at0923-8

Westchester Parks Foundation (WPF) will honor Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton with its inaugural Leadership Award at its 46th anniversary gala entitled Parks Are Essential taking place on Thursday, September 21 at Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle. All funds raised at the gala will benefit the many WPF programs and services that preserve, enhance, and beautify Westchester County Parks including its recently launched Trails Are Essential Program and Merriwood at Camp Morty teen empowerment program.

The evening will recognize the visionary leadership, commitment, and dedication to the community demonstrated by Secretary Clinton along with other honorees Montesano Bros, Inc., Wegmans, and Eileen Andreassi & the Adaptive Sports & Therapeutic Recreation Program at Burke Rehabilitation, all of whom support WPF and parks in Westchester. The recipients include the

Westchester Parks Foundation Leadership Award: Hillary Rodham Clinton
For her leadership in environmental sustainability, and advocacy of children and the disabled. Hillary Rodham Clinton has spent over five decades in public service as an advocate, attorney, First Lady, U.S. Senator, U.S. Secretary of State, and presidential candidate. She traveled to more than 80 countries as a champion of human rights, democracy, and opportunities for women and girls. She also worked to provide health care to millions of children, to create jobs and opportunity, and to support first responders who risked their lives at Ground Zero. She is a Westchester resident married to former U.S. President Bill Clinton, has one daughter Chelsea, and three grandchildren: Charlotte, Aidan, and Jasper. 

Community Partner Award – Montesano Bros, Inc.
For the generous gift of restoring the green at the Mohansic Driving Range, and the planning and commitment made to this project that makes a significant impact in our community. President Dominick Montesano’s strong personal affinity for Mohansic has now helped WPF to enhance the experience for park users at the range and continues to provide the wellness benefits associated with outdoor recreation. 

Business Impact Award – Wegmans
For the leadership that the 107-year-old family company has shown since its introduction to Westchester County, supporting WPF’s programs such as Bicycle Sundays and Westchester’s Winter Wonderland, allowing the community to benefit from affordable, family-friendly, local traditions. With their company goal of “making a difference in every community” that they serve, Wegman’s has played an instrumental role in supporting parks, open space, and recreation in Westchester.

Special Recognition Award – Eileen Andreassi & the Adaptive Sports & Therapeutic Recreation Program at Burke Rehabilitation
For their commitment to supporting people of all abilities and their instrumental role in the development of WPF’s new adaptive hiking program, Trails Without Limits. Eileen Andreassi, MA, CTRS, Director of Recreational Therapy and Adaptive Sports, and her team continue to provide expertise and knowledge to ensure our program meets the needs of the community. Burke Rehabilitation’s Adaptive Sports and Therapeutic Recreation Program prepares individuals for real-life situations and, allows them to meet their recovery goals, and return to the activities they love.

“Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton’s advocacy work for the environment, children, and people with disabilities has been remarkable. We are thrilled to present her with the inaugural Leadership Award, as well as to celebrate all our honorees who truly exemplify commitment to the parks and open spaces that Westchester County needs to thrive,” stated Seth Mandelbaum, Chair of Westchester Parks Foundation. “Each honoree’s unwavering commitment to the environment helps us carry out our mission to invest in, advocate for, and enhance the over 50 parks of the Westchester County Parks system.”

Parks Are Essential Gala will take place September 21, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, call 914-231-4600 or click here.

Westchester Parks Foundation is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit, philanthropic organization that provides private support to preserve the County’s Park system and improve the quality of life in our communities. Westchester Parks Foundation’s mission is to invest in, advocate for, and enhance the over 50 parks of the Westchester County Parks system. For more information, visit http://www.thewpf.org