Bethany House Connection: October 2024

A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

It is an exciting time at Bethany House as we continue to grow, while staying true to our core mission and values.  I am thrilled to announce the addition of four new members to our Board of Directors!  Please join me in welcoming them, and thanking them for their vested interest with our organization.   The new board members are:

Janet DeLuca, an accomplished attorney with 30 years of experience in litigation, contract drafting, and real estate. Currently serving as Assistant Counsel at PSEG Long Island, Janet brings a wealth of legal expertise to her role, paired with a deep commitment to giving back to her community. Janet has a longstanding dedication to charitable work, demonstrated by her involvement as a board member of the Abilities Board of the Viscardi Center and her contributions to the Bethany House Development and Communications Committee. Through these roles, she has honed her skills in legal advising and fundraising, always aiming to create a positive impact.

Kerry Gillick-Goldberg has more than 25 years’ experience in business development pertaining to apparel and non-profits, as well as public relations and cause-related marketing. Gillick-Goldberg is principal of kgg enterprises, where she transformed the merchandising and sales of the One is Greater Than None (1>0) charity from handmade bracelets to a full licensed line of junior activewear, which was available at Bloomingdale’s, nationwide at independent stores and online; founded by teenage girls from Merrick, the charity raised money and social awareness to help children in need and resulted in the rescue and rehabilitation of 48 children enslaved in Ghana, Africa.

Alex Lipton is an accomplished lawyer and has spent the majority of his legal career supporting early-stage companies. He is currently serving as the Chief Legal Officer at Unite Us, a technology company that makes it easier for government agencies, health care organizations, and community-based organizations to connect people to health and social care services in their communities. In his role, Alex advocates for policies that advance public health infrastructure and expand access to health and social care services. Prior to joining Unite Us, Alex worked as an attorney at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in New York and as a law clerk for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco.

Gloria Romanowski has been a force in the real estate industry for 18 years, spending the last seven years at Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty. She has achieved an esteemed position as a member of the Gold Circle and the Presidents Dinner. A second-generation Long Islander, she has strong ties to the community, having raised her children there, and values the town’s location, which is close to both the ocean and Manhattan. Gloria’s dedication to her profession is matched by her commitment to her community as a Facilities Committee member of Bethany House of Nassau and a Board Member of the Phillips House Museum and a member in good standing for LIBOR and NAR.

We have tremendous momentum as Bethany House nears 50 years of helping women, and women with children, in need.  With your support and this great team- we are eager to continue and expand our impact in our community!

With gratitude,

Katie Swanson, Executive Director

27th Annual Golf  and Tennis Outing Success!  

The 27th Annual Golf and Tennis outing was held on Wednesday, July 30th at the Rockaway Hunting Club.  Over 90 golfers enjoyed a fun day of golf on this beautiful course to support Bethany House. The golfers were greeted at  the event with a custom golf marker provided by long-time Bethany House supporter Sheila Pio, which was a nice touch! Once checked in, they were treated to a cornucopia of delicious breakfast foods then hit the gorgeous greens.

Once golf was off to a roaring start, 17 tennis players joined in on the  fun.  The ladies were buzzing with excitement to play on the club’s natural grass courts- a new experience for many!

The day continued with the sporting events then the groups came in to refresh and attend happy hour on the clubs sprawling veranda, overlooking the course and ocean.

Executive Director, Katie Swanson and Board Chairperson, Bonnie Arrante honored and awarded Chris Accommando, of Sceptre Vacations, for his company’s meaningful, on-going support of Bethany House.  The guests then headed inside for dinner and fun- including a wall of amazing raffles.  Also offered was a chance to win a luxury trip for two to Ireland!

Thank you to all of our tremendous supporters who showed  up in many different ways to make this year’s fundraising event a success.  With your help, we raised over $65,000!