Chapter Holds 22nd Annual Holiday Celebration
Members Spread Christmas Cheer Through Toys-4-Tots Program
The New York/New Jersey Chapter of the Financial Managers Society recently held the Chapter’s 22nd annual Christmas holiday celebration.
The event was held at the Fiesta in Wood-Ridge, NJ on December 4, 2014. Members enjoyed a magnificent holiday program featuring a splendid cocktail
hour with open bar with an endless variety of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres followed by a full course “surf ‘n turf” dinner and an evening of Christmas
karaoke. Of course, the night would not have been complete without a visit from Santa and his helpers who provided gifts for all in attendance!
Robert Westerdahl (r.) was the first Past Chapter President to be introduced by Past Chapter President Grace Cruz-Beyer as part of the traditional Holiday ceremony.
The Chapter's Past Presidents formed a line of leadership following the traditional introduction to the Membership.
The program also featured the introduction of a multitude of Chapter Past Presidents to welcome in the Christmas season which over the years has become a traditional part of the Chapter’s Christmas celebration.
Although Members shared the joy and merriment of the evening, Members’ donations provided a longer-lasting benefit to area youngsters as well as to disadvantaged mothers. Chapter Members donated a huge number of unwrapped toys to be provided to underprivileged children through the Toys-4-Tots program. Members donated more than
250 toys at last year’s event and this year’s celebration appears to be equally as bountiful. In fact, the Chapter’s Membership have donated more than 4,800 toys to local charities over the past 21 years through this program! The Chapter also provided donations to the Star of Bethlehem program in conjunction with the First Choice
Women’s Resource Center in Newark, NJ. Members’ generous contributions will provide support for disadvantaged moms as well as gifts for their young children.
Past Chapter President Grace Cruz-Beyer welcomed all in attendance and began the “formal” Holiday program by leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Past Chapter President Cindi Rand offered the traditional invocation followed by a word from current Chapter President Andriette Mathews.
Past Chapter President Maureen Kalena then offered a champagne toast to wish everyone a happy and healthy Holiday season. Grace Cruz-Beyer presided over the traditional introduction of the 14 Chapter Past Presidents on hand for the festive occasion.
While everyone patiently waited for Santa’s arrival, Holiday “choirs” formed by Members and guests from each table took part in a karaoke Christmas “concert” to welcome in the Holiday season. The musical renditions as captured by our roving photographer are included in the photo galleries below … all without sound of course!
Santa finally made a grand appearance direct from the North Pole! Members and guests showed their appreciation by pelting Santa with snowballs provided by Grace Cruz-Beyer for just such an occasion. With “help” from an “elf” Santa provided a gift for each Member and guest. Not a single attendee went home empty handed!
The Chapter's Holiday Celebration offers the opportunity for Members to enjoy musical entertainment, caroling, karaoke, as well as great food and fun. Make your plans now to join us next year for another wonderful Holiday experience!
View the sponsorship slideshow as displayed at the event in PDF format.
Also be sure to view the photo galleries below to relive the event as captured by our roving photographer.
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Holiday Song and Celebration
Members donated a virtual mountain of gifts as part of the Chapter's 'Toys 4 Tots' initiative.
It's FUN to meet Santa! Members and guests got the chance to pose with the Star of Christmas!
(l.-r.) Robert Pabst joins Past Chapter Presidents Kevin O'Connell, Robert Currie and Nate Buono at the festive cocktail hour.