Holiday Gala For Scholarship

The East End Women’s Network hosts its annual holiday dinner and auction Wednesday, December 4, from 5:30 to 8 PM, at Stonewalls Restaurant in Riverhead.

The gala marks the organization’s biggest event of the year. There will be a three-course meal served as guests mingle and partake in auctions, which in the past have included bikes, jewelry, event tickets, artwork, accessories, and gift certificates. The proceeds go toward the nonprofit’s scholarship fund for young women across the East End looking to further their education at a college or university.

East End Women’s Network was established in 1981 by professional women on a mission to support one another. The diversified group aims to catapult women to higher-level positions through education, public advocacy, promotion of interests, and sharing of ideas and opportunities. The organization has approximately 150 members between 35 and 80 years old. There are monthly meetings at which members and non-members can attend, from September through June, which are hosted by different restaurants — supporting local business on both forks. These dinners offer a program with cocktail hour, a member showcase booth, and oftentimes, guest speakers.

Thanks to donations at previous holiday galas, East End Women’s Network has been able to award four scholarships per year, and the goal this year is to do the same. The scholarship is awarded to female high school graduates striving to make a positive impact on their community.

Qualifying students must be enrolled in a public or private school in Southold, Riverhead, Southampton, East Hampton, Shelter Island, Eastport-South Manor, or Shoreham-Wading River. Each applicant must complete a form, write an essay on what leadership means in under 1000 words, include letters of recommendation from community members or teachers/guidance counselors, and submit a copy of her high school transcript. The students will be judged on their essay, community and school involvement, and leadership capabilities, and will be interviewed in person.

Tickets are $45 for members and $50 for non-members. Stonewalls Restaurant is located at 967 Reeves Avenue in Riverhead. Tickets can be purchased online at www.eewn.org.

nicole@indyeastend.com