NORTHERN VALLEY AREA—The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County celebrated Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day by recognizing regional women leaders at its third annual Girls Night Out. Held on Thursday, March 6 at SEAR House in Closter, the sold-out event drew more than 100 attendees and raised funds to support programs benefiting women and children in need throughout Bergen County.
Dr. Shelly Wimpfheimer, executive director of The Community Chest, said in a statement shared with Northern Valley Press, “During Women’s History Month and in celebration of International Women’s Day, we were pleased to recognize the contributions of several women in our community. We also wanted attendees to meet us, connect with others in the area, and share information. Our goal was for everyone who attended Girls Night Out to learn something about The Community Chest and the next day, to share one key fact they learned about us with friends, family and colleagues.”
Honoring Women Leaders
Girls Night Out brought together women from all walks of life for an evening of connection, entertainment, and inspiration. Honorees recognized for their outstanding leadership and community service included:
- Helen Archontou, MSW, LSW, CEO, YWCA of Northern New Jersey
- Assemblywoman Shama Haider, New Jersey Legislative District 37
- Janel Johnston, Community Liaison, Englewood Public School District
- Teresa McMahon, LCADC, MBA, LSCW, Vice President, Vantage Health System
- Gabriela Muñoz, West Side Infant and Teen Parent Program
- Assemblywoman Ellen Park, New Jersey Legislative District 37
- Senator Holly Schepisi, New Jersey Legislative District 39
- Dekyi Tenzin Tsotsong, Strategy and Finance Consultant and Board Member, The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County
Program Highlights
The evening featured a live fashion show by Max Mara, showcasing its spring and summer collections, along with a women’s history presentation celebrating influential leaders past and present. Guests enjoyed mini makeovers and raffle prizes, and took part in demonstrations by Omi Beauty by Melania, Jordana Parker, and SooSoo Studios.
Modeling the latest fashion designs were Helen Archontou, Dr. Ashley Goldenberg, DDS, Theresa McMahon, Gabriela Muñoz, Assemblywoman Ellen Park, and Dekyi Tenzin Tsotsong.
Representatives from The Community Chest’s grant recipients also spoke about the impact of the organization’s support. Darlene Serrano, Executive Director of West Side Infant and Children, and Helen Archontou, CEO of the YWCA of Northern New Jersey, shared how grant funding enables their organizations to deliver vital services.
West Side Infant serves young women and up to 15 families, offering daycare, educational support, and counseling for adult family members. The YWCA, in partnership with Flat Rock Brook Nature Center, is launching a spring program using nature-based therapy to support women experiencing PTSD from sexual assault, combat, human trafficking, and other trauma—an innovative approach for those for whom traditional therapy has not been effective.
Emcee Gillian Stollwerk Garrett of Gilly’s Organics led the evening’s program, with music by DJ TwinFlame. Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and dessert.
Event Organizers and Sponsors
The event was organized by a dedicated committee of volunteers, co-chaired by Claudine Colmenar and Emma Guest-Consales, and supported by:
Amie AbuRustum, Adriana Fung, Nancy Kahn, Andrea Misk, Brooke Rutkowski, Vicki Sidrow, Franci Steinberg, Gillian Stollwerk Garrett, Violet Sudol, Dekyi Tenzin Tsotsong, Christina Wanas, and Shelly Wimpfheimer.
Event sponsors included:
Amie AbuRustum, Aree & Gloria Booker Foundation, Claudine Colmenar, Connect One Bank, Julie Davidson, Nicole Davis, Lisa Donnini, Gail Ehrenberg, Englewood Cliffs Veterinary PA, Inc., Karin Erdtmann, Jodee Fink, Suzan Gordon, Emma Guest-Consales, Assemblywoman Shama Haider, Julie Hasiba, Senator Gordon Johnson, Janel Johnston, Peggy Kabakow, Edna Kominsky, Richard Kramison, Fran Leeman, Rita Lieberman, Samuel Merrin, Jean Mishkin, Rena Moy-Chang, ORA Wellness Center, Janet Pagan, Assemblywoman Ellen Park, Kim Pressman, Provident Bank, Joyce Rothschild, Sandi Rubinetti, Phyllis Schmaus, Kathy Shapiro, Vicki Sidrow, Ellen Skowronski, Franci Steinberg, Cynthia Thek, Jami Toolen, April Uram, Vantage Health System, Shelly Wimpfheimer, and Emily Yang.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
With the motto “Neighbors Helping Neighbors,” The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County leads initiatives and supports local nonprofits that strengthen the region and serve those in need. Founded in 1933, the organization was created to collect and distribute charitable donations to vetted agencies delivering essential services.
The Community Chest awards grants to nonprofits that demonstrate the ability to positively impact residents across eastern Bergen County. It also provides coordinating and planning services to enhance the local service network.
To learn more about Girls Night Out or The Community Chest, visit www.thecommunitychestebc.org or call (201) 568-7474.
— Via Luhrs & Associates