WJCS Gala Honoring Karen Blumenthal, Emily Grant Raises Record $730,000 For Westchester

Karen Blumenthal, second left, and Emily Grant, were honored by WJCS at Willow Ridge Country Club in Harrison April 21 by WJCS executives, from left, Board President Barry Kaplan, CEO Alan Trager and COO Bernie Kimberg. The more than 250 Gala guests included Westchester's Deputy County Executive Kevin Plunkett and Mike Kaplowitz, vice-chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, who presented Blumenthal and Grant with proclamations lauding them for their outstanding contributions to the County. The honorees applauded WJCS for the many programs that benefit 20,000 people in Westchester every year.

Guests also heard compelling stories of help and hope about two individuals in whose lives WJCS has made a difference. One client was a teen girl whose suicidal tendencies were halted after receiving leading-edge behavioral therapy and the other had been a passenger in the first car of the Metro-North train that erupted in flames after colliding with a car on the tracks in February. He sought counseling treatment from WJCS immediately after the crash and is recovering from the traumatic experience.

A children's emotional support program that Blumenthal pioneered at WJCS was just one of many achievements for which she was honored. Her tireless advocacy for children was highlighted as well as her sterling service as a WJCS Board member.

Grant, a former Board member, also won praise for her continuing commitment to enhancing life in Westchester through her numerous philanthropic efforts.

The gala raised more than $730,000 to enable WJCS to continue providing more than 80 mental health, home care, residential, special needs, educational and other programs to the Westchester Community.

"We are gratified by the overwhelming support of our donors, sponsors and attendees who gave generously," said Susan Lewen, director of development at WJCS, "and who value the vital impact WJCS is making to strengthen the lives of Westchester residents."

WJCS is one of the largest non-profit, non-sectarian human services agencies in Westchester, serving 20,000 people annually at 80 clinic, school, community and home-based locations throughout the county. The agency's integrated network of services includes mental health treatment and counseling, child and youth development programs, residential and non-residential programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, home health and geriatric services. The highest level of professional development and training is offered through the WJCS Educational Institute. For more information on WJCS, go to www.wjcs.com.

Additional Gala photos click here.  

Please contact Colleen Brathwaite, 914-761-0600 x204 or cbrathwaite@wjcs.com for identification information.