Storytelling Brings Westchester Together for a Night of Inspiration and Community

The Westchester Children’s Association (WCA), in collaboration with Stories on Hudson, successfully hosted ‘Growing Pains’, an intimate and inspiring fundraising event on March 6, 2025, at The Playgroup Theatre in White Plains. The evening was filled with warmth, wisdom, and the power of storytelling, as attendees gathered to hear real-life stories that captured the essence of community, resilience, and shared experiences.

As the only independent advocacy organization for children ages 0–25 in Westchester County, WCA continues to champion the well-being of children across the region. Proceeds from this event went directly to support WCA’s advocacy efforts, ensuring that policies and programs remain focused on the needs of local youth and families.

The sold-out audience was captivated by heartfelt narratives from six compelling speakers, including Ken Jenkins, County Executive of Westchester, Dr. Marsha Gordon, President and CEO of the Business Council of Westchester, and WCA Board President Ann Umemoto who was joined by her husband Dr. Richard Younge. Their stories, along with those shared by other distinguished and emerging community voices, explored the theme of ‘Growing Pains’, offering personal reflections on challenges and triumphs that resonated deeply with every listener.

“I was so happy to support this wonderful organization and Allison’s leadership by participating in this innovative, impactful, and amusing event! Storytelling is such a powerful force—it bridges generations, cultures, and experiences, reminding us that at our core, we are all connected by the emotions, struggles, and triumphs we share. Growing pains happen no matter your age, and through storytelling, both telling and listening, we create a space of empathy and understanding. The theme of this event wove together a fabric of love for our children, reinforcing the idea that through shared stories, we nurture resilience, foster connection, and inspire hope. I was proud to be a storyteller, not just to share my own experiences but to be part of something larger—a community united by the power of narrative,” stated Dr. Marsha Gordon.

“What made our story humorous wasn’t just how naïve I was as a first-time mom, but also how my husband Richard, a doctor, was experiencing everything for the first time as a new dad. We wanted to bring that dynamic to life and make people laugh by sharing our journey together. We realized that storytelling isn’t just about the story itself, it’s about how you tell it. Practicing with our daughter, then with friends over Zoom, helped us fine-tune our delivery and even add in gestures to bring it to life. In the end, our ‘ordinary’ first pregnancy story connected us to so many people in the audience who had their own experiences to share,” stated Umemoto.

“The evening was about more than just storytelling—it was about building deeper connections and strengthening our community. We are incredibly thankful to everyone who supported this event and contributed to our mission of advocating for Westchester’s children,” stated Allison Lake, Executive Director of WCA.

Funds raised from ‘Growing Pains’ will support WCA’s critical initiatives, helping to advance policies and programs that uplift and protect the county’s most vulnerable youth. The event underscored the power of storytelling to inspire action and create meaningful change in the community.

The Westchester Children’s Association (WCA) is dedicated to promoting the well-being of all children in Westchester County, New York. By analyzing data and collaborating with both public and nonprofit service providers, WCA addresses key issues and identifies needs directly from the voices of youth and families. Founded in 1914, WCA remains the only independent advocacy organization in the county, driving impactful changes through advocacy, programming, and civic engagement to ensure every child is healthy, safe, and prepared for life’s challenges—regardless of race or zip code.

https://wca4kids.org