Community Corner

Rockland Business Women's Network to hold Annual Awards Dinner June 1.

Local Not-for-profit charity event features a special appearance by The Persuasions, a Sing-Off, and awards to three outstanding community honorees.

Rockland County, New York: The Rockland Business Women's Network (RBWN) will hold its annual Awards & Scholarships Dinner on Wednesday, June 1, 2011, from 6 pm to 10 pm at The View, Piermont, NY.

The legendary a Capella group, The Persuasions, will perform live at the RBWN Dinner. The Persuasions began singing together in Brooklyn, New York in 1962. They've covered gospel and popular music of each decade in which they performed and recorded.

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"Next year marks our 50th year in the music industry, a milestone that would not have been reached without the support of friends and fans and our willingness to make ourselves accessible to them in concerts, their homes, community fundraising, city parks and yes, even on the street corners of Brooklyn singing for the sheer joy of singing. Before there was any fame there was the raw talent and desire to entertain people with our gifts. To be asked to participate in an event honoring those who give of themselves and to judge a talent show where others get the opportunity to express themselves is truly something we can relate to and embrace," says Dave Revels of The Persuasions.  

Three local businesswomen who exemplify the mission of the RBWN and showcase the exceptional talent of its members, and the Rockland County community will be honored at the event. Jill S. Pryor, director of Pryor PR, Inc., will receive the Woman of the Year Award; Cecilia Halverson, executive director of Home Aides of Rockland, Inc. will receive the Service Woman/Charity of the Year Award; and Arlene Levine, owner of Arlene Levine Design, will receive the RBWN Service Woman of the Year Award.

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In addition, three deserving high school students from the Rockland community will also receive $1,000 scholarships from the organization to attend college. The RBWN Scholarship Fund, established in 1997, has donated over $10,000 to support local students with college scholarships as well as training and professional development opportunities for RBWN members

Beth Blecker, RBWN president and CEO of Eastern Planning, Inc. says, "We honor these exceptional women and students this year in part to remind the community the caliber of business women we have right here in Rockland County."

Dara L. Onofrio, Esq., executive vice president of the RBWN, chair of the Annual Dinner Committee, and president of Onofrio Law says the Dinner will be both entertaining and good for the organization. "This year, we have a great program filled with incredible entertainment, silent auction items and honorees. Proceeds from this event go directly to support the RBWN and its scholarship programs, so it's both an worthy cause and fun evening," says Onofrio.

Honorees:

Jill S. Pryor, 2011 Woman of the Year

Cecilia Halverson, 2011 Community Woman of the Year

Arlene Levine, 2011 Service Woman of the Year

First Ever "Sing-Off" Competition:

One of the evening's highlights will be a special Sing Off competition in which five individuals will perform. The Persuasions will act as celebrity guest judges. Monetary prizes will be awarded to first, second and third places along with a courtesy membership to the RBWN.  

High Stakes Raffle:

As part of event, a special raffle is also offered. Tickets will be on sale--$5 per ticket or $25 for a book of six during the Dinner. All proceeds directly benefit the RBWN and the scholarship fund.

o   First prize is $1,000 cash.

o   Second prize is an iPad2.

o   Third prize is a Kindle.

Silent & Live Auctions:

The silent and live auctions will include over 25 items ranging from restaurant gift certificates, Mets tickets, Broadway memorabilia, themed gift baskets and vacation rentals in Cape Cod and St. Martin, among many other items.     

Gift Bags:

All Dinner attendees will go home with a gift bag filled with special items and discounts from local Rockland County businesses.

Ticket Prices:

$85 for RBWN members; $95 for non-members. 

For Information:

For more information about the Dinner, to purchase raffle tickets, or to advertise in the dinner journal, visit www.rbwn.org, call 845-729-9497, or email: info@rbwn.org.

About the RBWN

The Rockland Business Women's Network supports and empowers women by providing networking and educational opportunities. This non-profit organization focuses on leadership and professional development, building personal and professional relationships, and community support through scholarships and training. RBWN is dedicated to women helping women. Find the RBWN on Facebook and Linked In.


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