Three honored at Bethany House fundraiser

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Three women were honored at the 15th annual Bethany House Fashion Show and Awards Dinner fundraiser Sept. 21 at the Rockville Links Club House. Bethany House is a Rockville Centre charity that shelters homeless women and their children.

Ronnie Thomas, owner of Salon Montaage in Oceanside, and Rockville Centre’s Jane McCabe, co-chair of Bethany House’s Fundraising Committee, were recognized as Women of Compassion for their outstanding contributions to the Bethany House cause. Rockville Centre resident Deborah Calloway, a house manager, substance abuse counselor, child care worker and former Bethany House resident, was recognized as a Woman of Success for her progress and hard work.

Bethany House’s executive director, Sister Aimee Koonmen, presented the awards and had kind words for each of the recipients. McCabe was praised as the ultimate problem solver who has proven invaluable to the organization.

“If someone needs something, it simply appears,” Koonmen said of McCabe’s uncanny ability to provide for the charity, no matter the need.

Thomas was honored for her volunteer work, as well as for graciously opening the doors of her salon to the homeless women and children of Bethany House for a free day spa. “One of the women said she felt like she was treated like a rich lady for the first time,” Koonmen recalled.

She also had high praise for Calloway, who has been with Bethany House, on and off, for 18 years. “I don’t know anyone who lifts hearts more than Deborah,” Koonmen said. “She is one of our most prized staff members.”

McCabe is so involved in the day-to-day operations of the charity that she was sending out invitations for the fundraiser when she found out that she would be one of the honorees. “It’s embarrassing, really,” she said. “It’s nice, but there’s so many other people who deserve it more.”

Thomas, who has a brother who dealt with homelessness, said she was happy to have helped. “It’s easy to be compassionate about something you feel so heartfelt for,” she said. Still, she was ecstatic about the recognition. “I was overwhelmed,” she said, adding of her salon, “Frankly, I didn’t think what I did was a big deal, but they know the door’s always open.”

Of the three, Calloway has the longest history with the charity. “Bethany is my family,” she said as she accepted her award. After a stint in prison and a struggle with drug abuse, she came to Bethany House, where she had help turning her life around. “They made me want better for myself,” Calloway said. “Bethany never turned their door on me, and I’m so grateful.”