Open House at Woman's Club of White Plains Honors Local Non-Profits and Businesses

The Woman’s Club of White Plains held a Community Open House and day of remembrance for those lost on 9/11 at the CV Rich Mansion on Sunday, September 11. The Club awarded a total of $12,000 in donations to six local non-profit organizations, many of which have been partners with the Woman’s Club for close to 100 years.

Councilwoman Nadine Hunt-Robinson, a Woman’s Club member, spoke of her own personal experience being downtown on 9/11 and in particular of a group of women who banded together to help each other. She then called for a moment of silence for the victims.

The highlight of the program was the donations to six local groups. Christine Roithmayr, president of the Woman’s Club of White Plains Foundation related the Club’s involvement with these various organizations. The Contemporary Club (as the Woman’s Club was originally known) has supported the Red Cross, YMCA and Westchester Children’s Association from its first years. Accepting the awards were Anne Cappucci, for Red Cross; Cindy Rubino, for YMCA; and Cora Greenberg, for Westchester Children’s Association. As the other charities were founded, Community Chest, Legal Aid and WP Beautification, the Woman’s Club added them to their list of recipients. Accepting those awards, were Alana Sweeney, for United Way; Clare Dagan, for Legal Aid; and Karen Quinn, for WP Beautification. Each of the organizations received a donation of $2000 as well as citations from the elected officials commending them for the important work they do for the community.

Colleen Fay, Woman’s Club member and Community Open House Chairperson said, “On this national day of service, the Woman’s Club is pleased to award these organizations who have a long history of supporting the Westchester Community and to recognize generous businesses who have been advertisers in our publication, Club Dial.” Ms. Roithmayr then presented certificates of appreciation to the local businesses. Tim Buckley accepted the award on behalf of McMahon, Lyon and Hartnett, originally Lyon and Hartnett, advertisers since 1929. Ken Kanter of Kanter’s Carpet and Design was honored for his company’s support since 1954. Other long-time supporters are Ballard-Durand Funeral Home since 1935 and Reimann Auto Body Shop since 1982.

The Community Open House was part of the ongoing celebration of the Woman’s Club centennial year. Members of various community groups, local businesses and neighborhood associations attended the event. In addition, numerous elected officials were present including State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, State Senator George Latimer, County Legislator Ben Boykin, Mayor Tom Roach as well as Nadine Hunt-Robinson, John Kirkpatrick and Beth Smayda from the Common Council. The White Plains Police Department was represented by Captain David Burpee.

Guests were invited to tour the house and gardens, review displays of current Woman’s Club activities including the “100 Acts of Kindness” and learn some of the history of the Club. The CV Rich mansion, built in 1910, has been the clubhouse for the Woman’s Club since 1931 and has been meticulously maintained since then. There was an abundance of flowers both inside and out adding to the beauty of the house which still has many of its original interior decorative features. Historical photos depicting the honorees of the day were also displayed throughout the house.

Several other centennial events are planned for the remainder of the year including a Pancake Breakfast in October for Lifting Up Westchester as well as ongoing collections for various groups including the Verizon Hopeline, Samaritan House and VSP Global. On November 5, 2016, the much anticipated “Gala of the Century” will take place honoring the YWCA as well as local businesswomen Mary Jane Goldman of PIP Printing and Ruth Mahoney of Key Bank.

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The Woman’s Club of White Plains is a diverse group of women with a shared sense of civic responsibility and a desire to give back to the community. Its mission is to enhance the lives of others as well as their members by participating in and sponsoring volunteer, charitable and fund-raising activities as well as social, educational and networking opportunities. In addition, the Club is also responsible for maintaining and restoring the historic CV Rich mansion, its clubhouse since 1930. The Woman’s Club believes every woman can contribute to the various opportunities the Club offers and invites women of all ages to join them as they continue their work to improve our communities. For more information about Club events and membership, see the website www.womansclubofwhiteplains.org.