BCW Tree House Fall Fundraiser was a "Mad For Plaid" Success
by Abby Sprague
Dec. 11, 2024: On November 15th, BCW Tree House held its annual fall fundraiser at the home of Susie and Chris Frigon in Bronxville, NY. This year’s event, themed Mad for Plaid, raised over $70,000 to support the BCW Tree House mission of supporting children and families grieving the loss of a parent or sibling.
The Frigon’s home, with its elegant stone facade and rich wood paneling, provided a regal, castle-like backdrop for the Scottish-inspired evening. Guests arrived in their finest plaid attire and were greeted at the door by the festive sounds of bagpipers. Inside, the atmosphere was warm and lively, with waitstaff dressed in kilts and a menu featuring Scottish delicacies and an impressive selection of Scotch.
BCW Tree House board chair, MK O’Shaughnessy, opened the evening with a heartfelt welcome, expressing gratitude to the board members, benefit chairs and auction donors. Thomas Welling Jr. then took the stage to present Betsy and Ian Putnam with the second annual Tom Welling Award, recognizing their exceptional commitment to the Tree House and extraordinary contributions to the organization.
Mad for Plaid honorees Betsy and Ian Putnam
Betsy, a former board member and chair, along with her husband Ian, an executive at Hudson’s Bay, was instrumental in partnering with Saks Fifth Avenue to create the infamous Trée Chic Spring fundraiser. Over the years, the Putnam’s helped organize five Trée Chic events. During the pandemic, Betsy’s dedication shone through as she helped raise over $100,000 via a virtual appeal.
The Mad for Plaid Event Chairs were Philippa Freeman, Pam Habner, Cece Heraty, Dana MacNaughton and Justine McEnerney
The Tree House Board includes MK O’Shaughnessy (Chair), Michelle Antonini, Hilary Blumenreich, Wendy Halley, Sarah Kurita, Linda MacKinnon, Beth McErlean-Pierce, Megan McSherry, Guy Morris, David O’Shaughnessy, Tom Sommer and Thomas Welling, Jr.
After the award presentation, 2023 Mad for Plaid host, Stephen Lamberton, took the stage to speak about his personal connection to the Tree House, his positive reflections as a Tree House volunteer, and the importance of raising funds for suicide prevention.
The evening concluded with Dave O’Shaughnessy conducting a live auction featuring four exclusive golf experiences. The live auction was complimented by several fabulous silent auction items, ranging from artwork from J. Mackey Gallery to Late Show tickets. Everyone who attended the event left feeling inspired by the evening and delighted to receive Saks Fifth Avenue swag bags donated by Michelle & John Antonini on their way out!
The event’s success is a testament to the dedication and generosity of the BCW Tree House community. With plans already underway for next year, attendees are encouraged to start planning their plaid outfits for 2025!
Below are some photos from the event.
Community Service Organizations Directory
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.”
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