Bethany House Connection: March 2024
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| A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR “The flower that blooms in adversity is the rarest and most beautiful of all.” ~Walt Disney Bethany House has always been fond of the crocus flower. It may be because it is the first hope of spring that blooms from the ground while the dirt is still thawing from the cold New York winter. Or perhaps it is the rich purple color it boasts. Either way, I can’t help but feel a deep connection between the guests we support at Bethany House and the crocus flower. Triumphantly pushing through cold, harsh conditions to bloom into a vibrant, strong and beautiful flower. The crocus reminds us that no matter how harsh the winter, spring always returns. We are passionate about providing those who turn to us in a time of need with the support and resources to bloom and to come into their spring, and we thank you for all of your support for us to do so. With gratitude,  Katie Swanson, Executive Director  MENTAL HEALTH LIVES ON A CONTINUUM AND WE ARE ALL IMPACTED…WE ALL HAVE A STORY Our guests, like many Americans, struggle with mental health challenges. Awareness, training and treatment is not always easy. There is often a stigma, fear or reluctance to accept such help, though beneficial for all- and crucial for so many. To begin breaking down those walls, Bethany House has partnered with David Hymowitz from Same Here to create a carefully tailored mental health awareness program for our guests. The program focuses on normalizing mental health awareness, in the hopes that the guests become more receptive to therapy, treatment and training. David has begun the program and continues to roll it out and expand it in our various homes. Our guests have been fully engaged and enjoying his trainings. David has a way about him that brings people together and comfortable. The sessions continue to bring enlightenment to our guests in many ways. It is wonderful to see so much important growth in our guests from his trainings. A BEAUTIFUL STARRY NIGHT It might have been rainy outside, but inside it was bright and starry on Wednesday, March 6th at the Rockville Links Club for the 21st Annual Bethany House Fashion Show. The venue was bustling with laughter and chatter from our supportive event-goers, volunteers, staff and special guests. Long-time Bethany House Board Member and volunteer, Lancelot Theobald Jr., graciously served as emcee for the evening and the fabulous fashion show. Many generous sponsors provided a room full of amazing raffle baskets, that the guests were excited to win. The fashion show featured eight women, who have each helped Bethany House with their time, talents and treasures, showcasing outfits donated by Bloomingdales. The outfits were as eclectic as the models themselves and showcased their internal and external beauty. Aside from the gorgeous fashions- those who attended said one of the highlights was the guest speaker, Hailey Seelig. She is a former guest, who spoke about how Bethany House supported her and her mother throughout the years, and helped her achieve her goals of attending college. She is a freshman at the University at Albany in a pre-medicine program! Thank you, Hailey, for sharing your heart-warming story, Bloomingdale’s for the amazing fashions, and to our wonderful supporters, staff and volunteers. Because of all of you, the event raised over $20,000! |
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| GETTING THERE WITH UBER When Bethany House Supporter Breece Wilson found out what a challenge transportation was for many of our guests, she sprang into action, reaching out to her reliable favorite, Uber . Within days, Uber responded and provided our organization with a very generous donation which will allow our guests easier access to appointments, important meetings and events. We are so thankful to Breece for her advocacy and would like to send a huge, heartfelt thank you to Uber! EXIST TO CREATE GOOD IN THE WORLD “We make a choice to see the good in every day – in the mirror, in each other, and in our communities. When we see the good that’s possible, together, we can create it.” – Kendra Scott And that is just what she is doing. Bethany House was the lucky beneficiary from not one but THREE shopping days at the store in the Roosevelt Field Mall, where a percentage of profits for that day were awarded to us. But that’s not all. Kendra Scott donated a beautiful raffle prize for our Fashion Show as well as a Mother’s Day gift for each and every one of our guests this year. Thank you, Kendra Scott ! |
 BETHANY HOUSE NAMED AS FINALIST IN12th ANNUAL LONG ISLAND IMAGINE AWARDS Long Island Imagine Awards Winners to Be Announced on Wednesday,May 1, 2024 at the Crest Hollow Country Club Baldwin, NY – Bethany House was named a Finalist in the Social Impact category in the 12th Annual Long Island Imagine Awards. The Long Island Imagine Awards, now in its 12th year, was founded by Ken Cerini, CPA, Cerini & Associates LLP as a way to showcase the nonprofit sector and all the good work that it does, as well as provide opportunities for deeper collaboration within the sector. The gala event, scheduled for Wednesday, May 1, 2024, 6-10pm at the Crest Hollow Country Club, Woodbury, NY, provides unlimited networking and connection opportunities for the corporate and nonprofit sectors while highlighting the exceptional work of the finalist organizations. The 24 finalists, 4 in each category, receive a professionally produced video that is showcased the night of the event and two free tickets to attend. In addition, each finalist will receive $1,000 courtesy of Diamond Sponsor SterlingRisk Insurance and one in each category will be announced LIVE at the event. For more information visit https://imagineawardsli.com. “Being named a Finalist in The Long Island Imagine Awards is an important achievement,” said Ken Cerini, Founder of the Long Island Imagine Awards. “It means that the Organization has been identified as a leader on Long Island, exhibiting impactful and innovative operations. Congratulations to all of the Finalists on their achievement.” |
  LONG ISLAND PICKLEBALL PROS DO IT AGAIN! Frank Millilo and the Long Island Pickleball Pros came together for the 4th Annual Pickleball Tournament benefitting Bethany House. On Sunday, March 10th at the Rockville Centre Recreation Center, over 50 participants gathered for a warm-up, beginners clinic and tournament led by Frank and his crew who were informative and entertaining. Thank you Frank, Long Island Pickleball Pros and Gregoris Subaru of Valley Steam who sponsored the event. Fun was had by all! |
 VOTE BETHANY HOUSE A FAN FAVORITE! This Imagine Awards voting campaign gives our supporters a chance to vote daily using their email address for Bethany House to win!!(Please note the email addresses will not be saved or sent any follow-up emails,this is just so they can count votes.) The organization that receives the most votes by midnight on March 31st will be announced and honored during the Imagine Awards on May 1st and will receive a $3,000 check and recognition! Thank you for your support! VOTE TODAY! |
 WIN A TRIP TO IRELAND! Bethany House is thrilled to partner with Sceptre Vacations, in Rockville Centre, to offer our wonderful supporters a chance to win a luxury vacation for two (2) to Ireland. The Trip includes: Round trip air fare for two (2) from JFK to Dublin Six (6) nights hotel accommodations in a four-star hotel Hotel breakfast daily, except day of arrival Automatic car rental with CDW insurance Sightseeing and tours, including Guinness Store, Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, Kilkenny Castle, and more! All hotel taxes, hotel services charges & porterage for one suitcase per person $100 per chance and chances are limited to only 200 chances! GET YOUR CHANCE TO WIN! |
