In conjunction with Women’s History Month, FCA hosted its second annual Long Island Women in Philanthropy breakfast and fashion show.
An audience of 200 supporters raised more than $60,000 in funds for FCA, one of Long Island’s oldest and largest human services agencies. Former New York Gov. David Paterson was among the attendees.
In addition to honoring the philanthropic vision of its founding mothers, FCA recognized the work of present-day philanthropist and social activist Leah Fisher, senior vice president of special projects at Arbor Realty Trust Inc., who served as honoree for the event.
Antionette Biordi, Emmy-winning news anchor of News 12 Long Island, was the emcee.
Addressing the supporters in the audience, FCA President and CEO Jeffrey L. Reynolds remarked on the outsized and important role that women play in the not-for-profit sphere, philanthropically and professionally.
“FCA was founded on the ideas and ideals of philanthropic-minded women nearly 140 years ago,” Reynold said. “Today, women continue to play an important role in FCA’s leadership, staff, volunteers and donors. Together they work to help and strengthen individuals, communities and each other to fulfill their potential and give back. With our annual Women in Philanthropy event, we are looking to inspire the next generation of women to help FCA continue to grow and serve the Long Island community.”
FCA’s original orphanage, the Temporary Home for Friendless Children, was spearheaded in 1884 by Louisa Lee Schuyler (a great granddaughter of Alexander Hamilton, one of our country’s founding fathers) and a group of like-minded women committed to the welfare of vulnerable children.
Today, FCA has six divisions that provide a wide range of services to Long Islanders of all ages. These predominantly women-led divisions include Addiction Prevention, Treatment & Recovery; Children’s Mental Health and Wellness; Prevention and Community Engagement; Family Support; Residential Care; and Senior & Adult Services. Each of these six divisions was represented in the fashion show by client and volunteer models whose lives have been positively impacted by FCA programs.
FCA’s fashion show partner Altar’d State, with a local location at the Roosevelt Field mall, provided the fashions. Hair and makeup designs were donated by students in Sewanhaka High School’s cosmetology department, another partner in the event. FCA additionally hosted a Women’s Market, featuring a variety of products from local, women owned businesses.
This year’s honoree, Leah Fisher, is a heroine and champion of women in her own right. In addition to the work she does managing projects within the corporate legal department of Arbor Realty Trust Inc.
Fisher is one of the founding members of ‘Conversations For Change,’ a podcast that explores social activism through challenging conversations. Topics are selected based on overt areas of strife and inequity, current events, and what women experience in everyday life.
Conversations for Change was conceived by a group of young women, budding social activists, led by Fisher and her mother, Susan Fisher. The podcast @convoforchange is widely available on Apple, Spotify, Amazon and other platforms.
For more information about how to support FCA programs, contact Paige O’Brien, vice president of strategic advancement and chief development officer at 516-746-0350 x 4320 or PObrien@fcali.org.
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