It was a true celebration of spring at the Boys & Girls Club of Oyster Bay-East Norwich annual luncheon, held at the Crescent Beach Club in Bayville last week. More than 100 ladies were treated to exquisite fare, unique vendors at a shopping boutique and excellent raffle prizes, all while supporting a good cause: the children of the community who spend a lot of time at the Bahnik Youth Center.
Lori Bahnik, co-president of the board of directors along with her husband, Roger, thanked the supporters, vendors and the venue and shared some personal thoughts on how the club has affected her own family.
“For many years I’ve shared stories with you about families who the club has touched,” said Bahnik, who first became a trustee in 1995. “Today, I am proud to say our own grandchildren are active members of the Boys & Girls Club.”
She continued: “Roger and I have always believed in the mission of the club and how important it is to the community. But now, seeing firsthand the enthusiasm our six grandsons share with us is truly rewarding.”
She also told a story of a single mother who has benefited through the financial assistance offered through the club’s scholarship program, allowing her to send her two children to the club while also being able to advance in her own career.
She talked about the convenience of the club’s before and after school programs, as well as the summer camp, which has been opened up to younger kids this year.
“These are very popular programs for parents who work,” Bahnik said. “They know the kids are in a safe place.”
This fundraiser raises money towards scholarships and other programs that allow the club to continue to serve the children of the community.
Prior to lunch, attendees had the opportunity to shop from a variety of local vendors selling wares ranging from jewelry, soy candles, children’s items and mosaic handbags to homemade jams and spices. A total of 15 percent of all proceeds from sales were donated back to the club.
The event was co-chaired by Marie Bahnik and Ewa Litke, who both said they were pleased with the turnout. The two also had the pleasure of pulling the raffle tickets and announcing the winners; raffle prizes ranged from jewelry to handbags to a beverage dispenser, and many women went home happy with their winnings.
