The Rockville Centre Homemakers held their Run for the Roses fundraiser where five homemakers mounted toy horses and “raced” for a rose.
During five races, homemakers and their friends bet on horses in each race. Half the money from the betting pools was donated to the Homemakers. The other half was divided between winners.
The Homemakers appreciate the crafts they learn from each other and guest speakers, but there’s more to the organization than that.
“It’s community service and teaching others talent that is disappearing,” said Co-President Maryann Grandaza
“The name homemaker has a connotation of being crafty, cooking, baking, “ said Co-President Karen Alterson. “Yes, we do all that. But we’re also very into helping our community.”
The group donates blankets, dolls and socks to various hospitals, health organizations and veterans. It’s the biggest draw for many members.
“They do a lot of charity work,” said Elizabeth Carney. “They’re very good … Everybody here is very friendly.”
Rather than just get together and do crafts they would at home, each meeting is a learning experience.
“The ladies are kind and I learn a lot from them,” said Iso Trami, a board member. “So far I have learned how to crochet. I have learned how to sew. I have learned to do modge podge. It’s a wonderful learning experience. Recipes, when they have a person that’s baking or cooking.”
Homemakers then pass on that knowledge to family and friends.
“I am now teaching my daughters that have kids what I learn here,” Trami said.
The RVC Homemakers started during World War I for the women left behind by servicemen during the war, as a way to contribute to the effort.
Run for the Roses was inspired by Walsh’s work in therapy and nursing. She had the horses and brainstormed about what they could do to raise money to cover donations to other organizations.
“We have five horses, and we’ll have five races,” Walsh said. “We have volunteers, they’re the jockeys. We have people at the back table where the rest of the audience gets to bet on the horses that they think are gonna win. And they get to root for their horses as we’re playing. The winner gets a rose. Then they get their payouts.”
During breakfast before the races, the leadership team reflected on how RVC has changed over the years.
“It got crowded,” Trami said. “Traffic is horrendous.”
Treasurer Jean Joyce noted the impact of the group on the younger generation.
“Actually, I think the young kids in this community are probably better behaved than in the past, because parents are more aware and kids have activities,” said Joyce. “The older ones are smart enough to call an Uber after a night out. So there’s a lot of community-minded kids.”
The Homemakers are looking to increase their membership.
“Anyone that’s 18 and older,” Grandaza said. “The town doesn’t matter. We have over 20 towns that our members represent.”
They meet at the RVC Rec Center, 111 N Oceanside Rd., in the auditorium on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. during the school year.
