North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center hosted a fundraiser on Oct. 16 for an evening of dinner and music benefiting the Children’s Center at Nassau County Family Court. Hosted at Stewart Manor Country Club with a record number of attendees, the event raised more than $13,000, which will go directly towards providing care and early learning to more than 1,400 children annually, ages 6 weeks – 12 years, while their parents or guardians are conducting business in family court.
Kathy Rivera, Executive Director and CEO of the Guidance Center, thanked the two full-time staff members and the valued volunteers, without whom the Children’s Center’s high level of service would not be possible.
“The Children’s Center is a vital resource, allowing children to be cared for in a safe, nurturing, early-learning environment while their parents or guardians are conducting court business,” Rivera said. “Many of these families are here during their darkest times, and we ensure that no child is exposed to what happens in the courtroom. We are so proud that the Children’s Center is able to provide this free service to anyone who walks through the doors.”
“The Children’s Center is such an important component of family court,” said Judge Ellen Greenberg, a continued supporter and judge at Nassau County Family Court. “Not every family court in the state of New York has a children’s center that remains open Monday through Friday from 9-5. It makes a difference when parents can come into court without worrying about whether their children will be okay. They know that, with our well-trained staff and volunteers, their kids will have a fantastic time.”
The evening featured special guest, New York Giants two-time Super Bowl Champion, Sean Lendeta, who came out to sign autographs for guests in support of the Children’s Center.
Rivera also thanked the co-chairs, Allison Cacace, Tanya Mir, Nassau County Women’s Bar Association President Tammy Smiley, Esq., Cherice P. Vanderhall-Wilson, Esq., and John Zenir, Esq., for their ongoing dedication to the Children’s Center.
The fundraiser was sponsored by an array of local law firms and other businesses, including Arthur Brasco, Casino One Limousine, Rene Joseph, Nassau County Women’s Bar Association, Hon. Frank N. Schellace, SCL Law Group, Derell Wilson & Cherice Vanderhall Wilson, Esqs., Laurie Yehuda, and John Zenir.
