Scarsdale's Sheryl WuDunn to be Honored at the Gourmet Galaxy

Scarsdale resident and Pulitzer prize winner Sheryl WuDunn will accept the "Open Door Award" at this year's Gourmet Galaxy, in honor of women and girls everywhere. WuDunn will be recognized for her extraordinary efforts worldwide and Scarsdale and Edgemont Family Counseling will highlight local efforts to empower girls “to listen to their own voice and act on it”.

The Gourmet Galaxy is the annual Fundraising event for the Scarsdale Family Counseling Service and will be held on May 2 at the Westchester Country Club.

Ms. WuDunn's latest book, Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide, was co-authored with her husband, New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof, and focuses on the challenges facing women around the globe and the struggle for gender equality. The Kristof's are long-time residents of Scarsdale and their children have attended the Scarsdale Public Schools.

Marie Posthumus, president of SFCS, has noted that Sheryl WuDunn brings critical awareness to the struggles and inequities faced by women all over the world, and SFCS strives to echo the message through specific programs to empower adolescent girls at Scarsdale schools, and bring this awareness right to our doorstep. One such existing program is "Young Women in Leadership". Another is "The Girl's Center", a new pilot program which will launch on March 1 at the Scarsdale Women's Club and run for ten weeks.

This newest program includes a creative writing component, expressive movement, and culminates in sharing of thoughts and ideas to shape, sharpen and begin to appreciate each individual's strengths. It will be offered at no cost to the first 20 girls who sign up, and is made possible through the generosity of a group of private donations.

SFCS recognizes the need for emotional support young adolescent girls. Today’s emerging teen is assaulted by the social pressures of a popular youth culture. The launching of the SFCS Girl’s Center Project in March is designed to help girls feel good about themselves in a uniquely grounded, creative and nurturing environment where they can pursue authentic self expression.