International Women’s Day gets recognition party and dance at The Church in Sag Harbor By Bruna
3 min read
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The second edition of Festa of Reconhecimento and Dança of Dia Internacional of Mulher took place in The Church, in The event returned for the second year in a row and brought together the local community to celebrate women who stand out for their work for society. This year’s honorees were Bonnie Cannon, Cindy Capalbo, Elizabeth Cataletto, Pamela Greinke, Meghan McGinley Arnone and Elka Rifkin. The celebration took place on February 28, 2026, from 6 pm to 9 pm local time, with live music, cocktails and a dynamic shout out in which each honoree recognized another inspiring woman.
The theme adopted for 2026, #GivetoGain (Donate to Receber), guided the entire evening’s program. The central idea highlighted the power of reciprocity, showing how supportive and generous actions strengthen entire communities. Cada one of the honorees received public recognition for her contributions in areas such as education, social assistance, arts and inclusion.
Honorees and their contributions
Bonnie Cannon serves as executive director of Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreation Center, where she leads child care and recreation initiatives in the region. Cindy Capalbo founded and organizes Sag Harbor Helpers, a group dedicated to helping residents with various needs.
Elizabeth Cataletto works as an art teacher at Pierson High School, promoting artistic education among young people. Pamela Greinke is the founder and executive director of Hope & Resilience Long Island, an organization focused on emotional support and community resilience.
Details of the night’s dynamics
Meghan McGinley Arnone serves as director of education and grants management at Sag Harbor Cinema, contributing to cultural and educational programs. Elka Rifkin co-founded ACCESSforALL, an initiative focused on inclusion and accessibility for all.
During the event, the honorees participated in a collective tribute, where each one nominated and publicly recognized another woman who also makes a difference in the community. The interaction reinforced the concept of a mutual support network between the participants.
Environment and programming
The night featured DJ Henry Eau responsible for the soundtrack, who mixed old and current hits to entertain those present. The space offered a bar with special cocktails and snack options, creating a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere for all ages and genders.
The The Church, located in Sag Harbor, served as an ideal venue for the community celebration. The place already hosts exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year, and this party was part of the program that values diversity and local engagement.
Community participation
The party attracted residents of the region, family and friends of the honorees, as well as those interested in causes related to female empowerment. The open format encouraged everyone’s presence, reinforcing the collective nature of the date.
The success of the 2026 edition consolidates the event as an annual tradition on the local calendar. The combination of formal recognition with festive elements such as dance and music ensured a memorable experience for participants.
Event photos
Several images captured moments from the celebration, including group photos of the honorees, individual interactions and scenes from the dance floor. The photos show Amanda and James Race, Bianca Collins, Pam Greinke, Cheryl Buck, Fran and Hailey Nill, Denise Dee, among other gifts.
The visual coverage highlighted the collective joy and spirit of unity present throughout the night.
