ENGLEWOOD, N.J.—What better way to motivate people to donate than by serving them wine and chocolate? On Dec. 3, The Women’s Rights Information Center (WRIC) held its Wine and Chocolate “Giving Tuesday” event and the results were delicious.
#GivingTuesday is the global day dedicated to inviting individuals to celebrate the holiday season by giving back and creating change in our communities. The WRIC does just that with great panache and great food.
Wine and Chocolate 2019 was a sold out event, as over 120 people crowded into the Modiani Kitchen Showroom in Englewood to hear inspirational speeches, enjoy refreshments and support the organization’s charitable mission.
Special guests included SESCIL President Scott Reddin and WRIC Board Member Nina Pineda, an award-winning broadcast journalist with WABC-TV in New York.
From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., guests were greeted by WRIC founder and President Lil Corcoran, along with the organization’s staff and board members and several volunteers.
Attesting to the importance of the work done by the WRIC, the Wine and Chocolate event was sponsored by over 70 businesses and individuals.
Guests enjoyed a multitude of wraps and deli sandwiches, a lavish cheese and fruit platter from Chez Cheese in Tenafly, lots of empanadas, fruit platters, crudites with dips, pitas and hummus, biscotti, muffins and cookies, and of course, lots of wine and chocolate.
Lucille Skroce, owner of Matisse Chocolatier in Englewood, manned one of the showroom’s kitchens where she melted 10-pound blocks of milk and dark chocolate to coat fruits, marshmallows and pretzel sticks. There were also platters of chocolate treats on tables everywhere.
Throughout the evening, there were tastings of outstanding wines donated by AJ Verma, owner of Murphy’s Fine Wines in Closter. There were also cooking demos, magic by Professor Harry Hocus—who walked around dazzling people with his sleight of hand. There was also a photo booth, palm reading and tables set up for bracelet making and hand massages.
Back again this year was the popular surprise gift bag grab, in which people bought colorful gift bags in different price ranges to reveal wonderful gifts.
As the party got into full swing, Board of Trustees Chair the Honorable Ronny Jo Siegal welcomed everyone and presented WRIC Board member Liz Corsini with a 12-plus Years Award for Service.
“Liz is a visionary and a leader who inspires us to reach for the stars! She has worked tirelessly to achieve our mission,” Siegal said, and added, “She has also been granted a new position of Board Emerita.”
Smiling at Corsini, Corcoran quipped, “We made sure you’re going to be with us forever!”
Corcoran then gave an update on the organization’s accomplishments, including an increase to shared housing, due to grants from Bergen County’s Department of Senior Services and Women United in Philanthropy. After emphasizing the scope of homelessness and people sleeping on park benches, Corcoran announced with pride, “We have helped over 500 women this year!”
Another WRIC highlight was this year’s expansion of Victims of Crime grant from the Department of Justice, Office of Attorney General. This will herald a major step toward helping not only homeless women, but victims of abuse and crime.
Personal stories embody WRIC’s mission to empower
WRIC’s Wine and Chocolate always features a client/survivor, and this year, Cindy Simon told her heartwarming story. She began by thanking her roommates Joanne Pattie and Martin Agurto and her mom, all of whom were at the party.
“My housing issues started in April of 2017,” she began. “I was staying with a friend and on that day my life changed, when a fire destroyed all my possessions. I lost everything, I was able to stay with family and friends for several months after the fire. At one point, however, I had to stay at the shelter in Hackensack for about six weeks.”
As the audience listened intently, Simon continued:
“Then I found a place of my own in Hackensack in January 2018. I was actually on my own for the first time and it was frightening. I was able to get assistance with the rent and other expenses that helped for several months, but I still struggled. I finally realized I couldn’t handle living on my own financially and, in August 2018, had to move in with my mom and twin brother who lived around the corner.
“Then everything changed in April 2019. I reached out to the Shared Housing Program, filled out paper work, and Susan Bendes told me that she had a match. I planned to move in on May 5. But while running a 5K race, my foot slipped on wet grass and mud and I broke my tibia/fibula, so I didn’t move in until the day after Memorial Day.
“When I arrived, my roommates Joanne and Martin immediately welcomed me as family. There were times during my recovery when they were both concerned when I wouldn’t come out of my room and come downstairs. I guess you can say they were ‘Jewish parents in training,’ because they always made sure I was fed, and had something to drink.
“I hope by sharing my story tonight, it explains how great the Shared Housing Program really is. I thank everyone for their caring and kindness!”
After Simon finished her talk, Corcoran presented her with a gift bag and an enormous hug.
Helping women since 1973
Since 1973, The Women’s Rights Information Center has been a place for women in transition to gain life, career and resource building skills that can change the direction of their economic futures for the better. Women are assisted with job training and placement, safe-housing, life-skills and counseling in times of crisis to become independent earners and self-sufficient members of the community.
To support this mission, WRIC’s annual Wine and Chocolate fundraiser provides the community with a wonderful opportunity to give back and have fun while doing it!
