Spring Liturgy and Luncheon 2026

Join us for our annual Spring Liturgy and Luncheon and enjoy an afternoon of prayer, gratitude, and celebration as we recognize our Five-Star Honorees.

Enjoy gourmet Italian food, raffle baskets, gift cards, and more. Play Bingo for a chance to win a designer handbag and a jackpot cash prize!

Liturgy Mass will begin at 11:30 a.m. in the Sacred Heart Chapel, and it will be followed by a luncheon under a tent from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Tickets: $135

Proceeds support all the Sister of St. Joseph ministries. Please RSVP by April 10, 2026.

Breakdown of Sponsorship Opportunities 

• $10,000 –  Luncheon Under the Tent Sponsor: Three tables of 10, signage (Luncheon under the Tent Sponsor), digital journal ad, and five cash raffle booklets
• $7,500 – Event Communications Sponsor: One table of 10, signage (Event Communications Sponsor), digital journal ad, and three cash raffle booklets
• $5,000 – Cocktail Reception Sponsor: Signage at both bars, digital journal ad, and two cash raffle booklets
• $3,000 – Centerpiece Sponsor: Sponsor name on 45 centerpieces, digital journal ad 
• $2,500 – Dessert and Coffee Sponsor: Signage at the dessert table, digital journal ad

Registration and Sponsorship Opportunities

Spring Luncheon Raffle Options

Please contact Emily Monem with any questions at 631.273.1187 x154 or mission@csjbrentwood.org.

Cash Raffle – $5,000 in Cash Prizes
Grand Prize: $2,500
Second Prize: $1,250
Third Prize: $750
Fourth Prize: $500
Donation: $25 for one ticket, $100 for five
Winners need not be present.

Gift Card Raffle – Each card’s value is $200
Mastercard
Visa
American Express
Target
Amazon
Walmart
Costco
BJ’s
HomeGoods/Marshalls/TJMaxx
Southwest Airlines
Donation: $25 per ticket or $100 for five

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2026 FIVE-STAR HONOREES!

• S. Elizabeth Looney, CSJ
• Thomas G. Travis, Ph.D., St.Joseph’s University, New York
• Schools Strategic Project Team (SSPT): Jeanne Altenau, Susan Kropf, Mary Galligan, Margaret Minson, and Ilia Rios
• George and Zenaida McAndrews, honored posthumously and accepted by the McAndrews Family
• Garden Ministry Volunteers Astuty “Tuty” Gunawan, Philip Marinelli, Maria Perez, and Terry Regan

Honoree Biographies

Elizabeth Looney, CSJ, earned her master’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from New York University. Following her studies, she completed a year-long internship at Calvary Hospital to become a registered dietitian and member of the American Dietetic Association. During this experience, she discovered the direction of her life’s ministry. Recognizing the important role food plays in comfort and dignity, S. Liz dedicated her work to providing compassionate nutritional care. By asking patients what they wanted to eat and doing her best to provide it, she helped restore a sense of control and quality of life for those in her care. She later became Director of Nutritional Services at Calvary Hospital and served as President of the Hospital Food Administration of Greater New York. S. Liz also established the Nutritional Services Department at Maria Regina Residence, ensuring it met New York State Department of Health licensure standards while honoring the dignity and independence of each resident.

Thomas Travis, Ph.D., began his career at St. Joseph’s College (now St. Joseph’s University, New York) in 1978 as Director of the Division of General Studies, serving diverse, non-traditional adult learners. Over 48 years, he advanced to dean, vice president for planning, and professor of adult education. After stepping down from administration in 2013, he returned as interim provost in 2017 and now serves as the president’s special assistant. A longtime collaborator with the Sisters of St. Joseph, he credits S. Mary Florence Burns as a mentor and role model, and he had the pleasure of working closely with two Sister presidents, S. George Aquin O’Connor and S. Elizabeth Hill, both of whom he feels “indebted to for giving me the opportunity to be part of what they have accomplished. Dr. Travis has played a key role in the University’s Nicaragua Project, establishing the San Jose Preschool and scholarship programs that now support nearly 100 students annually. He also serves on the board of The Learning Connection, aiding immigrant women through English instruction, and admires the Sisters’ dedication to service and social justice.

George McAndrews had passion for everything that he did in life. Beyond his career as air traffic controller, Mr. McAndrews’ passion extended to feeding the poor. He would make and distribute sandwiches to those on the streets of Bay Shore and Brentwood. George also would actively raise funds and awareness for the Daughters of Wisdom, the Sisters of St Joseph and St. Patrick’s Church. Zenaida McAndrews lived a full life filled with love and laughter, and with a profound sense of generosity and community. She became involved with and led the Bay Shore Garden Club as President. She supported the fundraising for the Daughters of Wisdom and, as the main decorator, the Coe Hall Historic Museum at Planting Fields Arboretum Christmas event. Mrs. Zenaida generosity resulted in receiving several honors, including the Hall of Fame award at St. Joseph’s Academy. Mr. and Mrs. McAndrews were the proud, loving parents of four children and grandparents to five.

Garden Ministry

Introduced to the Garden Ministry in 2019 by a woman religious in the community, Astuty “Tuty” Gunawan began serving actively in 2021, assisting a Tai Chi Chih instructor and supporting the garden’s wellness programs for high school retreat attendees. She also has served as a member of the Justice committee particularly in the area of racial justice. What began as simple service soon deepened into a lasting commitment to nurturing both people and place. As a budding herbalist, she began teaching about the medicinal herbs growing in the garden, helping neighbors discover practical, accessible ways to support their wellbeing. She now coordinates the Natural Soap Making initiative, guiding volunteers in crafting minimal-ingredient soaps. Proceeds from these efforts help sustain and expand other Garden Ministry programs, strengthening the garden as a shared community resource. Her dream is to establish an educational herb garden that will inspire individuals and families to grow and use herbs to nurture their own wellbeing and reconnect with the wisdom of the earth.

Philip Marinelli taught religious studies at CSJ schools, including at the Academy of St. Joseph in Brentwood and Sacred Heart Academy in Hempstead. Some of his most memorable experiences include overseeing travel/service retreats through Young Neighbors in Action, which involved a trip to Honduras to build a home and solidarity with the people. He also found their chapter of Free The Children to be particularly rewarding, as it involved working as advocates for children sold into sexual slavery. The Awakening The Dreamer club was also a joy, working to bring about a socially just, spiritually fulfilling and ecologically sustainable presence on Earth. Mr. Marinelli was privileged to witness fun, beauty and transformation to all that were blessed around him. He said that “after the heartbreak of the Academy closing, it is such a joy to see the transformations taking place on the Brentwood campus. I see my work with the Garden Ministry as a variation on my career in teaching with its rootedness in our kinship with creation. I get to work with the finest community of volunteers and staff, doing work that is sometimes sweaty and always enriching.”

Born in the Dominican Republic, Maria Perez immigrated to the United States at the age of 15, beginning what would become a challenging yet transformative journey. Arriving in New York, she faced many uncertainties, but the steadfast love and support of her family helped her build confidence and find a sense of security in her new home. Maria went on to build a meaningful career, first working as a secretary before being promoted to a social worker. She dedicated herself to helping others until her retirement in 2023. Along the way, Maria married her husband, Fidel, and together they raised three sons. In March 2023, Maria and her family experienced the heartbreaking loss of their youngest son. The grief was overwhelming. Through compassionate and meaningful conversations, S. Jane Reilly, CSJ, helped guide the family through their sorrow, offering comfort and a renewed sense of purpose. Through the Garden Ministry, S. Jane and Heather Bolkas warmly welcomed Maria and her family into a space of healing and hope. Surrounded by care and community, they began to look toward the future with renewed strength. Maria shares that her “gratitude toward the Sister of St. Joseph is boundless. They have been a beacon of hope and love in my life, helping me find my path and be reborn again.”

SSPT Committee

A 1975 graduate of The Mary Louis Academy, Jeanne Altenau earned her bachelor’s degree from Manhattan College in 1979 and an MBA from Harvard Business School. She retired after a 40-year career in marketing and financial analysis, most recently serving as Chief Budget Officer for NYC Transit Subways. Her volunteer leadership includes Vice Chair of the TMLA Board of Trustees, Chair of the Sisters of St. Joseph Legacy Fund Board, membership on the Manhattan College School of Business Advisory Council, and service on the Finance Council of Immaculate Conception & Assumption of Our Lady Parish. Connected to the Sisters of St. Joseph since birth through her aunt, S. Patricia Heiser, Ms. Altenau benefited from 12 years of CSJ education and now “pays it forward” by supporting the Sisters’ work in education, social justice, and care for the Dear Neighbor. She is a proud mother of two sons in the nonprofit sector and is blessed with a granddaughter.

Mary Galligan is an accomplished senior executive with thirty years of combined public and private business experience. Among other positions, she has been a certified crisis negotiator and crisis manager, an excellent listener, and a devoted advocate for those in dire need. Ms. Galligan is also a seasoned social worker in the field of management. She has a remarkable ability to recognize and respond to the needs of people who are homeless and marginalized. Her gentle care, genuine empathy, and sincere dedication reflect her deep awareness and compassion for those around her who experience poverty and hopelessness.

Susan Kropf is the retired President and Chief Operating Officer of Avon Products, with a distinguished career marked by leadership and innovation. She has served on the boards of major companies, including Kroger, Sherwin-Williams, and Tapestry, Inc., where she brought insight and vision as chair. With deep expertise in marketing, manufacturing, product development, customer service, operations, and finance, Ms. Kropf has consistently delivered strategic results. Beyond the corporate world, she is a dedicated supporter of the Sisters of St. Joseph and their schools, applying her skills and experience to advance education and community impact. Her career reflects a rare blend of business acumen, mentorship, and a commitment to making a meaningful difference.

Margaret M. Minson, an experienced CEO, has more than 25 years of experience in education. She is the former President of Bishop Kearney High School in Brooklyn, NY, which was sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph. An expert in education, mentorship, and fundraising, Dr. Minson secured multiple seven- and six-figure gifts as the executive director of Student Sponsor Partners, an organization devoted to addressing the high-school dropout crisis in New York City. She led record-setting campaigns at Marymount Manhattan College and St. Joseph’s University, New York. She served on the boards of the Catholic Guardian Society and Home Bureau, Loyola School, and women’s professional organizations. She earned her Ed.D from Fordham University, M.S. from Brooklyn College, and B.A. from St. Joseph’s University. She herself was educated by the Sisters of St. Joseph, and her mother taught alongside them for 35 years.

Ilia M. Ríos is a seasoned architectural professional with 27 years of experience. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the University of Notre Dame before returning to her hometown of San Juan, Puerto Rico, where her career has flourished. As President and Managing Principal of V Architecture, Ms. Ríos leads a talented team, with women comprising 51% of the staff. A passionate advocate for education, she previously served as Chair of the Board of Trustees at Academia María Reina, supporting the development of future generations of empowered female leaders. An alumna of AMR, Ms. Ríos followed in her mother’s footsteps, who also served as Chair of the Board of Trustees at AMR and as a member of SSPT.