The Imagine Gala held by United Way of Westchester and Putnam (UWWP) at Brae Burn Country Club in Purchase on Thursday, June 9, was the organization”™s most successful event ever. The gala honored the philanthropic commitment and community leadership of honorees Barbara and H. Rodgin “Rodge” Cohen, Wegmans Food Markets and Eric D. Eller. The sold-out event raised $530,000.
“We could not have done this without our supporters and partners,” Tom Gabriel, president and CEO of UWWP and program host, said. “Thanks to their participation, we were able to host this amazing event, proving that we are stronger together and that it is only by being united that we can change the world.”
Honorees received the “Spirit of Caring” award, United Way”™s highest level of recognition.
A banker with decades of experience, honoree Eller is vice president/credit portfolio manager at Valley National Bank, as well as president of the African American Men of Westchester Inc.
Zach Bell, perishables area manager for Wegmans, accepted the award on behalf of Wegmans, which opened its Harrison location in 2020. The company devotes itself to being a good neighbor in every community it serves.
Barbara and Rodge Cohen have been long-time supporters of United Way.
“It was a privilege to recognize the incredible community leaders, whose contributions to the community only reflect the overarching theme of the night: ”˜Together We Can,”™” said Gabriel.
