The Wings of Winthrop gave Winthrop-University Hospital a financial lift last month by collecting $27,000 from its second annual mother-daughter brunch at Leonard’s of Great Neck.
It was the latest fundraising staged by Wings of Winthrop, a grassroots group created nine years ago to support Winthrop.
Conceived by former East Williston Mayor Nancy Zolezzi and Karen Wiley, its current co-presidents, Wings functions as part of the Winthrop University Hospital Auxiliary.
“Our mantra is that we raise our funds through smaller events,” Wiley said.
East Williston residents Lauren Shannon and Stephanie Keys have been co-chairs for the mother-daughter brunch.
Shannon said it’s their way of giving back for what the hospital has given them and their friends.
“All of our friends had a large number of children born at Winthrop. To support our community hospital is a feel-good project,” Shannon said.
This year, tickets for mother were $65 and $35 for their daughters,with most of the money coming from raffles.
In keeping with this year’s Hollywood theme, sponsors had big stars displayed at the event. Engaging in the act of giving is its own reward, according to Shannon, who brought her daughter, Casey, to the brunch.
“It’s a great feeling. I love to set an example for my daughter to give back to the community,” Shannon said. “It’s a nice event for kids that age because they kids to play with and we have arts and crafts for them to do there.”
Wiley said Wings of Winthrop draws its members from the Willistons, Mineola, New Hyde Park, Garden City Park, Albertson and Roslyn. She said the organization’s membership fluctuates between 100 and 150 people, but the group reaches a broad demographic with a mailing list of 400 people.
“We really do have a wonderful cross-section of the communities around that hospital,” Wiley said. “You don’t have to be a member to support the events.”
She said more people are coming up with ideas for modest, affordable fundraising events that keep Wings flying. A Battle of the Bands at the Cradle of Aviation last month – an event delayed by Hurricane Sandy last fall – followed the mother-daughter brunch.
Bowling nights and a fall family day at Belmont are also part of the Wings’ fundraising itinerary, according to Wiley, who said Wings has also held “Swing with the Wings” at Harbor Links and The Wheatley School featuring golf pros giving tips.
Angela Williams at Village Gift and Flower in East Williston has led a centerpiece-making event at holiday time for Wings, which also held a boat regatta several years ago, Wiley said.
“We’re really getting in the groove with our fundraising,” Wiley said.
