One hundred and ninety-six women started the holiday season shopping, socializing and supporting the Boys & Girls Club of Oyster Bay-East Norwich. Lori Bahnik, co-president of the board (with her husband Roger) welcomed guests saying, "You are truly welcome, considering we are in a recession and you are still supporting us!"

Ms. Bahnik promised guests would enjoy the fashion show presented by Mitchells/Marshs of Huntington. She thanked the luncheon co-chairs Ewa Litke and Marie Bahnik; the committee; and Diane and Ray Knight of K-II Home Furnishings of Locust Valley for donating Chistopher Radko ornaments as luncheon guest gifts. On the tables were Santa centerpieces donated by Ewa and Jim Litke that were taken home by the person with the nearest birthday. Chocolate snowflakes on the tables, from The Chocolate Lady of Oyster Bay were donated by Marie and Claude Bahnik.

"Please shop," said Ms. Bahnik. The vendors returned 15 percent of their sales to the club. It added charity to every purchase which was a great incentive to spend graciously.

The vendors were there until 3:30 for shopping.

Best of all, Lori announced the date of their spring gala: Friday, June 12, 2009. "I promise it will be a spectacular event. I hope you can all come and join us. You will all love it. You will get plenty of information about it in the mail!" That includes time to decide what to wear. Over the past few years the dinner dance/auction event has gone from a black tie affair to one where people dress up in costume and relax with friends - a great benefit for all.

And the reason for all the hoopla - the work of the Boys & Girls Club. "It's a unique place for boys and girls to come. It is a home away from home for kids from Oyster Bay-East Norwich. The parents say they don't know what they would do without the club. Thank you for supporting and believing in the work we do," said Ms. Bahnik.

She encouraged people to call with questions; to talk with them and to have a tour of the facility; and if you are interested in volunteering - call 922-9285.

"Here are the fashions from Mitchells/Marshs of Huntington. We can't thank them enough for choosing us to showcase their designer fashions. And, back by popular demand - all the male models," Ms. Bahnik announced.

Andrew Mitchell said the show was presenting their fall fashions and giving a sneak preview of their resort collection and showing what spring will look like. "This year we are adding gift ideas for men and women to showcase the collection at the store," he added. Scott Marsh was in charge of their display in the boutique area.

And, a big thank you to Gail Canavan, executive director and Camile Mastellone, development director, and their staff members for all their background work in making the event a success. Thank you too to the many raffle donors - it's exciting to win a raffle item - it's better than shopping!