Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Rockville Centre Lions Club will host its first annual fundraiser, “Dinner in the Dark” on May 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Middle Bay Country Club in Oceanside.
Two members of the club, selected for spirited leadership, dedication and support of numerous charitable and cultural endeavors, enriching the community and helping their neighbors — Joan MacNaughton, and Jeanne Mulry — are being honored at this year’s event.
MacNaughton, the founder and artistic director of Leggz Ltd. Dance, has donated hours of time and her artistic talents to a variety of fundraisers. In 1995 she started, and remains the artistic director for the annual full-length Nutcracker Ballet, produced in conjunction with the South Shore Symphony Orchestra and the RVC Guild for the Arts. In 1999 she was awarded the New York State Woman of Distinction by Sen. Dean Skelos, received the 1999 Town of Hempstead Pathfinder Award, and was named the United Cerebral Palsy 2005 Shining Star. She also received a Congressional Citation for her work with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the RVC Community Service Award from former Mayor Eugene Murray, and the RVC Youth Advisor Citation. MacNaughton is married to Donald, and is the mother of Joyce and Samantha.
Jeanne Mulry has also devoted many hours to a variety of charitable and civic organizations. A former Rockville Centre village trustee, she was an honoree at the 2010 Hispanic Brotherhood Scholarship Dinner, is a member of its board, and is co-chair and emcee of this year’s Scholarship Dinner on May 3. Mulry is on the board of the Rockville Centre/Lakeview Economic Opportunity Commission, and is pro bono legal counsel and board member of the RVC Youth Council. She also serves as pro bono legal counsel to the Voices of Virtue in Hempstead and co-chaired the St. Agnes Parish Celebration as well as the RVC Community Fund’s Enchanted Winterland event this year.
Mulry also works with United Cerebral Palsy of Nassau County, Old Westbury Gardens, the De La Salle School and New Ground. She works for the Rockville Centre St. Patrick’s Parade, the RVC Guild for the Arts, RVC Fireworks Committee and was the emcee at this year’s Kids Performing Who Kare Broadway Christmas Concert fundraiser. She also volunteers for a variety of St. Agnes ministries. Married to Kevin , she is the mother of Rosemary.
Lisa Spatz and Michael Jordan are co-chairs of the event. They are working with committee that includes Lions Joseph Armellino, Ed Asip, Linda Banilower, Michael Caffrey, Ted Fass, Christian Hansen, Maureen Jordan, Scott McGrath, Dr. Michael Russo,and Marian Thomsen.
Dinner in the Dark is designed to give each guest an opportunity to experience the challenges those with visual impairment experience, said Spatz. Guests may choose the extent of their own experience — either mild visual impairment, or complete impairment — with the use of blindfolds. Chef Jack will prepare each course with an emphasis on taste and texture. The lights will be dimmed at the beginning of each course, but will gradually rise to restore the sense of sight. Organizers say they hope that guests leave with a better understanding of the challenges faced by those who have lost their sight.
With a donation of $100 per person, guests will participate in a cocktail hour, four-course meal and dancing, with music provided by the band “Sound Chaser,” sponsored by Entertainment Unlimited by Ted Fass. All are invited. Call (516) 764-1775 or visit www.rvclions.com for reservations or more information. Journal and sponsorship opportunities are available. Proceeds will benefit the outpatient Diabetes Education Center at Mercy Medical Center and other Rockville Centre Lions Club charities.
