By Deirdre Doheny, Communications VP, Junior League of Bronxville

Jun. 21, 2017:  The Junior League of Bronxville's ("JLB") spring fundraiser, Trends & Treasures, raised over $25,000, thanks to the 200+ attendees that showed their support.

The two-day event was held at the Bronxville Field Club beginning with a Fashion Show & Shop on Thursday, April 27, and followed by the Home Show & Shop on Friday, April 28.  Mitzi Ambrose-Washington, 2016-2017 JLB president, said, "We were proud to host an event that highlighted so many volunteers--outstanding women in our community and supportive local businesses that collectively work together to improve the areas we serve, which include Bronxville, Eastchester, Tuckahoe, Mount Vernon, and Yonkers."

At Thursday's Fashion Show & Shop, spring fashions were on display from event vendors and local businesses, such as Harry: A Rothmans Project, Shoes 'N' More, Toney Toni & the Gang, and Yum Yum Tree. The trends were discussed by Sarah Gerrish, the fashion market director of Redbook magazine; however, the true stars of the show were the lineup of impressive "role" models, which were Mitzi Ambrose-Washington, Antonio Arena, Ellen Bryceland, Melinda Burge, Julie McNally Daher, Danielle Marrow, Ana Dimas, Lia Gravier, Jennie Jacobs, Amy Korb, Emily Liggitt, Nicole Ndzibah, Joseph Nigro, Jenny Richardson Jaquette, Sharon Robinson, Danielle Spring, and Michelle Tween. These women, and two men representing the JLB's Sponsor of the Year, PCI Industries, were nominated by members of the JLB for their outstanding contributions to their community, which reflects a core element of the JLB's mission of promoting voluntarism.

VIP ticket holders at the event were treated to reserved seating courtesy of sponsor Pepe Auto Group. Each seat was adorned with a swag bag underwritten by sponsor D.C. Ranieri Insurance Agency that was valued at over $150 each, thanks to the treats inside donated by Maison Rouge, Mano A Mano, and Nutmeg, to name a few. 

After the twenty-minute fashion presentation, each "role" model was acknowledged, highlighting where the looks came from as styled by Maria Matera of Moda Makeover. Attendees were then encouraged to shop from the thirteen vendors, with a percentage of proceeds benefitting the JLB, or purchase raffle tickets for some amazing prizes, including a two-night stay at the Shore Club in Turks & Caicos, courtesy of JLB sponsor Bayside Travel. 

On Friday morning, the doors opened to the first-ever Home Show & Shop, which included a new mix of vendors and a full day of mini-workshops highlighting the latest home trends. The speakers and their presentations were Carolina Neubern Fonseca of CNF Design, "Setting the Mood with Lighting"; "Built at Last!" by Janet Gorgone of I-Grace; "Introduction to Landscape Design," by Lilac Garden Design owner and sustainer of the JLB, Jennifer Colao; "Cosmetic Renovations," by Ken Gemes of Ken Gemes Interiors; "Keeping Your Closet On Trend," by Maria Matera of Moda Makeover; "Kitchen Trends: Indoor & Outdoor," by sponsor Jonathan Giannettino of Curto's Appliances; "Modern Convenience, Sophisticated Style: Today's Kitchen," by Francine Smith of Hunt Woods Manor Design, LLC; and, finally, summing up the day, "Organizing Trends for the Ever-Evolving American Home," by Robert Mizrahi of Chaos Commandos Professional Organizing.

"Trends & Treasures was a true collaboration between the community and the dedicated volunteers of the JLB, including event chair Autumn Tush Foley and rising fundraising vice president Jennifer Carella. It is their vision and passion that makes these events something to treasure, a trend that will never go out of style," said Michelle Schoulder, 2016-2017 fundraising vice president. 

Pictured here (L to R):  Danielle Spring, Kimberly Russell, Elaine Rodriguez, Mitzi Ambrose Washington, Julie McNally Daher, Carol Godfrey, Michelle Schoulder, Laura Benson, Trish Toolan, and Sarah D’Amico, members of the JLB board of directors and management team.

Photo by K. Salkey