“We really just dived right in,” said Dalia Mechanic, who co-chairs the HeartShare St. Vincent’s Services’ (HSVS) Junior Board. Although recently formed, the Junior Board has accomplished quite a lot this year.

The Junior Board is a group of young professionals fundraising and supporting programs for HSVS children and families. Over the past few months, the Junior Board hosted happy hours, an Easter dinner, a salsa night, and an ugly sweater party, helped plan the HSVS Annual Benefit, as well as launched an online fundraising campaign to send off a record 50 American Dream scholars to college with luggage and other gifts.

“I have to say that the Easter dinner probably was my favorite event this year,” said Dalia. “It was the first event we hosted, yet it was well planned and successful. Most importantly, we were able to interact with the children.” The Junior Board hosted an Easter dinner for children in foster care who otherwise wouldn’t have had the means to celebrate the holiday. The Board collected clothes from donors, which the children were able to choose from. Dalia’s co-chair Robert Serenbetz also made an appearance in an Easter bunny costume.

Dalia also treats the Junior Board as a space to learn and grow. At their last meeting, Dalia brought in HSVS Executive Director Dawn Saffayeh to explain more in depth how the programs work to serve New York children and families. “It’s crucial that we are all speaking the same language about the organization both internally and externally,” explained Dalia, who is a Manager at Bennett Midland and brings a strong background and knowledge of child welfare issues from working closely with clients like the NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS).

Looking to the future, Dalia anticipates using the core events, like the Easter dinner, as a blueprint for next year. “The Junior Board has worked very hard this year. Our members are committed to our mission and making a difference in the lives of others. On the flip side, it’s also a great opportunity for networking,” said Dalia, who in addition to her other goals, is looking to grow the Junior Board team.

If you are interested in joining our Junior Board, and would like to learn more, please contact lauren.pettiette@heartshare.org.