Westchester Children’s Museum Annual Benefit

The Westchester Children’s Museum (WCM) will pay tribute to its supporters, educators, and children at its upcoming annual benefit May 6 from 7 to 10 p.m. at The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester in White Plains.

This year’s event, titled “Cheers!,” will help build the WCM’s “Museum Without Walls” program, which provides hands-on learning experiences to children and families across the region who need it most. Additionally, the annual Milton A. Williams, Jr. Scholars in Education Award will be presented to Jeffrey Cole.  The award was established by the Westchester Children’s Museum to recognize outstanding and inspirational educators in the Westchester region. 

A lease agreement with Westchester County for site control of the 22,000 square-foot Playland Park bathhouse, a historic landmark in Rye, is pending. Until the brick and mortar children’s museum is built, the “Museum Without Walls” program is offered at various locations, including the Port Chester Carver Center, Boys & Girls Clubs of New Rochelle, Greenwich and northern Westchester, and the White Plains YMCA & YWCA. Launched in March 2010, the program has completed more than 100 exhibits for 2,000-plus children ages 3-18 from low- to moderate-income families.

Funds raised at “Cheers!” will be used to further the effect WCM has already had with “Museum Without Walls” and help make its goal of reaching 5,000 children in 2011 a reality.

“The success we’ve achieved in the first year of Museum Without Walls is a testament to the relevance and need for such programs in our area,” says WCM Executive Director Tracy R. Kay. “This year’s benefit will allow us to continue our efforts to grow and meet that need. It’s only the beginning.

“Interactive educational programs are the cornerstone of the children’s museum experience. As school budgets are cut and funding declines, it is imperative that out-of-school programs provide impactful educational opportunities that nurture our future leaders and innovators.”

“Museum Without Walls” programs are supported by donations and grants from individuals, foundations, and corporations. Donors include the Beyer Family Foundation, Con Edison, Junior League of Greenwich, Junior League of Pelham, Junior League of Westchester on the Sound, LEGO Children's Fund, TD Charitable Foundation, and Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation. Current event sponsors for “Cheers!” are The Ritz-Carlton Westchester, Crop Vodka, Serendipity Magazine, Whole Foods, YL Event Design, and Chatham Imports, Inc. “Museum Without Walls” is administered by more than 40 committee members, current  and retired classroom teachers and career professionals in the fields of science and the arts.

“Our educators and volunteers provide invaluable learning experiences for thousands of children each year, none of which would be possible without the support of our visionary donors,” says WCM President Corinne Zola. “In addition to honoring our supporters, we’re also pleased to honor this year’s Scholars in Education Award recipient, Jeffrey Cole, who is an inspiration to his students and fellow educators alike.”

Cole, a Yorktown Heights resident, began his teaching career 10 years ago. Currently an eighth-grade special education teacher for the Seven Bridges Middle School in Chappaqua, he also serves as the extended school year teacher/coordinator, department head for special education, and is a member of the principal’s leadership cabinet.

The Milton A. Williams, Jr. Scholars in Education Award recognizes the invaluable role that teachers play in the lives of our children and honors recipients for their achievements in education. The award was created in partnership with Helen Williams, an educator, in memory of her late husband, Milton Williams, a beloved music teacher, mentor, and administrator for 43 years at the Alice E. Grady Elementary School in Elmsford. (Their daughter, singer-actress Vanessa, serves on WCM’s advisory board.) This year’s award recipient was recommended for the honor by Bettye Perkins of Today’s Students, Tomorrow’s Teachers, who works with the museum and Mrs. Williams to identify honorees annually.

In addition to cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, the WCM benefit will include a silent auction and raffle to win a Ritz-Carlton, Westchester overnight suite bed and breakfast package.  A party will follow the festivities at 42 The Restaurant, located on The Ritz-Carlton’s 42^nd floor, where 10 percent of all beverage proceeds will be donated to WCM.

Individual tickets for “Cheers!” are $200,or $1,750 for a party of 10. Sponsorship packages and e-Journal ads are also available. The event is chaired by WCM Board Member Carolyn Carr Spencer of Harrison. For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact info@discoverWCM.org or 421-5050.