Neighbor News
Girls Inc. of Westchester Held Their Strong, Smart & Bold Gala
The Strong, Smart & Bold Gala celebrated their 10th Anniversary and honored four trailblazers including one of their own.
Girls Inc. of Westchester County celebrated their 10th anniversary at its Strong, Smart & Bold Gala on Thursday, April 12, 2018 at Doral Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center in Rye Brook, NY. This year’s honorees were Sally Baker, founder of Girls Inc. of Westchester County, Kim Davis (National Hockey League), Michelle Ifill (Verizon), and Joanne Wright (IBM). Each honoree delivered a moving speech highlighting how they became a champion for girls so that future generations could grow up to be strong, smart, and bold.
“This year’s benefit Gala in celebration of our 10thanniversary has helped propel us forward and we are so very thankful for the commitment and support of our sponsors,” said Catherine Lepone, Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Westchester County. “This event helps us raise the required funds for our organization’s growth and expansion. In the next five years, we will deliver expanded programs informed by our National advocacy priorities and focused on the needs of the Westchester communities we serve.”
The evening was emceed by Kim Berns, host of the radio show Anything Goes with Kim Berns on 1490 WGCH, and showcased personal stories along with a touching video on the mission and continued growth of Girls Inc. of Westchester County that moved and inspired those in attendance. A live auction was led by award winning auctioneer Erin Ward who helped raise more than $67,000 to move programming forward. The benefit Gala raised in excess of $200,000 for programs that support over 750 girls annually.
Find out what's happening in White Plainsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“This year’s highly anticipated Strong, Smart & Bold Gala was one of the most exciting we’ve had,” said Tina Kremenezky, Event Co-Chair. “It’s thrilling to be able to celebrate Girls Inc. Westchester’s tenth anniversary, and to have the opportunity to shine a light on our impactful programs, our brilliant staff, and amazing volunteers. I love seeing friends come together with hundreds of other people who are so passionate and devoted to these girls’ empowerment. We all know the playing field is not level, and our personal commitment is so crucial. It is incredibly inspiring and rewarding to raise money so we can continue to make a positive impact on all girls in Westchester.”
About Girls Inc. Westchester: Established in 2007, Girls Inc. of Westchester inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Girls Inc. of Westchester County offers pro-girl programs at schools throughout Westchester to help girls navigate the real-life challenges they confront during middle and high school and lay the groundwork for educated, healthy, and independent futures.
Find out what's happening in White Plainsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
###
Photos courtesy of Alison Sheehy Photography
1) Girls Inc. Westchester County Program Participants with Sally Baker
2) Girls Inc. Westchester County Program Participant with Kim Davis
3) Girls Inc. Westchester County Program Participants with NYS Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins
4) Girls Inc. Westchester County Board of Directors with NYS Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins
5) Michelle Ifill and Family
6) Girls Inc. Westchester County Board of Directors
7) Attendees raising their auction paddles
8) Joanne E. Wright with Girls Inc. Westchester County Program Participant
