An Enchanted Evening Celebrates Community and Support for SFCS

James Genova.On the evening of Thursday, May 14, Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service held its annual benefit gala, An Enchanted Evening, at Scarsdale Golf Club. It was a beautiful night with perfect spring weather, as many friends and supporters of SFCS gathered to celebrate and support the meaningful work the organization continues to provide throughout the community. This year’s gala focused not only on fundraising, but also on recognizing the organization’s remarkable 106-year history and the vital support it brings to children, students, parents, and seniors throughout Scarsdale and Edgemont.

Guests enjoyed the gala’s traditional silent auction during cocktail hour, browsing a wide array of offerings while catching up with friends and neighbors. Vicki Tse, President of Scarsdale Friends of Music and Art, also organized several student musical performances throughout the hour. Attendees were especially delighted by the talented student violinists, whose performances added an elegant touch to the event.

As dinner began, returning emcee Lori Rothman welcomed guests and helped set a warm and lively tone for the evening. SFCS Co-Presidents Amy Nadasdi and Wendy Gendel thanked the committee members who worked tirelessly to organize the gala and also acknowledged the many local government officials and representatives from the Scarsdale Public Schools who attended in support of SFCS. Rothman later entertained the crowd with a comedic routine before introducing James Genova, LCSW and Executive Director of SFCS.

Genova reflected on the organization’s history and shared his own personal journey with SFCS, which began more than 25 years ago before becoming Executive Director in 2014. He spoke about the broad reach of SFCS throughout the Scarsdale community, touching the lives of children, parents, and seniors alike. He encouraged attendees to reflect on how SFCS may have impacted them personally, a child, or a parent over the years, and expressed his hope that every interaction with the organization had been both supportive and professional. Genova also emphasized that the organization’s success throughout the decades would not have been possible without the continued support of the community, noting that SFCS is the last nonprofit agency of its kind remaining in Westchester County.

Gala Committee Co-Chairs Kathy Stahler and Rona Montner offered closing remarks before dessert, thanking guests for their generosity and continued support of SFCS.

Amy Nadasdi, Co-President of SFCS, had this to say to sum up the evening,“This year's Gala reminded us of something we already knew but are always grateful to see. That this community shows up for one another. What struck me most wasn't just the generosity, but the unified spirit in the room. People came together around something that reflects the best of who we are, and our shared values. SFCS is truly grateful for that support, and for the recognition that the work we do truly matters to this community.”

The evening highlighted the meaningful impact SFCS continues to have throughout the community and the strong support that allows the organization to continue its important work for families across Scarsdale and Edgemont.

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