Green Chimneys’ Spirit

Actress Carey Lowell (left) meets with three guests at the fundraiser. ERIC GROSS The stars came out to raise money for Green Chimneys!

Actors Richard Gere and Carey Lowell were joined by Martha Stewart, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Alan Menken, Animal Fair editor Wendy Diamond, world-acclaimed neurosurgeon Dr. Ezriel Kornel, and his artist/wife Katherine Pettiti Kornel at the event last week held at Gere’s Bedford Post Restaurant.

The 100 donors and supporters of Green Chimneys were given an update of the school’s master plan along with a progress report of the organization’s infrastructure improvements, including new dorms.

Green Chimneys was founded more than 60 years ago by Dr. Samuel B. Ross, Jr., and continues to restore possibilities by creating futures for children with emotional, behavioral, social, and learning challenges.

Green Chimneys’ Executive Director, Joseph Whalen, who recently returned from a trip to the Far East where he spread the word about the school’s philosophy, told the gathering that “our animal-assisted and nature-based therapeutic programs have become world-renowned.”

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. gives Louis and Taheim, two students at the school, a big hug. ERIC GROSS ERIC Two of the highlights of the evening came when current students—Louis and Taheim—read excerpts of essays composed by their classmates espousing the wonderful experiences they have each day on the campus. Another moving moment occurred when former student Michelle Toth of Lake Peekskill explained how Green Chimneys changed her life forever: “Without the love and understanding of the Green Chimneys family, my troubled life would have not changed for the better.”
Alan Menken recalls the early days of Green Chimneys with Myra Ross, who founded the facility with her husband Dr. Samuel B. Ross over 60 years ago. GROSS ERIC GROSS
Richard Gere chats with former student Michelle Toth and her mom Eva. ERIC GROSS
Joseph Whalen and Paul Kupchok greet one of the “feathered” attendees. ERIC GROSS