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Rockland Business Women's Network 30th Anniversary Cocktail Party & Fashion Show

Rockland Business Women's Network Celebrates 30 Years!

 The Rockland Business Women's Network (RBWN) is celebrating its 30th Anniversary at the Awards, Scholarship, and Fashion Show Celebration to be held on Thursday, May 20, 2010, from 6 pm to 8 pm at The View, Piermont, NY.

RBWN began in 1979 when Rockland Community College hosted a day for women called "In Celebration of Women." The response was so strong and the synergy so great that a group of the attendees banded together to form Rockland County Women's Network (RCWN) with the goal to support all women and enhance their personal growth. Over time (and other changes), the group's focus turned to women in business. In 1998, the name officially became the Rockland Business Women's Network (RBWN).

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Beth Blecker, RBWN president and CEO if Eastern Planning, Inc. is excited about the RBWN's continued growth. Blecker says, "Over the past 30 years, RBWN has been recognized by local and county government officials for the value of its mission and for serving the needs of many women. RBWN remains one of the largest networking organizations for women in Rockland County and is still growing, with members throughout Rockland, Westchester, Orange, and Bergen Counties." Blecker also points our that the RBWN Scholarship Fund, established in 1997, has donated over $10,000 to support local students with college scholarships as well as training and professional development opportunities for RBWN members.

Dara Onofrio, Esq., executive vice president of the RBWN, chair of the Annual Dinner Committee, and president of Onofrio Law is thrilled to announce this year's honorees. Says Onofrio, "This year, we are honoring our membership and two individuals who give back to the community and to our organization on a daily basis."

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Honorees:

RBWN Members! As part of the 30th Anniversary celebration, members are being celebrated for their commitment and dedication to one another, their businesses and the organization.

Diane Elizabeth Serratore, 2010 Community Service Woman of the Year, executive director of People to People. In connection with this award, RBWN has adopted People to People as its "Charity of Choice" for 2009 – 2010. A donation check will be presented at the event on May 20.

Susan Witrock, 2010 Service to RBWN Award Recipient, owner of Electrolysis & Esthetics by Susan Witrock. Witrock has been a very active RBWN member since joining in 2003, working on many committees including membership, fund-raising, and the annual dinner.

Each year, the RBWN presents scholarships to three local female high school students who demonstrate community service, self-motivation, and independent thinking. This year's scholarship recipients will be from the Nanuet, Ramapo, and N. Rockland high schools, and will be announced at event on May 20.

Fashion Show

One of the evening's highlights is a Fashion Show, emceed by Kacey Morabito, from WHUD's "Mike and Kacey in the Morning." Kacey also hosts "Kacey on the Radio" a half-hour health and lifestyle program syndicated on airwaves throughout the Hudson Valley. Models will include RBWN members, and the show will highlight fashions for women of all shapes and sizes. Maria Luisa Boutique (Nyack, NY) and Rona's Boutique (Pomona, NY) will provide clothing. Pamaya Red (Piermont, NY) will style hair. International makeup artist Juliet Stewart (Nyack, NY) and Dorothy Gandy of Mary Kay Cosmetics (Chestnut Ridge, NY) will provide professional makeup services.

High Stakes Raffle

As part of event, a special raffle is also offered. Tickets are now on sale--$5 per ticket or $25 for a book of six. All proceeds directly benefit the RBWN's Scholarship Fund.

First prize is $1,000 cash

Second prize is a 32-inch flat screen LCD television

Third prize is an 8-GB iPod Touch®.

The winning tickets will be drawn at the dinner, but you don't have to be there to win. Tickets will be available for purchase at RBWN lunches, After-Hour events and at the Dinner. There will be a few special silent auction items at the dinner and well as one must-have item for a live auction. All attendees will go home with a goody bag with special items from members, sponsors, and attendees.

Ticket Prices:

$90 for non-members; $75 for members.

For Information:

For more information about the dinner, to purchase raffle tickets, or to advertise in the dinner journal, visit www.rbwn.org, call 845-729-9497, or email: info@rbwn.org.

About the RBWN:

The Rockland Business Women's Network supports and empowers women by providing networking and educational opportunities. This non-profit organization focuses on leadership and professional development, building personal and professional relationships, and community support through scholarships and training. RBWN is dedicated to women helping women. Find the RBWN on Facebook and Linked In.

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