Gala of the Century Spectacular Success

The Gala of the Century, the crowning event of the Centennial of the Woman’s Club of White Plains, was held on Saturday, November 5 at the CV Rich Mansion, home of the Woman’s Club. By all accounts, it was one of the most spectacular events to take place in the 100 year history of the Club.

A 1904 Metz antique car, courtesy of the Pray Achievement Center, was on display as the guests entered the house. During the cocktail hour, catered by Caperberry Catering, a keyboard player entertained as over 180 guests enjoyed the food, drink and beautiful flowers decorating the house, courtesy of Amodio’s, Gedney Farm Nursery and House of Flowers. The historic importance of the event was evident in the various photos around the house and the slide show photos from the Club’s 100 years of activities.

Lisa LaRocca from News 12 Westchester was the emcee for the evening and welcomed guests, generous sponsors and numerous elected officials including Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, Assemblyman David Buchwald and White Plains Mayor Tom Roach. Each official congratulated the Woman’s Club on their achievement including the “100 Acts of Kindness” campaign. Mayor Roach’s remarks, however, really embodied the true spirit of the Club. He commented that the last time he was at the Woman’s Club on October 22, club members were cooking and serving breakfast to the homeless and now he was in the same beautiful ballroom at an elegant Gala affair.

After the welcoming remarks, dancers from the Arthur Murray Dance Studio demonstrated some amazing steps in the American Rhythm style to the music of the Hal Prince Orchestra.

Following dinner, a tribute to the Club presidents was made. Co-president Cathy Schauber quoted President Gertrude Beakes in 1921 – “Our Club stands today as a symbol of the collective womanhood of our city. Our responsibility is as great as our opportunity and both will take all our finest strength and effort”. Ms. Schauber added that “Our mission of commitment to volunteerism, philanthropy and fellowship or collective womanhood remain as strong today as it was in 1916.” A slide presentation of presidents dating back to Belle Knight in 196 to the current co-presidents was shown while the accomplishments of these women were described. Eight past presidents were in attendance at the dinner as well as the daughter of one past president.

The honorees were then introduced. Mary Jane Goldman, CEO of PIP Printing and Woman’s Club member was recognized by Christine Roithmayr, president of the Woman’s Club of White Plains Foundation. PIP Printing has been a strong supporter of the Club and has donated generously to many local non-profit organizations. Ruth Mahoney of Key Bank, the corporate honoree, was introduced by Maryann Martin, co-chair of the Gala. Ms. Mahoney is also actively involved in community service activities and has been a role model for many women in the business world. Finally, Susan Doherty, co-president of the Woman’s Club, introduced the YWCA. The YWCA and the Woman’s Club have a long history together beginning with a program started by the Club in 1921 called the Community Girls’ Work. The program was so successful that in 1929, the Woman’s Club petitioned the national board and procured a local YWCA chapter for White Plains. The YWCA continues to do remarkable work not only for women and children but for the entire community. The YWCA is also one of the major beneficiaries of the event’s fundraising.

The evening concluded with a raffle for tickets to Hamilton and the silent auction. The club anticipates raising over $100,000 for the YMCA and other local non-profit organizations.

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.

Pictured above

Executive Committee Gala of the Century

Standing L-R, Cathy Schauber, Co President Woman’s Club, Claudia Melo, Colleen Fay, Angela Tobin, Laurette Young, Mary Lou Winters

Seated L-R, Maryann Martin, Christine Roithmayr Woman’s Club Foundation President, Susan Doherty, Woman’s Club Co President

Representative Nita Lowey and Lisa LaRocca News 12 Westchester, Emcee for the Evening

(Photos by Jody Calderon 11/5/16, White Plains, NY