Neither wind, nor rain

CENTRAL VALLEY — In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy power outages, long gas lines and downed trees continued to plague the area, yet almost all the ticket holders as well as some late comers managed to attend Winslow Therapeutic Center’s 2012 “Denim and Diamonds Gala.”

The annual fund raiser celebrating Winslow’s 38th anniversary was held on Friday, Nov. 2, at the Falkirk Estate and Country Club in Central Valley.

Power outages have temporarily delayed a full report of the final tally, but the event is expected to be declared a financial success.

Last year’s proceeds exceeded $85,000.

“I would like to add a special thanks to co-chairs Cindy Vander Platt and Ellen Freda along with everyone on the Gala committee and Winslow Executive Director Susan Ferro who worked many months to make this Gala a success,” said Leo Kaytes, president of Winslow Therapeutic Center’s Board of Directors. “Even hurricane Sandy didn’t dampen their efforts.”

Guests who supported the event enjoyed a cocktail hour, full course dinner, open bar, festive atmosphere, and dancing to the music of the Cloud Nyne band.

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.

Winslow, founded in 1974, 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 scenic land just off Route 17A in Warwick, has been offering unique and often life-changing horseback riding experiences to children and adults in this community since 1974.

Do the right thing

One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of this year’s “Winslow Award,” presented to an individual or organization whose value and concern for human life is eloquently demonstrated through leadership, accomplishments and commitment which serves as an inspiration to others.

This year’s honoree was Bonni Masi Oswald, honored for her contributions and support of Winslow throughout the years.

In her acceptance speech, Oswald praised Winslow Therapeutic Center for its accomplishments and said that the organization had taken the place of her previous missionary activities in Third World countries.

Guest speaker for the evening was Christian Lopez, a young man who caught Yankee star Derek Jeter’s 3000th hit ball, worth $250,000 or more, and gave it back.

“I know I did the right thing,” he said. “It never crossed my mind not to give it back.”

Lopez had also been invited to visit Winslow Therapeutic Center.

“All the kids were smiling,” he said. “When you see that, you know something right is going on.”

This year’s sponsors were St. Anthony Community Hospital, Leo Kaytes Ford, Surehands, Hudson Valley Credit Union and Lazear-Smith & Vander Plaat Memorial Home.

Corwin Florist & Greenhouses donated all the centerpieces and Fav’s donated special treats.

- Roger Gavan