FOR OFFICIAL RELEASE | MAY 8, 2017
Nearly 200 guests recently attended the annual Women's Luncheon and Fashion Show hosted by the Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center. At the North Hempstead Country Club in Port Washington, participants enjoyed a delectable buffet and a showing of the latest fashions styled by Fox's of Mineola. More importantly, the event was a celebration of women—those living with Alzheimer's disease and those who care for them. Approximately two-thirds of caregivers are women and 34 percent are age 65 and older.
The luncheon focuses on bringing awareness to Alzheimer's and the unique programs and services Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center offers to help families cope with the disease. The event also recognizes those who strongly support the organization's efforts. One of those individuals is this year's honoree, Robin Marks, the Long Island Regional Director of Amber Court Assisted Living in Westbury. Marks has helped expand Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center's mission through a satellite program in Westbury.
In introducing Marks, Tori Cohen, Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center's Executive Director, said, "Deciding on our Women's Luncheon honoree this year was an easy decision. She has a wonderful reputation and is well liked by others in the community as well as her colleagues at Amber Court. Robin Marks is deserving of this honor, as she has been with us every step of the way with her reliability, dedication and commitment. All I have left to say is, Robin you rock!" With that, the DJ cued up "Rockin' Robin" and Marks was surrounded by family, friends and coworkers waving specially-designed signs for the occasion.
Marks began her acceptance speech by thanking several individuals associated with Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center. In relating the interconnectedness between Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center and Amber Court, she said "You may notice a subtle pattern emerging… one link interlocking with another and another, until all, of serving seniors, form a protective circle. Within our continually expanding circumference, together, we respond to complex growing needs. It's a delicate time of life—and not only for individuals with this progressive disease, but also for those who love them."
This year's Luncheon and Fashion Show was presented by Long Island Elite, which is dedicated to fostering the growth and development of Long Island's business professionals. Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center was selected this year as the Long Island Elite's Charity Partner. Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center would also like to acknowledge the attendance of Hempstead Town Councilwoman Erin King Sweeney and Congresswoman Kathleen Rice, who took time away from their busy schedules to show their support of the organization.
Many thanks go out to the ten volunteer models who walked this year's runway, including Edye Bernstein of Queens, Heidi Felix of Wantagh, Old Bethpage residents Fran Futterman and Alison Kachianos, Melissa Kaiser and Dawn Strain, President and Founder, respectively, of Long Island Elite, Rachael Koutrouby of Bohemia, Hillary Needle of Dix Hills, Danielle Schivek of Bellmore and Jodi Stuhl of Roslyn Heights. The models' hair looked picture-perfect, courtesy of the styling talents of Danielle, Alexa and Tatiana of Gloss Salon in Plainview.
Adding to the afternoon were many fabulous raffles and silent auction items, as well as the eye-catching displays of jewelry, fragrance and accessories. We appreciate all who donated toward these prizes and the vendors who joined us: Shannon Ferrara (Bread & Butter); Jane Hildreth O'Keeffe (Baubles, Bangles & Bags); Victoria Collette (Victoria Collette Inner Essence Perfumes); Tracy Hong (Designs by Tracy) and Fox's.
Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center recognizes that the success of the Women's Luncheon and Fashion Show is due in part to many supporters, among them the generous sponsors who helped make the event possible: our two Runway Sponsors: Genser Dubow Genser and Cona, LLP and The Rice Family; our Fashion Show Sponsors: Amber Court Assisted Living in Westbury; The Bristal at Lake Success and Mary and Paul Eibeler; Luncheon Sponsors: Harbor House Assisted Living and Irene Dellis; and several Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center Sponsors, including Owen Blicksilver; Dignity Home Care; Hearing Help Associates; In Good Hands Medicaid Counseling and The Elena Melius Foundation. Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center is also grateful to the following supporters: AgeWell; AMR; Carole Aronson; Linda and Denis Cronin; Epoch 5 Public Relations; Fetch; The Esther and Harold Mertz Foundation and Arlene Travis. Many thanks to our committee members and the wonderful group of volunteers who helped the day run as smoothly as possible, as well as to DJ Sal Scott for generously providing the music for the afternoon and Fashion Show commentator, Mary Eibeler.
Last, but not least, the Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center family extends a huge thank you to the 195 guests who attended this year. Everyone's involvement is greatly appreciated and is helping us make a difference in the lives of Alzheimer's families throughout Long Island.
Caption: Edye Bernstein struts her stuff at this year's fashion show luncheon hosted by the Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center.
For more information about the Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center, please contact Jenna Caroccia, Director of External Affairs at jcaroccia@liaf.org or (516) 767-6856 ext. 28. To schedule an intake, please contact Melissa Katz, Director of Early Stage/In-Home Respite at mkatz@liaf.org or call (516) 767-6856 ext. 14.
For 29 years, Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center has been providing supportive community-based services to Alzheimer’s families on Long Island. Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center offers critically needed social adult day programs for individuals facing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and their caregivers. Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center takes considerable pride in its pioneering role in the development of cutting edge services that foster the independence, dignity, well-being and safety of individuals with Alzheimer’s. For information call (516) 767-6856 or visit www.lidementia.org