On Tuesday, April 30, a sold-out crowd of over 250 guests came together for North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center’s Annual Spring Luncheon.
This year’s event, which supports the Guidance Center’s mission to restore and strengthen the emotional well-being of children and their families, garnered over $100,000 in support.
The gathering at Glen Head Country Club began with a morning session of Mahjong and Canasta accompanied by exclusive boutique shopping from several of Long Island’s most philanthropic small businesses including Ameliora, A2Z Loungewear, Chintz Giraffe, Dash Accessories, Designs that Donate, Eye Candy, Kostume Klassics, Meryl Roesch Sunglasses, Precious Scripts, Walters Faith, and 2 Friends.
At the event, the Guidance Center debuted its line of signature jewelry featuring the calendula flower, known for its healing properties. The elegant assortment of necklaces represented the guidance center’s mission of providing hope and healing.
After an elaborate buffet lunch, Cathy Riva, founder of the wellness brand Celebrate Everyday, led the crowd in a guided meditation toward mindfulness.
Following this grounding exercise, Cindy Hsu, Emmy Award-winning anchor & reporter for CBS 2 News, shared a moving story of her journey in overcoming depression and a suicide attempt. Hsu is a longtime advocate of mental health and has found her passion in breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health treatment.
“Cindy Hsu’s story was an eye-opening account of the strength it takes to reach out for help,” said Board President Alexis Siegel. “She showed remarkable resilience in the face of adversity and, in turn, inspired so many people in the room. I am proud to represent an organization that works to end the stigma and bring people together.”
The luncheon wouldn’t have been such a triumph without the hard work of the co-chairs, Jan Ashley, Amy Cantor, and Alexis Siegel. “I am grateful for this event because it allows the Guidance Center to help shift our society’s attitudes towards children’s mental health to a place of awareness, acceptance, and action,” said Kathy Rivera, executive director/CEO of the Guidance Center. “Our success was achieved with the support of so many who are dedicated to helping our children and families begin their journey toward hope and healing.”
The Guidance Center also thanked its sponsors -The Linda and Denis Cronin Foundation, Nancy Lane, Joan Grant, The Peter and Caroline Striano Foundation, Americana Manhasset, Jill Berman, Klipper Family Foundation, Alexis Siegel, United Healthcare, Flagstar Bank, Mary Margiotta, Merry Slone, South Oaks and Zucker Hillside Hospitals, Marilyn Albanese, Jan Ashley, Tracy Brown, Ruth Fortunoff Cooper, Stephanie Ginsberg, Robyn Jaslow, Andrea Leeds, Debbie Klein, & Lauren Schiff.