Scarsdale Residents Support and Lead Two Meaningful Events

Dave Price, OTO emcee, NBC News 4 Weather Anchorman and American Journalist.Last week, two extraordinary community service events highlighted the deep commitment Scarsdalians have to supporting and strengthening both our local community and society as a whole. In both instances, community members did far more than simply attend, they stepped into leadership roles, organized meaningful initiatives, and worked together to support important causes that impact countless lives.

On May 19, one of the hottest days of the year so far, more than 200 people from across Westchester gathered at Tappan Hill Mansion to celebrate and support Student Advocacy at its annual Overcoming the Odds (OTO) Awards celebration. For 31 years, Student Advocacy has honored students who have faced significant academic, emotional, and personal challenges yet persevered with the support of family members, educators, advocates, and school staff. The event recognized six inspiring student honorees whose resilience and determination exemplify the spirit of the program.Alicia Feldman, Stephanie Peled, Jodi Cascade, Isabel Finegold

Karen Blumenthal, Board Chair of Student Advocacy, reflected on the organization’s impact and long-standing mission. “Before going on the Board and becoming its chair, I worked at Student Advocacy for 27 years,” she shared. “Diane Rosenthal, Executive Director of Student Advocacy and I form an excellent and collaborative leadership team. We deeply appreciate the dedication, experience and knowledge that our attorneys and advocates bring to their approximately 500 cases each year. We are also so very grateful for our committed, engaged and hard-working Board members who provide needed support in a myriad of ways.”

The Scarsdale community has long supported the work of Student Advocacy, and the organization currently includes three Scarsdale residents serving on its board: Jodi Cascade, Elizabeth Guggenheimer, and Elana Rothschild. Their leadership and involvement reflect the strong local commitment to ensuring all children have access to educational support and opportunity.
Student Advocacy is the only organization in the region whose exclusive purpose is to provide free educational counsel and legal representation to families with limited financial resources. Without these services, many families would be unable to afford private special education attorneys, whose fees can exceed $600 per hour, leaving countless children without access to the educational resources and accommodations they need to succeed.

Overcoming the Odds Award Night: Stephanie Peled, Jodi Cascade, Toni Finger and Rona Mutner, Isabel Finegold, Lori Rothman, Elizabeth and Randy Guggenheimer, Sharon Higgins, Alicia and Ross Feldman
The impact of the organization’s work is deeply personal for many families. One parent recently shared: “When my daughter transitioned from first to second grade, she began experiencing academic struggles and emotional outbursts—signs that were later identified as undiagnosed ADHD. At the time, her school environment lacked the support she needed. Everything changed when I connected with Student Advocacy. Through their guidance, collaboration, and persistence, my daughter was granted an IEP that offered meaningful, individualized support. From that point forward, I felt confident she would have access to the resources necessary not only to succeed, but to truly thrive. Today, she is 22 years old and completing her junior year of college.”

To learn moe, visit Student Advocacy.

Evening in Bloom to Support the Foundation for Women’s Cancer

An Evening in Bloom: Scarsdale supports the Foundation for Women’s Cancers

Alicia Feldman, Dr. Ginger GardnerOn May 21, a misty and damp Thursday evening, another meaningful community event took place in Scarsdale. Dr. Ginger Gardner hosted the inaugural Evening in Bloom in support of the Foundation for Women's Cancer, raising awareness and support for women’s cancer research, education, and advocacy.

Dr. Gardner, a leading gynecologic oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and a Scarsdale resident, welcomed community members, grateful patients, physicians, and supporters to her home for an evening filled with inspiration, connection, and purpose. The event highlighted the growing importance of awareness surrounding women’s cancers, particularly as early-onset cancers continue to rise.

Dr. Gardner shared the following thoughts about the evening, “It is an honor to share this event with our special Scarsdale community. While genetics, risk factors and treatment options vary significantly across women’s cancers, early onset cancers are also on the rise. Raising awareness about women’s cancers, and supporting research makes all the difference! What better time to celebrate and support the future for our daughters, sisters, mothers and the loved ones in our lives. With FWC – we make a lasting difference!”Alice Gorelick, Ross Feldman, Megan Haftel, Sharon Higgins

Learn more about the Foundation for Women’s Cancer here.

Together, both events demonstrated the remarkable generosity, leadership, and compassion that continue to define the Scarsdale community. Whether supporting students overcoming educational obstacles or advancing awareness and research for women’s cancers, community members came together with a shared commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Dr. Nicole Nevadunsky, Chiara and Daniella Monteforte, Dr. Gilzelka David-West, Holly Gibout