronxville Youth Council
The Bronxville Youth Council provides volunteer and leadership opportunities for high school students in the village of Bronxville.
177 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-395-0500 ext 1789
Counseling Center
Founded in 1971, the mission of the Counseling Center “is to provide a wide range of psychotherapeutic and counseling services to individuals, couples and families by a staff of highly trained, experience and dedicated psychotherapists.
The Counseling Center
180 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-793-3388
www.counselingcenter.org
Community Fund of Bronxville, Eastchester & Tuckahoe
The mission of the Community Fund is “to support broad social services in Bronxville 10708, Eastchester and Tuckahoe through grants and technical support to local agencies and community projects. All money raised here in our community stays here in our community.”
15 Park Place
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-8808
www.thecommunityfund.org
Friends of the Bronxville Library
The Friends of the Bronxville Library is a not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to focus attention on the “Library’s services, facilities and needs” as well as sponsor projects and provide materials that are beyond the reach of the Library’s regular budget and perform other services.
Junior League of Bronxville
The Junior League of Bronxville is “an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.”
Rotary Club of Bronxville
The mission of the Rotary Club of Bronxville is to “encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and to encourage and foster (1) the development of friendships within the community as an opportunity for service, (2) high ethical standards in business and professions, (3) the application of the ideal of service of each member to his personal and business and community life and (4) the advancement of international understanding, good will and peace through a world fellowship.”
Senior Citizens of Bronxville
Senior Citizens of Bronxville is a not-for-profit organization that provides services and programs to seniors within the 10708 zip code area. “Programs cover a wide range of activities from educational seminars and cultural enrichment, to community services, bridge classes and exercise.”