PARKS FOUNDATION GALA AWARDS HONOREES

Westchester Parks Foundation (WPF) will honor Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton with its inaugural Leadership Award at its 46th anniversary gala “Parks Are Essential” on Thurs- day, Sept. 21 at Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle. All funds raised
at the gala will benefit the many WPF programs and services, which 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 community as demonstrated by the Leadership Award to Clinton is in recognition of her leadership in environ- mental sustainability, advocacy of children and the disabled. She has spent over five decades in public service as an advocate, attorney, First Lady, U.S. Senator, U.S. Sec- retary 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, and worked to provide health care to millions of children, create jobs and opportunity, and support for first responders who risked their lives at Ground Zero.

The Community Partner Award to Montesano Brothers is in recognition of its restoration of the green at the Mohansic Driving Range.

The Business Impact Award to Wegmans recognizes the leadership that the 107-year-old family company has shown since its arrival to Westchester County, supporting WPF”™s programs and its in- strumental role in supporting parks, open space and recreation in Westchester.

The Special Recognition Award to Eileen Andreassi and the Adaptive Sports and Therapeutic Recreation Program at Burke Rehabilitation honors 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.

“Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton”™s advocacy work for the environment, chil- dren 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,” said 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 en- hance the over 50 parks of the Westchester County Parks system.”

For more information and to purchase tickets, call 914-231-4600.