Junior League Raises Funds For Sandy Victims, Charities At Holiday Boutique

The Junior League of Central Westchester (JLCW) held its 26th Annual Holiday Boutique on November 8 and 9 at Lake Isle Country Club in Eastchester. Funds raised will support the JLCW’s programs that promote health and literacy, provide food and necessities to the underprivileged, empower low-income families, help preserve community history and train effective community volunteers. Portions of the proceeds will also aid Hurricane Sandy disaster relief efforts.

The JLCW Holiday Boutique’s annual theme, “Shop for a Cause”, took on greater meaning this year. Over 300 Junior League members and friends overcame two storms during the week leading up to the event and braved power outages to come out in a show of support for the JLCW, vendors and the community as a whole.

Just one night after the Nor’Easter, central Westchester’s top restaurants came together to provide "A Taste of Our Town" to patrons who enjoyed fantastic cuisine from Grace's Table, The 808 Bistro, Caffe Azzurri, ZaZa Ristorante, Chat American Grill, 5th Avenue Chocolatiere and Moscato. Guests also enjoyed a wine and spirits tasting, hosted by Vintology of Scarsdale and an Artisanal Beer tasting hosted by Growlers Beer Bistro.

On Friday, “A Delightful Day” of shopping, lunch and spa treatments provided a much-needed respite from the week’s challenges. Cooked & Co was a highlight of the day with delectable buffalo chicken sliders and their renowned Nutella muffins. Platters and tastings were also provided by Lange’s, Serafina, Haiku, Scarsdale Pizza Station, Sun-Rise Baking, GoVida Foods, Andy’s Pure Food, Bosphorous, Patisserie Salzburg, Fresh Market, Taiim Falafel Shack and Mrs. Green’s Natural Market. Patrons also enjoyed mini-spa treatments and consultations provided by Skin Thera P, Massage Envy of Scarsdale, Jude’s Brow Bar, Laura Mercier from Neiman Marcus and Spa Parties at Home (SpaH). Author Julie Gerstenblatt held a book signing for her novel, Lauren Takes Leave.

 “As an organization whose mission has always been to build better communities, we felt it was very important to redirect a portion of our fundraising dollars to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy,” stated Lauren Wyler-Smith, President of the JLCW.  “As many of our own members face struggles in the aftermath of the storm, we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of care and support from the community. The JLCW’s community programs will greatly benefit from the tremendous success of the Holiday Boutique.”

Over 50 businesses offered a wide variety of merchandise including gifts, accessories, jewelry, home décor, clothing and children’s items. (A complete list of vendors can be found at www.jlcentralwestchester.org). Gross sales topped $90,000 in a show of support not only for local businesses, but also for the community as a whole, as a generous 20% of all proceeds directly benefited the JLCW’s charitable initiatives.

Generous sponsors included Neiman Marcus, Morgan Stanley, TD Bank, Houlihan Lawrence, Hyde Park Gourmet Food & Wine, KOS Building Group, Julia B. Fee and Advocate Brokerage, while beautiful entrance décor was provided by Diana Gould Ltd.