For Immediate Release | May 14, 2018
May 7, 2018, Westbury, N.Y. – 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. 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. Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center was proud to recognize one such individual, Rachel Dombrowsky, as this year’s honoree. Dombrowsky, owner and operator of Oyster Bay Senior Campus, which includes Harbor House (assisted living for the memory impaired); Oyster Bay Manor (assisted living); and Brookville Home Care Agency, is an innovator in services for the elderly, with over 40 years dedicated toward the care of seniors.
Before hearing from the honoree, Dombrowsky’s daughter, Effie Sussman, offered a heartfelt and moving tribute to her mother. When Dombrowsky took the podium, she began her acceptance speech by thanking several individuals associated with Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center, and stressed how it, “is a privilege and an honor to be here.” When she opened Harbor House 16 years ago, Dombrowsky said it was just like any other building, explaining, “It did not have a heart and soul. Only later, it became, not a person, but a personality. That was the goal from the beginning and took thinking out of the box, as to what would make the residents’ lives better.” Referencing the storyline from the Wizard of Oz, wherein three characters separately search for a brain, a heart, and some courage, Dombrowsky related how she also sought these elements—the brain to know how to care for those in her care, a heart that expresses the love she and her staff have for their residents, and the courage to be able to implement the important work of Oyster Bay Senior Campus over the years.
Remarks from Tori Cohen, Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center’s Executive Director, included expressions of gratitude for Dombrowsky’s support of Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center, and included these words, “It is very comforting to have Rachel Dombrowsky and Harbor House stand in unison with us and share our philosophy of providing care with respect and dignity.” Cohen acknowledged Dombrowsky’s dedication, emphasizing Harbor House as the first of its kind solely devoted to the care of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and memory disorders. “I feel very privileged that a person, not only of such high standard, but also of personal integrity and obvious compassion, joins us here today. Thank you, Rachel, for your dedication to Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center as we both move forward each day, with hope and determination to make a difference for one person, one family, and one community at a time.”
Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center recognizes that the success of the Women’s Luncheon and Fashion Show is due, in part, to countless supporters—many who have consistently returned, each year, to help make the event possible. Among our generous sponsors this year, we recognize four Runway Sponsors: Genser
Dubow Genser and Cona, LLP; Harbor House; P & P Medicaid Consulting, Inc.; and The Rice Family; Fashion Show Sponsors: First Development Corp; and The Bristal; Luncheon Sponsors: AgeWell; Thomas Killeen, Esq.; and Parker Jewish Institute; Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center Sponsors: Amber Court Assisted Living; and The Richards Family Fund. Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center is also grateful to Mary Eibeler; Nawrocki Smith; and Marcum Accountants - Advisors. We are very fortunate to have the continual support of Congresswoman Kathleen Rice, who, once again, took time away from her busy schedule to attend the luncheon. 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 of High Power Productions for generously providing the afternoon’s music, and to Mary Eibeler, our Fashion Show commentator.
To the 10 volunteer models whose efforts before and during the show created a dazzling display of the season’s latest looks, we are most grateful. This year’s fabulous fashionistas included, Edye Bernstein of Kew Gardens, Queens; Rachel Koutrouby of Port Jefferson, Linda West of Northport, Heather Barca of Plainview, and Garden City residents, Jenna Aiosa, Rene Blair, Hope Janicke, Hailey Shafran, Lee Gillen, and Linda Lane.
An extensive assortment of raffle items added to the afternoon’s festivities, and included seven Grand (each valued at $250) Raffles. We wish to acknowledge everyone who donated toward these raffles. Other eye-catching displays on view were courtesy of several jewelry, fragrance and accessories vendors: Baubles, Bangles & Bags; Bread & Butter; colorSTREET; Fox’s; Mothers of Masese; Vines & Branches. We sincerely appreciate having your participation.
Last, but not least, the Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center family extends a huge thank you to every guest who attended. Everyone’s involvement is greatly appreciated, helping us make a difference, each and every day, in the lives of Alzheimer’s families throughout Long Island.
Caption: Rachel Dombrowsky (center) celebrates her honoree recognition at Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center’s 2018 Women’s Luncheon with her daughters, Yonit Rose and Effie Sussman.
Caption: Edye Bernstein returned to the runway this year, happy to again strut her stuff at the Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center Women’s Luncheon.
Caption: The dazzling models for Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center’s 2018 Fashion Show, included (L to R): Jenna Aiosa, Rachel Koutrouby, Rene Blair, Heather Barca, Edye Bernstein, Linda West, Hope Janicke, Hailey Shafran, Lee Gillen, and Linda Lane.
Caption: Nearly 200 guests enjoyed food, fashion, and fun, including an amazing assortment of raffle prizes at Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center’s 2018 Women’s Luncheon and Fashion Show.
About Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center
For 30 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, along with services for caregivers. Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center takes considerable pride in its pioneering role in the development of cutting edge programs that foster the independence, dignity, well-being and safety of individuals with Alzheimer’s. Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center is now located in a new state-of-the-art center at 1025 Old Country Road in Westbury. This central Long Island location provides Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center the opportunity to bring services and programs more easily to those who need them. For information call (516) 767-6856 or visit www.lidementia.org.