Rotary Club Gala
The Bronxville Rotary Club hosted its annual gala at the Siwanoy Country Club, bringing together community members for an inspiring evening of service and generosity. The event honored Dr. George Unis, a proud veteran, orthopedic surgeon, and 50-year Bronxville resident, while also raising vital funds to support Veterans Rebuilding Life’s mission to end veteran suicide, and help those who served rebuild their lives with purpose and dignity.
The evening began with an invocation from Father William Cleary of St. Joseph’s Church, followed by a warm welcome from Rotary President Susan Johnson, who thanked guests for their generosity. Mayor Mary Marvin introduced Dr. Unis, celebrating his medical service and dedication to his patients and community. In his remarks, Dr. Unis reflected on his time in the Army Medical Corps at Fort Dix during the Vietnam era, where he treated returning wounded soldiers.
“Our military became experts at saving bodies, but not always at healing invisible wounds.” he said. That’s why the work of Veterans Rebuilding Life is so essential.” He invited veterans in attendance, including Colonel Mary Westmoreland, to stand and be recognized, receiving a heartfelt ovation from the audience.
David Stern, a member of the Bronxville Rotary Benefit Committee, introduced Veterans Rebuilding Life as this year’s Rotary Gala beneficiary. Representing VRL were Co-Founders Dre Popow, Christian Zamora and Marykay Satryano, who shared how they transformed their struggles with reintegration after tours in Iraq into a mission of service through Veterans Rebuilding Life.
Christian Zamora spoke about his work in Project 360° which provides peer support to address the root causes of veteran suicide: loss of stability and purpose. Through housing-aid, job readiness training, and community connection, Project 360° helps veterans rebuild their lives before a crisis occurs. “We don’t wait for a crisis,” said Zamora. “We prevent one.”
Damia December (seen above centered) informed attendees about the ongoing need that over 17 veterans take their own lives every day, but that their presence at this event was a commitment to bring that number down to zero. To honor his service, Major Satryano, on behalf of VRL, presented Dr. Unis with a limited edition VRL military challenge coin, an honor reserved for individuals whose leadership inspires others to serve.
SERVICE ABOVE SELF
Guests took part in a fundraising auction benefiting VRL programs that provide emergency housing for homeless veterans, laptops to enhance employment opportunities, and outdoor therapy to foster community and well-being. During the event, the Bronxville Rotary generously pledged an additional $10,000. Every dollar raised at the gala will support VRL’s veteran programs.