Warm welcomes, fond farewells, and a celebration of Chaminade's mission brought more than 450 guests to the annual Parents Club Past Presidents Luncheon Tuesday.
The event at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury introduces a new Parents Club Board and thanks the outgoing board for its contribution to Chaminade. It is also the first event to which parents of newly-enrolled sons are invited.
Beth Solferino, organized the event as chair of the Parents Club Board along with her husband, Steve.
"The Past Presidents Luncheon is significant for many reasons, but none more important than you – everyone in this room," Beth said. She also thanked the 15 past presidents in attendance and their combined 30 years of leadership.
What may be the biggest draw to the luncheon, however, is a mother-son fashion show. Current Chaminade seniors escort their mothers for a walk down the runway. Young men don tuxedos from Foresto Tuxedo in Mineola (owned by the father of Christopher Foresto, M.D. '94), while the women wear fashions from Fox's of Mineola (owned by Eileen and Robert Fox, parents of Robert '12). Models bring smiles to the room and, to many, sentimentality for the Chaminade journey mothers and sons take together.
Current Parents Club Presidents Nancy and Michael Montelli now assume the roles of Chairs of the Parents Club Board. Kirsten and Lawrence Muccini were named presidents for the next school year.
To incoming parents, Beth said, "As a mother of two Chaminade young men, I can tell you that the years spent at Chaminade are nothing short of transformative for your sons and for you."
The Parents Club organizes various service and social programs for the parents. These programs provide support and assistance for the educational activities of their sons and many opportunities for dedication and cooperation to develop into enduring friendships.