THE 4TH ANNUAL BAG LADIES BENEFIT – MAY 7, 2009

Bag Ladies Benefit proceeds support the
Students & Scientist program

LEGISLATOR STEVE STERN RECEIVES AWARD FROM
HUNTINGTON BREAST CANCER ACTION COALITION

Recognized for Landmark “Toxin-Free Toddler and Babies Act”

Suffolk County Legislator Steve Stern (D-Huntington) 16th LD was honored at the Fourth Annual “Bag Ladies” Benefit by the Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition (HBCAC), receiving an award for his landmark “Toxin-Free Toddlers and Babies Act,” the first legislation of its kind in the nation.

“The Toxin-Free Toddler and Babies Act really changed the national landscape on the endocrine disrupting chemical BPA,” said Karen Joy Miller, President of HBCAC. “We were thrilled that the Legislator who introduced the bill, Steve Stern, joined us so that we could all take a moment out to reflect on the success of this legislation.”

Legislator Stern also awarded a Proclamation to Rhonda Weinman, who was instrumental in bringing awareness of environmental toxic triggers to the forefront, as part of HBCAC’s Prevention is the Cure” program. “HBCAC’s student scientists provided critical information to the Legislature that was instrumental in the passage of the “Toxin-Free Toddlers and Babies Act,” Legislator Stern said. “I am proud to honor Rhonda Weinman and the Students and Scientists Environmental Research Scholarship Program for their dedication to science and for raising awareness of the role of environmental exposure and human health. Their testimony provided important information to the Legislature and their participation in this process brings great pride to their families, schools, HBCAC and the entire community.

An Evening to Remember
By Lisa Kratter and Kim Hint
Event Co-Chairs

Excitement filled the air at the 4th Annual Bag Ladies Benefit, held May 7, 2009, at the Hamlet Golf and Country Club. Accolades to our fantastic team of committee members, volunteers, and supporters, who collectively devoted their efforts towards achieving such a fine turnout and lovely event. In addition to the $60,000 raised to provide funding for our many outstanding programs, a fun filled evening was had by all.

Honoree Rhonda Weinman, Senior Vice President, Raymond James, Melville, NY, received special recognition for her ongoing commitment to HBCAC and other community service endeavors. Special proclamations were presented to Suffolk County Executive, Steve Levy, and Suffolk County Legislator, Steve Stern, for their actions leading to the banning of the carcinogenic chemical, Bisphenol A, from empty baby and toddler bottles, cups, and dishes, throughout Suffolk County. Also showing their support were Past Honoree, Pat Petrone, Huntington Town Supervisor, Frank Petrone, and Huntington Town Council Members, Susan Berland, Mark Cuthbertson, Stuart Besen and Town Clerk, JoAnn Raia.