Three Service Organizations Recognized by Meadowbrook Women's Initiative

A capacity crowd was on hand Wednesday at the to celebrate as the Meadowbrook Women’s Initiative (MWI) presented its annual philanthropic awards to three regional service organizations.

The afternoon included a boutique and continental breakfast, and luncheon, and featured installation of MWI officers, officiated by Rabbi Marci N. Bellows of Temple B’nai Torah in Wantagh.

Led by Lori Schonfeld, president of the MWI, and VP of Philanthropy June Stelboum, the group presented cash donations to the Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation ($6,000), Nassau/Suffolk Services for Autism - Martin C. Barrell School ($6,000) and Hofstra University School of Medicine ($8,000).

LIAF helps families grappling with Alzheimer's disease with innovative day programs and support groups for patients and caregivers, according to Alanna Rosenstein, Assistant VP and director of Early Stage Programs.

Nassau/Suffolk Services for Autism Development Coordinator Constance Grassle explained that her organization’s school provides a full range of services for children with autism from ages 3-21.

Accepting the donation for Hofstra was Allan Kelly, VP of Hofstra’s school of medicine. He thanked the Meadowbrook Women’s Initiative for their support, and announced that the fledgling program has reached a full complement of forty-five students for its upcoming class, selected from over 4,800 applicants. He also announced that the school of medicine anticipates a four-year project to add 50,000 square feet to its existing facilities on the campus.

Elected to her third and final term as president of Meadowbrook Women’s Initiative was Lori Schonfeld of Island Park. Others elected at the meeting included Executive VP Barbara Goldstein, Treasurer Millie Rinksy, Vice Presidents Gloria Cohen, Muriel Fox, Sandy Minkoff, Ellen Zipkin, Estelle Eichler, Nina Groowirth, Lilly Rozansky, Lila Barasch, Suni Fay, June Stelboum, Elaine Myers, Marilin Smolin and Rhoda Scherling. Nearly 50 other individuals were elected to positions on the executive board or as directors or committee members for MWI's upcoming year.

The Meadowbrook Women’s Initiative is a nearly 500-member-strong women’s service organization.

“We were previously known as Brandeis University National Women’s Committee,” noted Linda Susman, a spokesperson for MWI. “Two years ago we decided to separate from Brandeis, because we wanted to funnel our fundraising money to deserving organizations on Long Island.”

Each year, the new Hofstra University Medical School receives MWI's largest donation. Two other local charities also receive donations.

“The school is our cornerstone,” noted June Stelboum, VP of Philanthropy. With the exception of the medical school, the other recipients nominated by members are vetted and voted upon by the philanthropy committee and not repeated from year to year. “I personally visit every charity being considered,” Stelboum added.

The organization hosts fundraisers and events to support its philanthropy, including theater parties, comedy club visits, luncheons featuring book lectures or mahjong and runway/shopping activities.

Activities on the horizon for MWI? A July 7 trip to the Yale University-British Museum and Art Gallery and and an Aug. 18 lunch at Lombardi's on the Bay in Patchogue.

For more information on the Meadowbrook Women’s Initiative visit www.meadowbrookwomen.org.