By Deirdre Doheny, Vice President Communications, Junior League of Bronxville

Jun. 27, 2018: The Junior League of Bronxville ("JLB") held its Women of Distinction Annual Awards Dinner on Wednesday, May 30, at the Bronxville Field Club.

Lauren Leader-Chivée, the author of Crossing the Thinnest Line, co-founder of the nonprofit organization All In Together, and advisor on diversity and women's issues, gave the keynote speech. Ms. Leader-Chivée spoke about the importance of the voice of women in all areas of life, and her call to action was a wonderful tie-in to the League's recently updated vision: Mobilizing Women to Ignite and Inspire Community Change. The new vision was the result of a review of past and present League activities through extensive discussions with both active and sustaining members as well as community partners. The new vision statement aims to continue the wonderful legacy of the League's involvement in its service to the community.

The highlight of the evening was the recognition of four JLB members for their outstanding contributions. The award recipients are Elizabeth "Beth" Schaefer, Sustainer of the Year Award; Elaine Rodriguez, President's Award; Laura Benson, Sustained Leadership Award; and Lisa McGovern Ryan, First Year Active Award.

In addition to the JLB member honorees, sustainer scholarships were awarded to two outstanding young women: Adriana Cocucci, from Tuckahoe High School, received the Cara Kealy Scholarship, and Fiona Teahan, from Eastchester High School, received the Positive Power Scholarship.

Bronxville Wines & Spirits was named the Junior League of Bronxville's Sponsor of the Year in recognition of the business's crucial role in supporting and underwriting the League's activities throughout the year. Joern Tittel accepted the award on behalf of Bronxville Wines & Spirits and applauded the Junior League for their service.

In her closing remarks, outgoing JLB president Julie McNally Daher said, "It has been a pleasure and privilege to serve as president of the JLB. I am so proud to be part of an organization with such a wonderful legacy in our community." As is the tradition at the annual dinner, the gavel was passed from the 2017-2018 president to the incoming president, Margaret Wang, with the help of all the past presidents in attendance, including Eleanor Urstadt from the 1970s, Patty Dohrenwend from the 1980s, and seven of the nine most recent past presidents.

It was a lovely evening and a wonderful end to an inspiring year.

The Junior League of Bronxville is celebrating its 70th year of empowering women to lead and serve the communities of Bronxville, Eastchester, Mount Vernon, Tuckahoe, and Yonkers. The Junior League of Bronxville Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. As part of the Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc., the JLB is one of 292 leagues in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and England that share the same mission.

Notably, the Junior League of Bronxville was instrumental in developing several nonprofit organizations that became independent, including the Yonkers Court Assistance Program for Abused Spouses, Jansen Hospice and Palliative Care, and the Bereavement Center. Members come from all over the service area and bond together with common goals, sharing a vision in support of the mission.

Over the years, the JLB has established a wonderful legacy of "women building better communities" through outreach, community events, community grants, and scholarships. These include the Mobile Food Pantry and Done in a Day (DIAD) programs, which partner with area nonprofits providing resources and volunteers for support. Over the course of this past year, our partners have included Hope's Door, Westchester Big Brother, Big Sister, Bronx River Conservancy, Bundles of Joy, Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE), and the Guidance Center of Westchester.

Pictured here:  JLB President Julie Daher, 2018 Sustainer of the Year; Elizabeth Schaefer, and sustainer chair, Carol Godfrey.

Photo by K. Salkey Photography

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