Old Westbury Gardens is a destination for nature-lovers from Long Island and beyond, who can stroll the 200-acres of magnificent formal gardens and grounds, as well as tour the opulent Westbury House. But more than just offering guests a beautiful spot to relax and unwind, Old Westbury Gardens has been dedicated to offering numerous interactive education and children’s programs, partnering with school districts, Girl and Boy Scout troops, clubs and camps to foster a love for learning about the environment to the next generation.
To help the Gardens advance this mission, the Children in Bloom Council recently held an American Style Luncheon. Over the last six years, Children In Bloom luncheons have raised more than $135,000 to support the environmental education programs at the Gardens and this year’s event only further demonstrated the commitment of Long Islanders in preserving the work of Old Westbury Gardens.
Attendees sipped on champagne as they greeted friends at the Westbury House and many bought raffle tickets for a chance to win great prizes. Upon sitting down to lunch in the elegantly decorated Red Ballroom, guests had the pleasure of hearing from luncheon honoree Rita Castagna, who was honored for her years of service to the Long Island community.
Castagna is a longtime member and supporter of the Friends of Old Westbury Gardens and Children In Bloom Council, as well as serves as secretary on the board of directors of North Shore Child and Family Guidance Center. She is also an associate trustee of the Northwell Health System and an active participant in many other cultural and philanthropic groups.
Luncheon attendees also enjoyed hearing from guest speaker Susan Isaacs, a New York Times bestselling author who has penned 13 novels. Her books include Compromising Positions, Shining Through and Any Place I Hang My Hat.
The event was sponsored by the Americana Manhasset, London Jewelers, Mead Family Trust, Peter Duffy Furs New York and Sterling Affair.
