SFCS Honors Margaret Smith and Emily Vallario at Scarsdale Golf Club

Margaret Smith and Emily Vallario were honored at the Scarsdale Family Counseling Service Starry Night Annual Gala at Scarsdale Golf Club on Thursday night May 12, the organization's 23rd spring fundraiser. The evening featured the music of the Del Bocas, a silent auction, a raffle and dinner and drinks. It was a beautiful warm night and guests gathered on the patio to enjoy the sunshine and views of the golf course.

The event was arranged by co-chairs Elise Flagg, Wendy Berk and Denise Koslowsky, with the help of a committee of eighteen volunteers.

SFCS President Kathy Steves welcomed everyone and introduced Executive Director Jay Genova who said that SFCS is now running over 60 parent support groups along with social skills support groups, programs for senior residents and providing family counseling to those in need. This year they are working on the launch of a new website, undergoing a renovation of their offices and have a new logo for branding.

Steves said that Margaret Smith and staff member Emily Vallario were honored for their "exemplary history of dedication to the critical work of the Scarsdale Drug and Alcohol Task Force. The Open Door award recognizes their exceptional work in the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse among our teens."

State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin thanked the honorees for keeping the organization viable in Scarsdale and for "making sure we are healthy in every way." She said they "address problems that we don't see," and gave them each citations.

Saying that "families matter, " Jay Genova thanked the Rotary Club and the Scarsdale Concours for their donations and introduced Margaret Smith who he called "the consummate volunteer."

Poised and confident, Smith said, "I didn't think I deserved a night of the Del Bocas.!" She said "we stand on the shoulders of those came before us when the task force launched in 1984." She said she was exhilarated to be part of something greater than herself and was "thrilled to re-invigorate the task force." She accepted the award "in the spirit of collaboration that will allow us to achieve our goals."

Emily Vallario acknowledged the volunteers who work to keep Scarsdale youth safe and drug-free. She called her colleagues "her work family," who she "counts on for advice and support," and thanked Scarsdale for "16 rewarding years."

Commenting on the evening, Elise Flagg said, "I want to thank the community for their support at the SFCS Fundraiser on May 12 at Scarsdale Golf Club ... our most successful event ever!" Denise Koslowsky, co-chair of the event, said, "It is all about community, and seeing the perfect blend of old and new Scarsdale come together to support SFCS so that they can continue doing such wonderful, important work is thrilling".