Pageantry, Philanthropy On Display At Luncheon

Over 150 women gathered at the Huntington Country Club on March 18 for the Junior Welfare League’s annual Spring Luncheon. Photos/Jennifer Vacca for Zoot Shoot Photographers

Award chair Andrea Boccard, right, presents this year’s Youth in Philanthropy award to Huntington High School senior Niamh Condon.

Junior Welfare League President Loveleen Lohia thanks attendees of the 2018 Spring Luncheon.

By Connor Beach
cbeach@longislandergroup.com

The Junior Welfare League of Huntington’s annual “Turn the Tables” Spring Luncheon was once again a tribute to expert design and community service.

Over 150 local women and Junior Welfare League members gathered at the Huntington Country Club on March 18 to support the long-running Camp for Kids program.

Camp for Kids, sponsored by the JWL, offers children from around the Town of Huntington a chance to attend summer camp when school is not in session. Through the program the League pays the camp expenses for dozens of low income and at risk local children from the Town of Huntington annually to provide fulfilling and enriching summer experiences.

The 2018 luncheon was sold out before March 1 and raised over $13,000 for the League’s Camp for Kids program.

This year the event was led by JWL President Loveleen Lohia and chaired by co-chairs Amal Kapen, Leslie Levchuck, and Gina Bonafazio.

One of the unique aspects of the luncheon is that a team of expert designers led by Kapen, an experienced interior designer, curates each guest table.

This year designers Amal Kapen Interiors, Elite Tent and Party Rental, Fovere Interiors, Joan O’Brien Interiors, Kim Radovich and Kim E. Courtney, Liz Cordeiro Events & Design, The Lewis Design Group, Noli Designs, The Rinfret Group, Rosanne Lombardo Designs, Thayer Woods Home and TK Home each put their own design twist on one of the tables at the event.

The luncheon is also an opportunity for the JWL to recognize local young people who are making a positive difference in their community.

The Diane C. Cook Memorial Healthcare Scholarship is awarded to individuals dedicated to the field of healthcare. This year Dr. Inna Gellerman presented the healthcare scholarship to LIU-CW Post nursing student Jessica Alvaro. Alvaro can use the scholarship on anything from textbooks and tuition to clinical supplies.

The Youth in Philanthropy award is presented to a local high school senior who has made significant contributions to community service. Award chair Andrea Boccard presented this year’s award to Huntington High School senior Niamh Condon.

After the successful luncheon, the JWL is looking ahead to participation in the Town of Huntington’s upcoming Tulip Festival on May 6.