Denim and Diamonds Gala 2011 raises more than $85,000 for Winslow Therapeutic Center

Central Valley — Everyone agreed that once again Event Chair Carol Colegrove and the hard working members of her committee deserve high praise for the success of Winslow Therapeutic Center’s “Denim and Diamonds Gala.” More than 235 guests attended the annual fund raiser, which was held on Saturday, Nov. 5, at the Falkirk Estate and Country Club in Central Valley. The proceeds of the event, which also served to celebrate Winslow’s 37th anniversary, exceeded $85,000, an increase of $13,000 over last year’s event. The cocktail hour, dinner, complimentary wine and beer, festive atmosphere and dancing to the music of 18 time Grammy-winner Jimmy Sturr and his orchestra were all major attractions. But the real reason people came and reached deep into their pockets for the live and silent auctions may have had more to do with knowing Winslow Therapeutic Center’s work and its accomplishments. One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of this year’s “Winslow Awards.” The honorees were former Congressman Ben Gilman and Michael Kennedy, who were honored for their longtime support of the riders at Winslow Therapeutic Center. In his acceptance speech Gillman praised Winslow Therapeutic Center for its many accomplishments. Kennedy has been a longtime member of Winslow’s Board of Directors and had the vision to donate a hydraulic lift to enable the wheelchair bound to mount a horse safely. In his acceptance speech he complimented Gilman for his service to Winslow. “These awards,” said Leo Kaytes, president of Winslow’s Board of Directors, “honor individuals or organizations whose value and concern for human life, eloquently demonstrated through their leadership, accomplishments and commitment, serves as an inspiration to others.” Essential information Winslow is a not for profit hippotherapy and therapeutic riding center devoted to the special needs population of Orange and surrounding counties. The center is located on 100 acres of land just off Route 17A in Warwick and has been offering unique horseback riding experiences to children and adults since 1974. For information call 986-6686 or visit: www.winslow.org. Who’s who at Winslow • Winslow Therapeutic Center Board of Directors President Leo Kaytes, Vice President John Buckley, Secretary Janet A. Sommer, Treasurer Michael Kennedy. • Members of the Board: Wayne Corts, Roger Gibboni, Marcia Jacobowitz, Alan Lipman Esq., Jonah Mandelbaum, Louis Marquet, M. Vincent Mezzetti, Janice Spencer and Sally Wiley. • Honorary Members: Hon. F. Dana Winslow and Hon. Catherine M. Bartlett. • Executive Director: Susan Ferro • Emeritus Executive Director: Virginia C. Mazza-Loomis • Denim & Diamonds Gala Committee: • Chairwoman: Carol Colegrove • Auction co-chairs: Ellen Freda and Cindy Vander Plaat. • Committee members: Pamela Breeman, Donna Christensen, Chris Coyne, Georgia Gilman, Flo Hannes, Gladys Kaytes, Leo Kaytes, Debbie Kennedy, Bonni Masi Oswald and Lisa Tiger.