Larchmont Luncheon Honors Late Mary Jane Ridder

The annual Mary Jane Ridder Spring Luncheon & Boutique, hosted by the Westchester Friends of Rosalie Hall Maternity Services, a Division of Catholic Guardian Society and Home Bureau (CGSHB) was held on June 6th at the Larchmont Yacht Club. The event raised $60,000 according to a release from CGSHB, with the funds to benefit the women, children and families served by the program.  A capacity crowd of 320 people turned out for the luncheon.

Rosalie Hall Maternity Services of Catholic Guardian Society offers a comprehensive program of pregnancy and adoption services throughout metropolitan New York, including community outreach, parenting skills training, free counseling, access to pre- and post-natal medical care, immunizations, safe new cribs, and aftercare for pregnant and parenting women. According to the release, there is a full-service domestic and international adoption program for women who choose not to parent their child.

"Our Spring Luncheon pays tribute to Mary Jane Ridder, a much-beloved mother who gave unstintingly of herself so that other mothers could bring new life into the world," said CGSHB's Executive Director Craig Longley in the statement. "Working with Sr. Diane Prusinski of Rosalie Hall, Mary Jane gave mothers and children in need all of the practical resources they require and, in the process, inspired a whole community of volunteers."

Ms. Ridder and her husband Victor L. Ridder, President of The Catholic News Publishing Company, were killed in a traffic accident in 1991.

This year's Luncheon honored Mary Jane Ridder's family, children and their spouses, who presented Sr. Diane with a memorial plaque of Mary Jane. The plaque will be proudly displayed in CGSHB's Bronx Residence for mothers and children.

Longley expressed his gratitude to the Westchester Friends of Rosalie Hall Maternity Services for their efforts and support.  "Thanks to you and so many others who share our commitment to mothers and children, the event was a tremendous success," said Longley.  "Many pregnant and parenting women in dire need will be helped as a result of your kind generosity."

Faith Daniels served as Mistress of Ceremonies.  The Luncheon Co-Chairs were Lisa Collins and Nancy McCreery.