An enchanting afternoon

Organizers of the Enchanted Winterland — Mayor Mary Bossart, Joan MacNaughton, Jeanne Mulry and Patricia Quinn — report that the second annual fundraiser, held on Jan. 31, was an overwhelming success.  Over 130 guests enjoyed a four-course sit down luncheon and special vendor opportunities that included The Silver Connection, and the Barnes & Noble bookshop boutique. 

From its start, the luncheon generated palpable excitement, as every guest had an opportunity to win the special collectible Sacagawea coin donated by Paul Cronen of the State Bank of Long Island, or the beautiful table centerpiece, donated by Mormile Florist. 

  Guests were then treated to a special book reading by Maureen Sullivan, author of the children’s book “Custard and Mustard.”  Sullivan, and its illustrator, Alison Josephs, were also available to sign copies of the book. 

  The highlight of the afternoon was a performance of poetry, song and historic impersonation, as Kate Campbell Stevenson portrayed, in full costume and make-up, Sacagawea, the African-American aviator Bessie Coleman, and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.   Guests were kept in an enchanted mood with a rousing winter-themed performance by the Leggz Ltd. Dance Ensemble dancers. The Phillips House Museum — the official museum of the Village of Rockville Centre which recently received its absolute charter — was also represented with a display of antique treasures from its archives.

  The purpose of the afternoon was to raise money for the RVC Community Fund, Inc., a not-for-profit charity started in 1987 by former Mayor Eugene Murray to help Rockville Centre residents in need. The fund responds quickly and confidentially to requests for assistance or to referrals by friends and neighbors of individuals facing financial difficulties, including heat assistance, emergency food, shelter and medical funding assistance. Enchanted Winterland raised over $7,500 for that fund.  Organizers said they wanted to send a special thanks to the event sponsors: the Ice Castle sponsors — the Rubino Family and Cardiology Consultants of Long Island; and the Snowflake sponsor — the New York Performing Arts Society, Ltd. 

  Also providing great support for the RVC Community Fund, and the Enchanted Winterland event, was Links Real Estate Group, Ltd., headed by resident Richard McQuillan. McQuillan filled two full tables with family, friends and workers from Links, and he also presented the mayor with a check for $500 for the RVC Community Fund, and a pledge to contribute $100 for every house sold by Links in 2010 to the fund. Mark Lerner, the owner of Rockville Camera, also framed what Mayor Bossart said was a beautiful archival print of the village that was one of the prizes that afternoon.

  The event was also supported by many volunteers and contributors, including dozens and dozens of local businesses and residents who contributed raffle prizes and journal ads. Especially appreciated by the steering committee were the organizational skills of the mayor’s secretary, Mary Rohrs, who worked hard to ensure that the event ran smoothly.

Rohrs works with many applicants for the funds. “The requests keep coming in,” she said, adding, “the funds raised by Enchanted Winterland will be used to do much good here in Rockville Centre.”