A joint venture with Entergy, “Planning Ahead” is your source for upcoming not-for-profit events, philanthropic and sponsorship opportunities and much more.

“With Westchester’s prolific not-for-profit, business, cultural and arts community, there’s always something going on – annual meetings, gala events or that last golf outing of the season,” said Ken Theobalds, Director of Governmental Affairs for Entergy. “Navigating this busy business and social scene is almost impossible.

‘Planning Ahead’ provides a calendar of major events and sponsorship opportunities, with insightful comments from community and business leaders, as well as helpful marketing and branding tips for making the most of your next event. It’s a great tool for planners, marketers, community relations professionals and those executives involved in corporate philanthropy.”

A date conflict can be a huge hurdle to overcome. For not-for-profit leaders, development officers, and special events planners, “Planning Ahead” offers essential information for organizing and promoting successful major benefits.

The “Planning Ahead” master calendar is an invaluable resource for planners and the public to help avoid scheduling conflicts and assure that we al work together to keep our charities thriving.

Referencing “Planning Ahead” when you are booking your next event is an easy step towards securing the success of your event.

Every month, “Planning Ahead” highlights a different organization to promote their mission. It also features insights on ways you can get involved, maximizing giving opportunities, tips for the event planner and sponsor, corporate giving strategies— all the information you need today to make informed decisions about tomorrow’s business and philanthropy opportunities.

“Planning Ahead” is published monthly in the Westchester County Business Journal and can be can be viewed at all times right here.

Message from Jim Steets

"Marketing can be an efficient and effective tool to spread the word—your message.  In your business where increasing awareness, funding or volunteers is so important, your marketing plan needs to be targeted and persuasive.  Your marketing plan should extend to your audience who can spread your mission and vision in addition to donating their time or money to your cause.  Good Marketing can improve what you already do—help you grow awareness better.  Try doing a survey of a small group of your donors, volunteers, or event patrons and ask them what it is about what you do that they care about. And then align your cause or your message to their values.  Good marketing is a conversation piece, both internally and externally, and should continue through your various campaigns."

Spotlight Article:
Gilda’s Club Westchester

Gilda’s Club Westchester is a free cancer support community for men, women, children, friends and families to learn how to live with any type of cancer.  Gilda’s Clubs are known as an essential supplement to medical care because they provide support and networking groups, lectures, and social events in a non-institutional setting.  Located at 80 Maple Avenue in White Plains, NY, the redbrick Clubhouse offers a warm and welcoming environment featuring many rooms to meet with friends, or to unwind in private.  There are computers, a library, a large community room, a crafts room and a special activity room for children.

The Gilda’s Club Program is geared not just for women, but to support men, children and teens as well.  Membership is free and includes unlimited participation in informational discussion groups, as well as fitness, stress reduction, meditation, yoga, zumba, art, journal writing and nutrition classes. 

Programs designed specifically to reach out to men have become a priority at Gilda’s Club Westchester in keeping with recent reports that men diagnosed with cancer are in need of an objective, non-threatening environment in which they can gain important information, reveal their true feelings and share emotions.  Nearly 43 percent of men in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime; there has been an estimated 720,280 new cancer cases for men in the U.S.  Gilda’s Club Westchester offers a host of new informational and recreational programs including a “For Men Only” group featuring the most current information about treatment options and lifestyle changes for any man who has a woman in his life with cancer.

Gilda’s Clubs are sustained through grants, private donations and corporate contributions.  “As cancer continues to become better known as a chronic disease, our goal is to empower people living with cancer, as well as their friends and family members, to move ahead and enjoy their lives. Laughter and fun is an integral part of our mission and our bright red door is open to absolutely anyone who would like to join us as a member or a volunteer,” said Donna Fishman, CEO, Gilda’s Club Westchester.

Everyone can join Gilda’s Club Westchester in upcoming fundraising activities including the annual Golf Invitational at the Sunningdale Country Club in Scarsdale on October 4th, a Holiday Boutique and a Bridge Tournament in mid to late October.   

For more information about Gilda’s Club Westchester including how you can become a member, volunteer or attend an event, call 644-8844 or visit www.gildasclubwestchester.org.

Spotlight 1 - Why Give Quote?

"I first learned about Gilda's Club Westchester when my firm did some work for the organization during the construction phases of the Clubhouse. I was touched by their mission and the wonderful people involved who work to encourage those living with cancer to feel supported and to learn to truly enjoy their lives.  I bonded with many of the special people who work there and felt inspired by the caring nature of the Board.  I admired how this Board works tirelessly to give those touched by cancer a place to go.

A few years later I was asked if I wanted to join the Board-- and felt so honored. I have developed a real passion for Gilda's Club Westchester and hope that this passion combined with my expertise as a CPA can serve them well."

– Vinny Pancaldo, partner at
D'Arcangelo & Co., LLP located in Purchase and a resident of Chappaqua.

Spotlight Article 2
Dominican Sisters Family Health Service (DSFHS)

Dominican Sisters Family Health Service (DSFHS), a certified, non-profit, community based, home care agency, is one of the oldest Catholic home health agencies in New York State. Its beginnings can be traced back to 1879.  Mary Walsh and a dedicated group of women living and working among their neighbors on New York City's West Side taught struggling immigrant mothers how to care for infants and sick family members.  They taught how to prevent illness in spite of poverty.

Today skilled nursing, physical and occupational therapies, non-medical support services, social work and education services are provided in the Bronx, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties. Specialty services include maternal/infant care, wound care, diabetic care, cardiac care, and pastoral care. 

DSFHS has maintained accreditation from the Joint Commission since 1996. The agency is identified by Outcome Concept Systems as one of the top 500 home care agencies in the country.

As the population ages and the health care is redefined, home health care will be a major component of the system. DSFHS has positioned itself to assume a leading role in the delivery of home care in this new model. In 2009, DSFHS enabled over 13,000 patients/clients to remain at home through the services provided. 

For information about services or programs, please call: Lianne Hales Shaw, Westchester, 914-941-1710 x 1130; Evelyn Bobb, Westchester, 914-941-1654, Ana Collado, Bronx 718-665-6557; or Carmel Culver in Suffolk 631-728-0181 or visit us at www.dsfhs.org.

Spotlight 2 - Why Give?

“Once you understand the DSFHS mission, it is an automatic that you’ll get involved.  Twenty years ago I visited the Bronx office. At the time, nurses were busy taking care of newborn babies of young, first-time mothers, who came to the office requesting help with social work and medical issues.  I said to myself, who would ever want to get involved?  There seems to be no hope, but that is precisely what the DSFHS Family Health Service provided, HOPE!  I am fortunate to have been involved in the process and in some small way, satisfy the mission.”

William J. Mooney, Jr. President, the Westchester County Association

Message from Mark Rollins & The Rollins Agency

"One of my best read posts has been about why organizations should strongly consider buying Directors and Officer's Liability insurance. This month, I thought I would go further and help with understanding the need by highlighting 9 examples, giving great overview of the types of risks Non Profit Organizations face in their everyday operations. Some of the claims can be minimized by having best practice risk management techniques in place, but sometimes insurance is needed to help with risk transfer if a suit is actually filed.  Follow me on www.NonProfitGuard.com  to learn more about how you can avoid these potential risks.”

3rd Annual Westchester Charity Shoot Out
Benefiting: Westchester Coalition for the Hungry and Homeless, American Diabetes Association, The Leary Firefighters Foundation
WCSO is open to golfers of every level. All attendees will receive meals, a gift bag, golf shirt and will have the opportunity to win exciting prizes. Among this years’ silent auction items are tickets to The 2011 Masters Tournament held in Augusta, Georgia in April.
Event Chair: Derrick Garrett
Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m
Location: Maple Moor Golf Course, White Plains
Ticket Price: $300 per golfer; sponsorships and journal opportunities available
Contact:  Larry Woodard at 946-4973 or visit: www.larrywoodardgolf.com

AUG. 10

16th Annual Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester Golf Tournament
Benefiting: Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester
Bring your golfing buddies, business associates, and family members to enjoy an exciting day in support of the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester.  After the tournament there will be cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, hand rolled cigars from La Casa Grande, and Tequilas from Mount Kisco Wines & Spirits, followed a buffet dinner. The awards presentation will be during dinner, along with an auction featuring great tickets and VIP items, including NY Knicks “Ball Kid” Experience, golf foursomes at area courses, wine, golf lessons and more.  Prizes will be awarded for team low net, team low gross, individual low gross and individual low net along with hole-in-one, longest drive and closest-to-the-pin contests.  Caddies will be used throughout the tournament.  Casual attire for dinner following golf.
Time:  10 a.m. registration along with driving range and putting green; 10:30 a.m. lunch buffet opens; 12 noon. shotgun start and 6 p.m. cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dinner and awards
Location: GlenArbor Golf Club, Bedford Hills
Ticket Price: $500 per golfer; sponsorship and journal opportunities available
Contact:  Hospitality Resource Group at 761-7111 or Jean Skanes at 666-8069 or visit: www.bgcnw.org

Aug. 21

Light Up the Night, Lift Up a Life
Benefiting: Westchester Coalition for the Hungry and Homeless, Inc.
Yacht party fundraiser.
Event Chairs: Rosa W. Boone-Morgan, White Plains; Beryl B. Savage, White Plains
Time: 6:30 pm arrival time; 7 p.m. departure
Location: The Klondike Princess, Glen Island/Neptune Park, New Rochelle
Ticket Price: $125 per person
Contact:  Rosa W. Boone-Morgan at 682-2737 or visit: www.foodclothingshelter.org

Annual Moon Viewing Concert & Picnic
Benefiting: Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden
Traditional Japanese music is played in the garden with lit paper lanterns creating a magical evening while the moon rises. A tea ceremony is performed at the beginning of the evening.
Location: Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden
Ticket Price: $15 for Museum and Japan Society of Fairfield County members; $20 for non-members free for North Salem residents
Contact:  Lorraine Laken, 669-5033; gardenprogram@yahoo.com or visit: www.hammondmuseum.org

Sept. 13

Golf & Tennis Event
Benefiting: Blythedale Children's Hospital
Join us at the beautiful Sunningdale Country Club in Scarsdale for a day of golf or tennis, followed by dinner and a silent auction to benefit Blythedale.
Location: Sunningdale Country Club, Scarsdale
Ticket Price: Sponsorship opportunities available
Contact:  Betsy Bowman at 592-7138 or visit: www.blythedale.org

St. Christopher's Inn Centennial Golf Classic
Benefiting: St. Christopher's Inn
Play Golf! Benefit for St. St. Christopher’s Inn to continue to provide care and services for men who are struggling to survive.
Event Chair: Father Bill Drobach
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: The Garrison Golf Club
Ticket Price: $250 per golfer; sponsorship opportunities available
Contact:  Father Bill Drobach at 845-335-1013 or visit: www.stchristophersinn-graymoor.org

11th Annual Golf Tournament
Benefiting: Alzheimer's Association
Golf, barbeque lunch, cocktails, dinner, prize drawings, and awards presentations. Shot gun start.
Event Chairs: Ronald J. Sylvestri (R), Senior Vice President, & Regional Manager, Hudson Valley Bank, and Donna P. Sylvestri (L), President, Madison Home Management
Time: 10 a.m. registration; 10:30 a.m. brunch; 12 noon shotgun tee-off; 5 p.m. cocktails and hors d'eouvres and 6 p.m dinner and awards
Location: Elmwood Country Club, White Plains
Ticket Price: $400 per golfer; sponsorship opportunities available
Contact:  Terry Kean or visit: www.alz.org/hudsonvalley

SEPT. 14

9th Annual “In Celebration”
Benefiting: Hospice & Palliative Care of Westchester
Gala cocktail reception featuring gourmet party fare, open bar, entertainment, raffle, and souvenir journal.  Hospice & Palliative Care of Westchester provides extraordinary and dignified comfort, care, and compassion to every individual and family facing a serious or life-threatening illness.
Event Chairs: William F. Flooks, Jr., White Plains; Michele Geller, Hastings-on-Hudson; James P. O’Toole, Darien, Conn.
Time: 10:30 a.m. registration, brunch/lunch; 12:30 p.m. shotgun start
Location: Westchester Country Club, Rye
Ticket Price: $200 per person; sponsorship opportunities available
Contact:  Holly K. Benedict at 682-1484, ext. 122 or visit: www.hospiceofwestchester.com

Sept. 20

Putnam Top Chefs: Food, Wine & Beer Tasting
Benefiting: United Way of Westchester and Putnam
Enjoy samples of the county's best signature dishes while taking in the fall foliage and Hudson River views.
Time: 6 to 8:00 p.m.
Location: The Garrison, Garrison
Ticket Price: $50 in advance, $60 at the door
Contact:  Sharon Cahill, (845) 621-2203; scahill@uwwp.org or visit: www.uwwp.org

Sept. 21

Mercedes-Benz Dealer Champion Golf Tournament
Benefiting: Ability Beyond Disability
Register now for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz Dealer Championship, a golf tournament sponsored by Mercedes-Benz of Danbury and Friendly Motorcars. All proceeds from the tournament will benefit Ability Beyond Disability, a leading provider of the services that make a tangible difference in the lives of people with disabilities in western Connecticut and northeastern metropolitan New York.
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Ridgewood Country Club, Danbury
Ticket Price: $500 per golfer; sponsorships opportunities available
Contact:  Robyn Wicks at 203-826-3181 or visit: www.abilitybeyonddisability.org

Sept. 23

Westchester Hispanic Coalition The 35th Anniversary Gala
Benefiting: Westchester Hispanic Coalition
This year marks a milestone in the history of the Westchester Hispanic Coalition celebrating 35 years of dedication and hard work in service of the Latino community in Westchester County.
Honoring: Claudio Phillips, Cecilia Bikkal and others
Time: 6 to 11:00 p.m.
Location: White Plains Women’s Club at the C.V Rich Mansion
Ticket Price: $125 per person; sponsorships and journal opportunities available
Contact:  Sandra Arboleda at 914 - 948-8466 or visit: www.hispaniccoalition.org

Sept. 25

31st Wheelchair Games
Benefiting: Burke Rehabilitation Hospital
Wheelchair sporting event that permits the disabled to excel in a variety of adaptive track, field, and table tennis events.
Event Chair: Toni Boelson
Location: Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, White Plains
Ticket Price: $25 registration for parathletes; free for spectators & general public
Contact:  Burke Rehabilitation Hospital's Westchester Games Hotline at 597-2850 or visit: www.burke.org

23rd Annual Puttin' on the Dog Show
Benefiting: Adopt-A-Dog
Dog show with celebrity judges, dogs and cats available for adoption, police demonstrations, silent auction, and family entertainment.  Rain date Sept. 26.
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Roger Sherman Baldwin Park, Greenwich
Ticket Price: $5 for senior citizens & children under 12, $10 adults
Visit: www.adoptadog.org for ticket information