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Family Services Of Westchester Set For Diamond Anniversary Gala

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – Family Services of Westchester (FSW) will celebrate six decades of service this year, culminating with a Diamond Gala that honors past volunteers and spotlights the organization’s robust programs.

Laura Saggese of Bedford was honored at last year's gala for Family Services of Westchester.

Laura Saggese of Bedford was honored at last year's gala for Family Services of Westchester.

Photo Credit: Contributed

The gala will be held Thursday, April 24 at VIP County Club in New Rochelle and is expected to draw more than 200 FSW supporters. Since 1954, FSW has been dedicated to bolstering social and mental health services across the county. With more than 50 programs, seven family centers, and a spate of other resources, FSW has served more than two million area children, adults and families in need.  The Diamond Anniversary Gala will be a fundraiser and opportunity to thank FSW honorees – all former board chairs – who have volunteered their time and talent to creating a safer, healthier Westchester.

The gala will be emceed by 20-year FSW advocate Elaina Mango, director of Northeast sales and marketing at Verizon; and the evening’s honorary guest will be Jennifer Czarniecki, who was recently crowned “Mrs. Westchester.” Czarnecki, a Northern Westchester resident and mother of twin babies, is using her platform as “Mrs. Westchester” to call attention to issues facing the county such as mental illness and drug abuse. Live entertainment will include Nicholas Kim, a 15-year-old high-school student, FSW volunteer and musical prodigy, on piano during cocktail hour. A classical pianist, Kim has been involved with FSW through the Big Brothers Big Sisters “Kids Helping Kids” mentoring program for the past year. Along with other young musicians, he hosted a concert in 2013 at Edgemont High School to raise funds to support the program, and now plans to make it an annual event. The Gala will also showcase key FSW initiatives and celebrate the anniversaries of several successful FSW programs. This year marks the 55th anniversary of the Home Health initiative, which provides in-home health aides to those in need; the 35th anniversary of the Adoption initiative, which connects children with loving homes; and  the 20th anniversary of Camp Viva, which creates a safe, inclusive summer camp experience for children affected by HIV.. Tickets start at $350, and sponsorship opportunities range up to $20,000. Call (914) 305-6876 or visit www.fsw.org for more information.

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