Introducing Our 2009 Make a Difference Scholarship Winners
Veronica Rivera and Amanda Coward, our two 2009 outstanding recipients of this year’s LDNY Abbondanza! Make a Difference Scholarships, were among the honorees at our Scholarship Reception on July 27, 2009. Once again, thanks to Dames Alison Awerbuch and Abigail Kirsch, the celebration was held at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers on the Hudson. Joining in the celebration were Abbondanza! Fundraiser Cochair Rita Jammet, 2009 Scholarship Cochairs Abigail Kirsch and Suzi O’Rourke, New York Dames, the proud scholarship winners, their parents and guests.
VERONICA RIVERA, a freshman in the BA program at New York City College of Technology, CUNY, was awarded a $20,000 scholarship ($5,000 for each of 4 years) to attend their four-year program.
AMANDA COWARD, a junior at the Culinary Institute of America, received a $20,000 scholarship toward her degree in the four-year program of Bachelor of Professional Studies at the CIA.
These Make a Difference Scholarships, initiated in 2008, are funded by proceeds from the 2007 LDNY gala benefit, Abbondanza!, which honored Dame Lidia Bastianich. These scholarships are designed to truly make a difference in the lives of women who are so passionate in pursuing their education and careers in the food, fine beverage and hospitality industries.
Honoring our 2009 Abbondanza! Make a Difference Scholarship Winners (left to right): Veronica Rivera and Amanda Coward
A summer rainstorm couldn´t dampen the enthusiasm of the more than 75 attendees of the annual Scholarship Award Ceremony and reception on July 27th, 2009 at the Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers. Once again this year, LDNY awarded over $90,000 in scholarships to 20 deserving recipients—eighteen Classic Scholarships and two Abbondanza! Make a Difference Scholarships.
After the skies cleared, the New York Dames enjoyed a spectacular sunset over the Hudson River while Dames Alison Awerbuch and Abigail Kirsch, who hosted and generously underwrote the event, greeted the Dames, the scholarship winners and their guests. Dame Suzi O´Rourke presented the awards, and Rita Jammet awarded the Abbondanza! Make a Difference scholarships. Fran Kelly, who has done so much behind the scenes to support the work of the scholarship committee, was presented with a beautiful bouquet of white flowers in appreciation.
Dame Alison Awerbuch created an elegant menu, complimented by carefully chosen wines. Guests were greeted with a choice of a Sparkling Cucumber Water or Blackberry Lavender Lemonade, while waiters passed tidbits including Portobello Steak Fries, Truffled Prosciutto Popovers, and Deconstructed Pastrami Reubens. Guests helped themselves to a selection of savory small bites like Homemade Ricotta Pasta Dumplings Served with Ragout of Braised Lamb, Fava and Asparagus or Truffled Lobster, or Goat Cheese Parfait layered with Basil Marinated Tomatoes, Pinenuts and Tapenade. Frozen Fruit Pops and on-trend Chocolate Covered Bacon ended the evening on a high note.
