Explore-a-thon!
Recently parents and children gathered to learn, play and support the drive to build the Westchester Children’s Museum (WCM). The Explore-a-thon took place in Rye Town Park close to Playland’s historic North Bathhouse, the very spot where it is hoped the museum will be located. Westchester Children’s Museum is currently seeking a 10-year lease at Playland from Westchester County, pledging to invest $5 million upfront into the landmark building. The WCM reports that the Museum is supported entirely by donations and would not cost any taxpayer money. Westchester Family was proud to participate and lend our support. Westchester Children’s Museum Office, 3 Barker Ave, White Plains. 421-5050. www.discoverwcm.org.
Boys & Girls Club
The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester recently held its 2011 Humanitarian Award Dinner honoring Holly and David Singer. The event, Get Smart, Get Involved, featured a guest appearance by Secret Agent 99 of Get Smart, Barbara Feldon, a New York City resident and passionate supporter of women’s and children’s issues. Feldon introduced Jason Distant, this year’s Youth of the Year Award Winner. The gala is the Club’s largest fundraising effort each year. Proceeds provide scholarships for at-risk children as well as funding for quality programs in nutrition, the arts, character and leadership development, education and career development and physical fitness. The Boys & Girls Club of Westchester, 351 Main St., Mount Kisco. 666-0869. To learn more visit www.boysandgirlsclubnw.org.
Katonah Museum Gala
Close to 400 community members, arts patrons and philanthropic leaders joined in celebrating the Katonah Museum of Art for its annual spring gala. The sold-out event honored longtime KMA Board leader Ginny Gold, sustainability advocate Kim Larson and Sesame Workshop CEO Gary Knell, three visionaries with strong commitments to volunteerism. Supporters of the Museum enjoyed cocktails in the Sculpture Garden and dinner under a magnificent tent while participating in live and silent auctions. Following a surprise visit from the one and only Elmo, who traveled all the way from Sesame Street to celebrate, guests took to the dance floor to round out the evening. Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay St., Katonah. 232-9555. www.katonahmuseum.org.
New Mattresses
Westchester’s neediest families are benefiting from a donation of 106 Tempur-Pedic mattresses, made to the Furniture Sharehouse in White Plains, thanks to the United Way of Westchester, Putnam’s Gifts-In-Kind program and CONRI Services of Hawthorne for donating free storage and transport of the large shipment.
Furniture Sharehouse, the county’s nonprofit furniture bank, accepts used furniture and distributes it free of charge to those in need. To receive merchandise clients must be referred by one of Furniture Sharehouse’s 35 Member Agencies. Visit www.furnituresharehouse.org for details on how to donate furniture and the type of items that can be accepted. Pick-up is available for three or more qualifying items and a tax donation receipt can be provided. Furniture Sharehouse, Loop Road, Building #3. Westchester County Airport, White Plains. 834-1294. www.furnituresharehouse.org.
