A Heartfelt Celebration for Two Compassionate Members of the Scarsdale Community

Friends, family and supporters gathered to walk the “red carpet” at the Scarsdale Family Counseling Service (SFCS) 2025 Gala, held at the Scarsdale Golf Course on Thursday, May 15th. The evening was blessed with perfect weather—a rare break from the recent rain—with clear skies and a stunning sunset setting the stage for a memorable celebration. The event kicked off with an energetic welcome from the charming and witty Lori Rothman, followed by heartfelt remarks from SFCS Board President Janice Starr. Starr also took the Wendy Gendel and Rona Muntneropportunity to thank Gala Co-Hosts Wendy Gendel and Rona Muntner for their dedication in making the event a reality.

The night’s first highlight was the presentation of the 2025 SFCS Rising Star Award. Last year’s recipient, Meg Simon, introduced this year’s honoree, Rachel Krisbergh, with a touching tribute. Simon shared how she and Krisbergh had first crossed paths through their work with the Greenacres PTA, forming a lasting friendship. Krisbergh’s extensive contributions to the Scarsdale community were showcased, from her leadership roles within the PTA to her commitment to inclusivity through the C.H.I.L.D. program and the "Learning From Our Differences" initiative. Simon also highlighted Krisbergh’s extraordinary efforts during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when she organized a fundraiser that raised over $55,000 to provide meals for frontline workers. “Rachel, you are a true leader—deeply thoughtful, a builder of bridges, and endlessly committed to advocating for others,” Simon remarked as she presented Krisbergh with the award, drawing applause from the crowd.

Next, the inaugural Guiding Star Award was presented to Maryellen Saenger by SFCS Executive Director James Genova. Genova praised Saenger’s tireless work since 2015, starting as SFCS’s first Aging in Place Coordinator. Saenger’s work grew to encompass wellness programs for active seniors in the community, and her role in launching programs like the Vital Aging Seminars and the Annual Vital Aging Fair was highlighted. Genova shared, “In a community that focuses so intensely on children, Maryellen’s guiding light reminds us of the importance of our seniors, our most cherished residents.” He described her as having “the care and compassion of Mother Teresa, the style and grace of Princess Diana, and the energy and charisma of Beyoncé.” The crowd erupted in applause as Saenger came up to the podium to accept the award.

The event also doubled as a crucial fundraiser for SFCS, supporting the organization’s wide range of services in Scarsdale and Edgemont. Following the awards ceremony, the lively Russ Flicker took to the microphone to lead a successful donation appeal, ensuring the evening raised vital funds for the cause. The Gala concluded with final remarks from Co-Chairs Gendel and Muntner, followed by the closing of the silent auction and a sweet dessert service that capped off the evening.

Reflecting on the event, Gendel shared, “The SFCS Gala was a heartfelt celebration that truly brought our community together. Seeing so many familiar faces—many more than last year—filled the room with incredible energy. This is one of our largest fundraisers, and the overwhelming support we received is a testament to the exceptional services SFCS provides. The impact we make when we come together is immeasurable.”

(Pictured at top: Russ Flicker, Lori Rothman, Wendy Gendel, Rachel Krisberg, Maryellen Saenger, Jay Genova, Rona Muntner and Meg Simon.)