Hats off to the Nassau County Bar Association (NCBA) for holding its annual “Dressed To A Tea” charitable fundraiser on March 19 at NCBA headquarters in Mineola. Heralding a festive “A Day At The Races” theme, members of the NCBA and court employees joined forces to support We Care, the charitable arm of the NCBA. We Care, founded in 1988, has raised $2.5 million dollars for local charities focused on children and the elderly.
Proceeds from this event will help Long Island charities such as the Interfaith Nutrition Network, Bethany House, Eastern Farm Workers, Mommas House and the LI Volunteer Center Prom Boutique Project.
NCBA President John McEntee opened the evening by congratulating the efforts of the entire committee and the generosity of local sponsors. Cheryl Bartow, co-chair and president of the Nassau County Women’s Bar Association, also welcomed attendees with a toast.
“This event is refreshing, it’s fun,” said McEntee. “It helps strengthens the relationship between the Bar Association and the court system. We certainly depend upon each other and it’s all for a good cause.”
According to Martha Haesloop and Barbara Gervase, We Care co-chairs, the fashion show is always a sold out event.
“It’s the perfect blend of the court system coming together to make a difference,” said Gervase.
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The evening was launched with a “Hat Derby” led by Hon. Peter B. Skelos, Nassau County Supreme Court, Appellate Division along with lawyers and court personnel followed by a rocking fashion show. Fashions were furnished by local retailer Lord & Taylor. Personal shopper Dana Amoroso assembled 24 spring-inspired fashion ensembles for the twelve models who took the runway with gusto, inspiring cheers from the over 250 attendees.
Hon. Tammy Robbins enjoyed her time in the spotlight, calling the show “the fashion event” of the season.
“This fundraiser always marks the beginning of spring,” added Robbins. “There’s always great energy and it’s for a great cause.”
John Hiller, Chief Court Attorney, Supreme Court Law Department, also enjoyed strutting the runway. He described himself as having the “world’s worst taste” but surprisingly found modeling quite enjoyable.
“This is great,” said Hiller. “We’re raising funds for needy charities and the best part was how Amoroso took over and put all the fashions together.”
The fundraiser began over two decades ago as an afternoon tea and has evolved into a fashion show and light supper. It’s a much anticipated event for the legal community and supporters such as Ellen Staffieri, a Citibank mortgage banker.
“It’s an honor to be involved and I help out any way I can,” said Staffieri. “Citibank has been a proud sponsor of this event.”
Since 1899 the NCBA has provided legal information and community services on Long Island. NCBA membership consists of nearly 5,000 private and public attorneys, judges, legal educators and law students who offer a variety of services including lawyer referral services, senior citizen legal clinics and public education programs. NCBA has the distinction of being one of the largest suburban bar association in the United States.
