WESTWOOD—The Woman’s Club of Westwood, led by The Contemporaries committee, hosted 101 guests at its Second Annual Dueling Pianos charity fundraiser on Monday, Nov. 18 at Lolita’s Mexican Cantina in Westwood.
Organizers tell Pascack Press that this year’s event nearly doubled the proceeds of last year’s inaugural fundraiser, with attendees packing the room to dance and sing along to the high-energy Flying Ivories piano duo—all in support of the club’s philanthropic missions.
Contemporaries co-chair and event organizer Jennifer Sirchio, along with planning committee members Ingrid Gsellmeier and Jessica Johns, chose American Legion Post No. 206 (264 Washington Ave.) as the event’s primary beneficiary. The selection was inspired by the fundraiser’s proximity to Veterans Day and the Legion’s unwavering commitment to serving veterans and service members across generations. The American Legion also plays a vital role in organizing Westwood’s Memorial Day and Veterans Day observances.
The event brought together a diverse crowd from Westwood and surrounding communities, including Washington Township, Hillsdale, and Oradell. The audience gave a heartfelt round of applause to honor four local veterans and their families in attendance.
This year’s Dueling Pianos event was made possible thanks to the generous support of lead sponsor Eric Kohlmeier and Wells Fargo Advisors of Park Ridge. Sirchio expressed her gratitude, noting Kohlmeier’s enthusiasm not only as a financial contributor but also as an attendee joined by friends and colleagues.
Additional local sponsors included Becker Funeral Home, Coldwell Banker Pascack Valley, Columbia Bank, Hodges & Sons Plumbing and Heating, Johl & Company Insurance, LaViano Jewelers, Patriot Home Inspection Services, and Westwood Family Chiropractic. Many sponsors also attended the lively evening.
Lolita’s Mexican Cantina provided the perfect setting for the night, serving a family-style meal featuring freshly made guacamole, churros, and margarita specials. The venue’s owner, bartenders, and waitstaff joined in the festivities, dancing between tables and even donating a gift card as a door prize.
Looking ahead, the Woman’s Club of Westwood invites the community to its upcoming events:
- Parenting Series: Child Safety & Assault Prevention on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. at the Woman’s Club of Westwood (205 Kinderkamack Road). This adult workshop, led by trained facilitators, will focus on communication strategies for discussing assault with children and responding effectively to a child in crisis.
- Artsy Night Out on Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 7:30 p.m. at YellowDoor Art Studio (24 Booker St.). Led by Lauren Mandal, co-chair of Celebrate Westwood’s ArtsHub, this event supports creative exploration and community engagement.
For more information or to register for these events, visit www.westwoodwomansclub.org.
Founded in 1919, the Woman’s Club of Westwood has served as a cornerstone of civil and philanthropic betterment in the community. In 2023, The Contemporaries committee was established to engage a new generation of local women through charitable, social, educational, and cultural initiatives. These efforts foster fellowship, volunteerism, and leadership while supporting the greater Westwood community.
As the Woman’s Club of Westwood celebrates its 105th year, it continues to welcome women from all walks of life to join its mission. Learn more about the Woman’s Club and The Contemporaries at www.westwoodwomansclub.org or follow them on Instagram at @westwoodcontemporaries.