Connie Milstein Philanthropist

Humpty Dumpty Institute Launches Wishing Well Sri Lanka

2011-12-22T08:17:00.000-08:00

The Humpty Dumpty Institute, which Connie Milstein serves as Co-Founder and Chairman, recently launched a new online campaign titled “Wishing Well Sri Lanka.” The campaign was initiated to promote and raise funds for a series of initiatives that will provide fresh water and improve sanitary conditions to over 10,000 residents in northern Sri Lanka, including the districts of Mannar, Killinochchi and Mullaithivu. Funds raised during the campaign will also go to support the HDI’s well-known, long-term school feeding program in Sri Lanka’s Jaffna district.

With the “Wishing Well Sri Lanka” and the donations received through the campaign, the HDI will start off small by building and repairing 230 communal and domestic wells and 100 new toilets. The organization hopes to increase these numbers and expand to new areas as they reach their fundraising goals. Since the conclusion of the 30-year conflict in 2009, an incalculable number of Sri Lankans have returned to their homes in northern Sri Lanka. While the government is working to accommodate the influx of returning residents, the people continue to face challenges. The 30-year conflict left the area devastated and now everything must be rebuilt. There is very little fresh water for drinking, bathing or farming; there are few latrines.

“Please join hands with HDI and help kick start our new initiative by visiting www.wishingwellsrilanka.org and making a generous contribution,” wrote HDI President Ralph Cwerman.

Ford's Theatre Partners with Miriam's Kitchen for Holiday Fundraising

2011-11-17T20:06:00.000-08:00

As the holiday season approaches, many D.C. organizations and philanthropists, like Connie Milstein, work to assist those who may need help during the upcoming winter months. The Ford’s Theatre Society, which Ms. Milstein serves as a trustee, is helping D.C. residents in need in a rather unique way this season. From November 18 to December 31, the theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol will raise money for Miriam’s Kitchen by accepting donations during the curtain call of each show. This partnership was inspired by the themes of charity found in Dickens’ holiday classic.

“Each winter, the story of A Christmas Carol renews in us, as it does in Scrooge, a compassionate and generous heart,” said Director of Ford’s Theatre Society Paul Tetreault in a press statement. “In selecting Miram’s Kitchen as recipients of this year’s donation drive, the cast of A Christmas Carol and our audiences can help make a difference in the lives of thousands in the D.C.-area struggling with hunger and homelessness.”

Miriam’s Kitchen has served as a resource for the 12,000 homeless individuals in D.C. for the past thirty years. The nonprofit offers warm, healthy means and case management services to those who may not otherwise seek help. In 2011, Miriam’s Kitchen served more than 4,000 homeless individuals through its comprehensive mental health, medical care, legal assistance, substance abuse counseling, employment resources and housing options.

This is the third year that the Ford’s Theatre society has partnered with a local nonprofit during its production of A Christmas Carol. In 2010, the theatre partnered with So Others Might Eat (SOME) and raised over $77,000. In 2009, the theatre partnered with Bread for the City and raised enough money to provide D.C. families in need with nearly 2,000 meals.

NCCU School of Law Named One of Country's 167 Best

2011-10-20T11:18:00.001-07:00

Recently, the Princeton Review listed North Carolina Central University School of Law as one of the nation’s most excellent law schools. Constance Milstein earned her J.D. cum laude from the school after she completed her undergraduate studies at New York University.

NCCU School of Law was featured in the Princeton Review’s 2012 edition of The Best 167 Law Schools. The school is praised for its diversity within the legal curriculum and includes quotes from students who comment the school for its value, emphasis on practical training and the encouragement and guidance of educators and staff.

“Our law school appreciates the continuous national recognition we are receiving with regard to the quality of our program of legal education,” said Raymond Pierce, the Dean of NCCU School of Law, in a statement.

For each school selected by the Princeton Review, the book includes a summary on the school’s academics, student life, admissions and career placement. The law schools are selected based on the opinions of those at the Princeton Review and the integrity of the data collected from the school as compared with other law schools across the country. Student opinions way heavily in the selection as well; the Princeton Review surveyed approximately 18,000 students for this edition of the book.

Blue Star Families Builds Playground As Part Of 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance

2011-09-13T15:03:00.000-07:00

As part of the 9/11 Day of Service and Rememberance, volunteers from Blue Star Families joined others from KaBOOM!, Northrop Grumman and the Fort Meade Community Covenant Council to build a new playground at Fort Meade’s Burba Park. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta was present to lend a hand and get the volunteers fired up. The Day of Service coincided with Blue Star Families’ Operation Honor Cards initiative, which encourages citizens to honor military families, veterans and service members through volunteer efforts.

“It’s that [American] dream that brings us all out here today to make sure that through our work and through our service and through our dedication, we make certain that these kids have a better life in this country,” Secretary Panetta said at the start of the project.

The Burba Park playground will provide military families and hundreds of children with a new, safe place to play at Fort Meade. At the end of 2011, KaBOOM! will have worked to build over 150 playgrounds across the country. In the closing months of this year, the organization will partner with more than 10,000 volunteers to build the final 60 playgrounds as citizens donate their time in honor of military members, families and veterans.

“We are grateful to KaBOOM! and all of today's volunteers for this gift to the military children of Fort Meade,” said Mark D. Smith, Executive Director of Blue Star Families. “Military families have been hit hard by the years of war since 9/11 and this is a wonderful way to say thank you.”

For many years before she became a member of the Blue Star Families Board of Directors, Connie Milstein worked to help military families and veterans. Her accomplishments as a philanthropist and businesswoman made her a perfect fit with BSF.

Humpty Dumpty Institute Announces Higher Education Alliance

2011-08-09T12:28:00.000-07:00

The Humpty Dumpty Institute and co-founder Connie Milstein recently announced a new program that will provide schools across the United States with an in-depth introduction to the United Nations. The program, known as the Higher Education Alliance, aims to build bridges between the U.N. and college students by bringing speakers from United Nations Specialized Agencies and U.N.-affiliated Non-Governmental Organizations to American college and university campuses.

On-campus alliance members will organize and run U.N.-related conferences on their campuses and have the opportunity to visit the U.N. headquarters in New York for intensive orientations further explaining the inner workings of the United Nations. Students who stand out for their work with the Higher Education Alliance may be invited to serve as interns in international organizations around the world. Alliance members also convene U.N.-related conferences at their campuses and are invited to U.N. Headquarters in New York for intensive orientations to learn how the U.N. actually works. And finally, select students at Alliance Universities/Colleges have the opportunity to serve as interns in international organizations around the world.

The High Education Alliance currently boasts a combined student enrollment of approximately 300,000 students from 18 universities and colleges in nine states. The Humpty Dumpty Institute is working especially hard to recruit institutions belonging to the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) and the Historically Black Colleges/Universities (HBCU) as well as community colleges nationwide, according to HDI Chairman William Rouhana, Jr.

“These centers of higher education are often underserved when it comes to global and international exposure. We are making a special effort to give these students in particular the opportunity to connect with the United Nations and to gain a better perspective about the global marketplace,” he said.

The Humpty Dumpty Institute is a unique non-profit organization widely-recognized for its work with the United Nations. Over the past four years, the HDI has become well known for its specialized outreach programs between the U.N. and various constituencies across the United States, which work to strengthen the United Nations as an international institution. The Humpty Dumpty Institute also implements large-scale humanitarian projects throughout the developing world. In the past four years, the HDI has begun major development projects in Lebanon, Angola, Eritrea, Laos and Vietnam, among others.

Northern Westchester Hospital Recieves Gifts from Local Brownie Troop

2011-06-28T09:17:00.000-07:00

Northern Westchester Hospital Center in Mount Kisco, NY, certainly has a lot of help from the local community. In 2006, Connie Milstein partnered with the hospital to open a second Connie’s Bakery & General Store in the hospital’s main lobby. Earlier this month, ten 8-year-old girls from a Briarcliff Brownie troop visited the emergency room at Northern Westchester Hospital Center. But on that Friday night, there were no injured Brownies. The young girls came bearing gifts – activity bags they had made using troop earnings from cookie sales to keep children who come to the hospital for emergency treatment entertained. Each bag contained crayons, yo-yo’s and activity books and the scouts had decorated the bags inside and out with colorful, cheerful drawings.

The idea for the activity bags came from one of the Briarcliff Brownies herself, a second-grader at St. Theresa’s School in Briarcliff. Madison Mezzatesta’s brother had been taken to the emergency room last summer while on a trip to Maryland. There, he was given an activity bag, which helped distract him while the family waited in the ER.

Emergency Room Director Sharon Marino said that annually, about one-third of patients who come into the emergency room are children. And though the 100 bags would quickly disappear into the arms of waiting children, the troop leaders were already thinking about making more.

Connie’s Bakery Helping Women in Need

2011-04-08T03:15:00.000-07:00

As part of her commitment to helping those less fortunate, Connie Milstein has set up the Foundation Sweet Success. This foundation helps to distribute 100% of the after-tax profits from Connie’s Bakery and General Store to needy organizations.

One such organization, that Connie Milstein supports with the Foundation Sweet Success is the Putnam/Northern Westchester Women’s Resource Center. This center provides essential resources, professional counseling, skills workshops and more to help women to work towards their potential and to reach their goals.

The many programs developed through the Putnam/Northern Westchester Women’s Resource Center are continually developed and constantly changing to meet the needs of a changing social environment and to reflect the needs of the women they serve.

Supporting CURE in San Francisco

2011-03-16T04:32:00.000-07:00

CURE, Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy, is excited to see San Francisco getting into the action. On March 25^th, the 1^st Annual San Francisco CURE Benefit Dinner will be held at The Four Seasons Hotel on 757 Market Street in San Francisco.

Certainly, CURE, where Connie Milstein is on the Board of Directors, values all of its sponsors and patrons. As a nonprofit organization, they are dedicated to finding a cure for epilepsy and can only do so with the funds raised for research.

The 1^st Annual San Francisco CURE Benefit Dinner will include a sponsor reception at 5:30 pm and a general reception beginning at 6 pm followed by dinner. The keynote speaker is David Axelrod, a Former Senior Advisor to the President and there will be a special performance by Grammy Award-winner Peter Rowan.

Connie Milstein and BSF Team Efforts

2011-02-24T23:00:00.000-08:00

Blue Star Families – the organization that was set up to help the military by assisting their families – seeks to “connect the community of military families, both active duty and veterans, regardless of rank, and provide them with the support and empowerment they need to create the best personal and family life possible.” BSF Director Connie Milstein saw the need for this service, which really joins together the soldiers, their families and the community at large. The BSF posts blog spots for this aim, writing about topics that are of interest to everyone. Military families can receive advice and support on how to cope when their soldiers that are deployed and sorting out everyday life matters on their own during this time. Just recently, a chapter director of BSF from southern California, Reyna Reyna, commented on how their efforts were towards raising “awareness of BSF to military families who live off base….Often when families live in the civilian community they feel isolated, especially when their spouse deploys, she said. “They think they don’t have the same opportunities or benefits as if they lived on base.” There are so many ways that the community at large can get involved in helping the military and their families, and the BSF seeks to be a bridge between the two.

Blue Star Families Lifestyle Survey

2011-02-10T02:24:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week Blue Star Families released its 2010 Military Family Lifestyle Survey, in an attempt to get an idea of the major issues encountered by these families. The results were: “pay and benefits, the current operational tempo, the effects of deployments on children, spouse employment, and childrens education.”

Some months after the original survey was conducted, these results were presented at a Senate and House Military Family Caucuses joint session. It was then cited by a White House Report, ‘Strengthening Our Military Families: Meeting America’s Commitment.’ This was the “culmination of a Presidential Directive and the findings of the Military Family Interagency Committee, created in 2010 to institutionalize support for military families as a national security priority.”

Thus the initiative undertaken by Blue Star Families has been successful. A commitment has been made by President Barack Obama and his wife, along with Jill Biden for “Federal agencies to establish a coordinated and comprehensive Federal approach to supporting military families.” The goal is to now address four main areas: a) enhance the military family’s physical and mental welfare; b) excellent education and development for military children; c) establish “career and educational opportunities for military spouses” and d) improved and increased child care options.
A big supporter of the work of BSF is Connie Milstein, who sits on the Board of Directors.

HDI Spokeswoman Mary Wilson Sings with Connie Milstein at Dinner

2011-01-27T03:32:00.001-08:00

Back in July of 2008, Connie Milstein hosted a dinner for the Humpty Dumpty Institute in which the HDI spokesperson, Mary Wilson, formerly of the Supremes, sang a few of her favorite songs. The mission of the HDI is to create innovative public and private partnerships which will lead to creative ways to solve some of the world’s most daunting humanitarian problems.

Featured in the photo above in Ms. Wilson singing one of her hit songs along with Connie Milstein.

Book Celebration at Jefferson Hotel with Connie Milstein

2011-01-13T03:42:00.000-08:00

On January 24th, Ron Reagan will be celebrating the up and coming publication of his memoir, “My Father at 100,” at the Washington, DC Jefferson Hotel. The book’s forthcoming appearance coincides with the 100th birthday of the 40th President of the United States. Joining hostess Connie Milstein to celebrate will be her husband JC de La Haye Saint Hilaire, Tammy Haddad, Ted Greenberg, Jon Meacham and many others who will be there by invitation only.

Connie Milstein and Heart’s Delight

2010-12-30T02:58:00.000-08:00

Back in May, Heart’s Delight held their 11th annual Vintner’s Dinner at the elegant Jefferson Hotel in Washington, D.C. Connie Milstein was on hand as the event Chairwoman. Ms. Milstein’s interest and dedication to research into heart disease goes back to Connie’s first paid job working for the Heart Association of North Carolina.

Connie Milstein Throws Book Bash For Former PM Brown

2010-12-18T23:23:00.000-08:00

Former Prime Minister of England, Gordon Brown, was welcomed with a festive book premiere by Connie Milstein last Saturday at her Washington D.C. Jefferson Hotel. The party was sponsored by Ms. Milstein along with her husband J.C. de La Haye St. Hilaire and with additional help from her friends Ted Greenberg and Tammy Haddad.

Gordon Brown is promoting his new book “Beyond the Crash: Overcoming the First Crisis of Globalization” across the world.

View the following video and hear some introductory remarks from Connie Milstein and a discussion of some of the ideas in ex prime minister Brown's book.

Connie Milstein Attends Mark Twain Award Event

2010-12-11T00:04:00.000-08:00

This photo was taken at the Mark Twain Award event at Kennedy Center. In the picture are Susan Sher, Ted Greenberg and Connie Milstein.

Connie Milstein Sings with Mary Wilson

2010-12-04T03:40:00.000-08:00

Connie Milstein, Chairman of the Humpty Dumpty Institute hosted Ms. Mary Wilson of the Supremes at an event in New York in 2008. This is a photo of Ms. Milstein joining Mary Wilson in song.

Connie Milstein Supporter of NYU Development

2010-11-25T23:56:00.000-08:00

The School of Arts and Science at New York University has been adding creative programming to its curriculum, and Connie Milstein, alumnus, trustee and friend of NYU has been behind much of the new creative energy.

NYU students who want to experience the exciting political, cultural and intellectual life in our country’s capital now have a permanent home from which to do it. The Constance Milstein and Family Academic Center in Washington, D.C. gives NYU students a chance to experience the heartbeat of America from the very center from which it emanates.

Back in New York, freshman entering NYU’s School of Arts and Science will participate in the Collegiate Seminar Program, which was launched in 2007, where they will be challenged intellectually and supported academically. Connie Milstein was the force behind this innovative program which partners students with mentors who will see them through until the conclusion of their undergraduate careers.

Academic excellence is continuously improving and developing at NYU, with encouragement, creative energy and help from Connie Milstein.

Land Mine Removal Video

2010-11-17T01:45:00.000-08:00

This is a video which demonstrates the importance of land mine removal. The Humpty Dumpty Institute with co-founder Connie Milstein is an organization which works tirelessly towards this goal.

Connie Milstein Supports Small Family Farmers of New York

2010-11-06T02:43:00.000-07:00

In 2007, Connie Milstein, chairman of the Humpty Dumpty Institute (HDI), provided a $125,000 grant to the Farmers Market Federation of New York. 25,000 food stamps were distributed to residents of upstate NY, in hopes of increasing their purchases of fresh, locally grown produce. This program not only encouraged more purchases of fruits and vegetables, it also benefitted small family farmers of New York.

HDI is an organization which focuses on solving difficult humanitarian problems around the world. Currently, it is working to identify and eliminate UXOs (unexploded ordinances) and mines that remain hidden around the world, as well as to alleviate international and domestic hunger.

'Mushrooms with a Mission'

2010-10-27T03:08:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, the Humpty Dumpty Institute, co-founded by Connie Milstein, began its new program, titled Mushrooms with a Mission. This project focuses on vulnerable families in central Vietnam, teaching them how to become mushroom farmers. The institute chose mushrooms because they are an easy, cheap, and low tech product to grow. The program is intended for landmine and UXO (unexploded ordinances) victims only, and so HDI chose a crop that even amputees could manage easily.

HDI is providing an automatic market for their mushroom farmers, having promised to buy as many mushrooms as they can grow. The mushrooms will be dried, packed and sold to many markets in Vietnam, and hopefully to neighboring countries, and, in the future, even worldwide.

All proceeds from the sales made by HDI will be donated towards removing landmines and UXOs in Vietnam and its surrounding areas.

The Spa Experience at The Jefferson Hotel: Connie Milstein

2010-10-17T00:46:00.000-07:00

Recently reopened after a two year restoration, The Jefferson Hotel in Washington D.C. is receiving enormous accolades. With the two year renovation by Ogden CAP Properties, LLC with Connie Milstein, the hotel, today, offers 99 rooms, a spa, and so much more.

The Jefferson Spa includes a large menu of massages, facials and body treatments. The body treatments actually use herbs and botanicals grown in Monticello’s gardens and specialize in vinotherapies that reflect Thomas Jefferson’s passion for wine.

In addition, they have manicure and pedicure services, a hairstyle salon, vintage-styled barber chairs for men, and extremely high quality products.

In addition to the spa, customers will find a 24 hour fitness room with a vast selection of cardio equipment, exercise mats, jump ropes and medicine balls.

Groundbreaking and Construction of Constance Milstein and Family Academic Center

2010-10-07T23:29:00.000-07:00

Following various speeches at the groundbreaking for the Constance Milstein and Family Academic Center (NYUDC), the symbolic groundbreaking took place. This comprised hardhats and shovels using the purple NYU torch. Work on constructing the 75,000 square foot 12-story building is scheduled to start soon and will have dorms on the upper floors to house 125 students. It will be perfect for those doing courses in journalism, economics, history and politics as will come with an internship in the city of Washington, DC. But the fun continued after the groundbreaking with the VIPs assembling at the St. Regis Hotel along with around 400 guests (mainly alumni) for food and wine. Following a brief introduction (requesting further donations for the new construction), Connie Milstein, who donated a generous $10 million to the project, talked about the “need for an NYU campus in the nation’s capital and echoed the evening’s excitement about NYU’s global push. ‘[Sexton’s] vision of the ‘global network university’ is no doubt one of the most brilliant ideas of our time,’ she said.”

Properties at Ogden CAP Properties, LLC

2010-09-23T00:38:00.000-07:00

Connie Milstein takes an interest in all properties on the market at Ogden CAP Properties, LLC, the company she co-founded. One such impressive property there is located at One Lincoln Plaza, 20 West 64th Street, NYC, and truly is the ultimate in luxury while being extremely centrally located, spitting distance from Central Park and across Lincoln Center. It really provides “the best of New York at your fingertips,” for those seeking relaxed living in the hubbub of New York City’s culture. You will find cleverly-planned residences here boasting aesthetic-pleasing parquet floors, insulated windows and huge closets as well as personalized air-conditioning systems and controlled heating. For the gourmet cook the kitchen will appeal and the top quality appliances will make anyone’s life easier. Relax at the end of a long day in a huge tub and don’t forget to enjoy the New York view during the day and at night time – in the city that never sleeps.

Be Part of the CURE in Boston

2010-09-11T01:14:00.000-07:00

In recent news, Boston will see its first benefit for CURE, the volunteer-based organization founded by mothers of children with epilepsy. On Friday, October 15, 2010, the first annual Boston Benefit for CURE will take place at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts.

The guest speaker will be Pulitzer Prize-winning author and presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin. Dinner chairs include Anne Finucane, Mike Barnicle and Susan Axelrod. Certainly, board members such as Connie Milstein support the efforts of CURE to create these fundraising events and to tirelessly work for a cure for epilepsy.

Recent News at Blue Star Families

2010-09-01T05:15:00.000-07:00

Bloggers from around America recently got together in New York for the annual BlogHer convention. Blue Star Families also participated in the event. This is not the first BlogHer that has taken place and it was a very exciting event, like it has been in previous years. It was the Blue Star Museums event planned at the Museum of Modern Art during the BlogHer convention that seemed to be very popular amongst participants. Some of the attendees included: Kate Marsh Lord from The Shopping Mama, Maggie Christ from Magpie Musings, Cynthia Samuels from Don't Gel Too Soon and Devra Renner of Parentopia. Connie Milstein firmly believes in the importance of military service while supporting the families of the soldiers engaging in this vital service. She sees it as a way to give back to a country that has given her so much.

Milstein Family Supports Advanced Cardiac Care at New Health Center

2010-08-22T03:29:00.000-07:00

With the help of the generous contribution of 50 million dollars from the Vivian and Seymour Milstein family, the most advanced cardiac care is now available to patients at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia Medical Center. January 2010 ushered in a new chapter in the history of cardiac care when the Vivian and Seymour Milstein Family Heart Center opened its doors to patients and their families.

The gift bestowed on the Center is one of the most generous in the history of the hospital, and it allowed the hospital to build one of the most advanced cardiac care facilities in the United States, and the world. Featured at this unique health center are advanced diagnostic technology and treatments which are generally less invasive, more accurate, and allow patients to heal more quickly and with fewer complications.

Herbert Pardes, president and CEO of New York-Presbyterian explained:
“As we open the doors to the Vivian and Seymour Milstein Family Heart Center, we look at the future of heart care, with advanced inpatient and outpatient care, including new minimally invasive treatment options, available together under one roof. This building honors the longstanding vision and support of the Vivian and Seymour Milstein family and signals a unique hospital setting where heart patients have access to the very best care, delivered with compassion in a comfortable and family-friendly environment."

State of the Heart: Cutting Edge Cardiac Care at Milstein Family Health Center

2010-08-14T02:56:00.000-07:00

January, 2010 witnessed the dawning of a new level of cardiac care in the New York City metropolitan area with the opening of the Vivian and Seymour Milstein Family Heart Center. Connie Milstein has long been a supporter of improved health care through her involvement as a hospital trustee at New York-Presbyterian since the year 2000. Connie Milstein’s father, Seymour Milstein began his association with New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center in the 1950s. He served as chairman of the board for 7 years, from 1989 until 1996.

Today New York-Presbyterian can boast a state-of-the-art advanced care cardiac center in a six-floor, 142,000-square-foot building which was designed with the input and advice of teams of specialists in cardiac care alongside world class architects Pei Cobb Freed and da Silva.

Jefferson Hotel Renovations with Ogden CAP Properties and Connie Milstein

2010-08-05T01:44:00.000-07:00

During this past year, Ogden CAP Properties with Principal and Co-Founder Connie Milstein worked tirelessly to renovated the Jefferson Hotel in Washington, D.C. The renovation included all 99 suites and guest rooms and all public spaces. Plume, one of the city's finest destination restaurants was also created and introduced onto the scene.

In addition, the renovations included a lounge with outdoor terrace for cigars and cognacs and intimate meeting spaces. Completely new to the Jefferson are three expansive specialty suites, an exclusive spa and a well-equipped fitness room.

New Epilepsy Research

2010-07-28T02:53:00.000-07:00

The CURE website features a fascinating article about a recent study. This article explains that researchers found that deep brain stimulation reduces the frequency of partial epileptic seizures in patients who don’t respond well to medications. The study was conducted by Robert Fisher, MD, PhD of Stanford University and his colleagues.

Certainly, this information is exciting news for supporters of CURE such as CURE President Susan Axelrod and board members Barbara Kelly, Connie Milstein and others.

Connie Milstein & Foundation Sweet Success

2010-07-20T02:46:00.000-07:00

As part of her efforts at Connie’s Bakery and General Store, Connie Milstein has created Foundation Sweet Success. The foundation is the giving vehicle for the Bakery and General Store, which offers 100% of its after-tax profits to support charitable organizations.

Each year, Connie Milstein and Foundation Sweet Success select six non-profit organizations to be Connie’s charitable partners. The funds from the foundation are divided equally among these organizations, and these six non-profits are promoted at Connie’s stores and on the website.

Certainly, Foundation Sweet Success accepts donations beyond the purchases made at the bakery and retail store. In addition, if you have a non-profit organization that you’d like to be included in the Foundation Sweet Success, you can apply for consideration through the bakery website.

Building Renovations

2010-07-11T21:58:00.000-07:00

The Ganesvoort Park Avenue South, New York, NY, has recently undergone some incredible renovations. Rather than totally modernize the entire joint though, the hotel has gone a bit retro. Sporting a pool table from the 1950s within a feel of 1970s decadence, these developments make for quite an interesting visual.

Jefferson Hotel: Renovations by Connie Milstein

2010-07-02T01:27:00.000-07:00

The recently renovated Jefferson Hotel is an exquisite location in Washington, D.C. to enjoy for dinner, for their spa services, and for an overnight stay. Renovated by Connie Milstein and her firm, Ogden CAP Properties, this lovely location is breathtaking to see and enjoy.

On July 7^th, 2010, they are hosting a five-course dinner prepared by Plume’s Executive Chef Damon Gordon. The amazing fare will be complemented by wine pairings from the Palmina and Brewer-Clifton wineries.

Chrystal and Steve Clifton, the owners and winemakers of Palmina look forward to joining the Jefferson for this delightful evening. Spaces have been limited to 20 guests in order to ensure an intimate gathering.

Ford’s Theatre Upcoming Line-Up

2010-06-25T01:26:00.000-07:00

The Ford’s Theatre recently announced its upcoming schedule for the 2010-2011 season. While there are many new and exciting productions planned for the Theatre, where Connie Milstein is on the board, other ongoing activities will continue as usual.

For instance, the popular daytime one-act production One Destiny by Richard Helleson will continue from October 12 through 30, 2010 and April 4 to May 28, 2011. Furthermore, the History on Foot walking tours A Free Black Woman: Elizabeth Keckly and Investigation: Detective McDevitt will be available from September to October 2010. Investigation: Detective McDevitt will resume in the spring from March-August 2011; A Free Black Woman: Elizabeth Keckly will run April-August 2011.

Certainly, this provides a wealth of entertainment for anyone who has the pleasure of coming to the Ford’s Theatre.

Linda Resnick, Connie Milstein & Others Raising Epilepsy Awareness

2010-06-17T02:13:00.000-07:00

Author Linda Resnick recently published an article on HuffingtonPost.com that urges people to pay more attention to the need for epilepsy research and cures. She explains that a huge number of people in the world have active epilepsy, comprising nearly 1% of the world’s population, but that most people still don’t like to talk about this disease.

She was recently invited to lead a brainstorming session on how to overcome this stigma. She was invited by representatives of The American Epilepsy Society, The Epilepsy Foundation, CURE where Connie Milstein is on the board, and other esteemed organizations.

She wrote, “ It is my hope that this initial work will be the first small step in creating a wide-reaching campaign, one similar in scope and effectiveness to those conducted by breast cancer and prostate cancer research. It is only by educating society on epilepsy that we will dispel the mystery surrounding it.”

Connie Milstein and Blue Star Families

2010-06-10T22:21:00.000-07:00

Board member of Blue Star Families Connie Milstein works hard to support the military and their families. Thus the recent launch of the Blue Star Museums Program is close to her heart. Such an endeavor that will benefit so many families who work so hard for the country’s military – either directly (by serving) or indirectly (by being the family to whom the soldier comes home) – should be close to the heart of all caring Americans.

Washington Museums Program

So what this program will mean is that soldiers and their families will be given free access to over 600 nationwide museums throughout the summer months, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. This program has joined forces with the National Endowment for the Arts to make it happen, along with support from the Defense Department which will be engaging in the project’s promotional side. What’s great about it is that many of the country’s really prestigious museums are participating, including New York’s Museum of Modern Art. As well, the Defense Department is helping to promote the offer, and Roth-Douquet said some military bases may coordinate bus trips.

Connie Milstein Directing $10 Million Towards NYU Project

2010-06-03T03:49:00.000-07:00

Students from NYU will soon have an incredible new opportunity. As part of the semester-long study abroad program offered through the University, students will be able to spend their time in Washington D.C. Connie Milstein, who led the reconstruction of the Jefferson Hotel last year, has directed $10 million towards the creation of the extension campus.

The new location, at northwest L Street will include a 12 story building with a 75,000 square foot center for lecture halls, seminar rooms and dormitories for 125 students.

Connie Milstein explains what drives her towards this project. "I used to think New York was the capital of the world but being in D.C. will give these students a totally different view of the United States and its position in the world," she says. "It's an important place to teach students how the government works and the history of the U.S., not to mention opportunities for internships, which will allow them to understand the political system and get exposure to a much larger global network."

Connie Milstein Salutes President Obama at Inaguration

2010-05-27T02:33:00.000-07:00

In January of 2009, the new president of the United States, Barak Obama, was inaugurated into office. To celebrate this event Connie Milstein had her unique store, Connie's Bakery and General Store, send 20,000 delicious brownies to add something really special to an already special occasion.

The brownies made their appearance at eight different inaugural events, one of them the Day of Service event in which 10,000 brownies appeared at RFK Stadium. Each and every brownie was wrapped in red, white and blue with a sticker saying, "Congratulations President Obama!"

These brownies are really something that Connie Milstein can be proud of. As the assistant pastry chef Jaimie Jeffrey described said, "Our brownies are extraordinary.They’re nice and fudgy and soft. Mmmm.”

Connie Milstein Offers Sweet Treats to Eat

2010-05-17T02:10:00.000-07:00

Up in Mt. Kisco, north of New York City in what is known to New Yorkers as "Upstate" is an amazing shop where all the proceeds from your purchases go to charity, the employees are earning decent wages, apprentices are being given the tools to make a living in a respected and fulfilling profession, and perhaps best of all, the products are top-notch, high-quality and beyond delicious.

So what is this amazing place I am referring to? It is none other than Connie's Bakery and General Store, the brainchild of Connie Milstein, philanthropist and real estate broker. At Connie's Bakery every purchase you make goes towards either an organization or an individual who is in need of a helping hand. Enjoy such luscious treats as homemade brownies, old-fashioned cookies, ginger snaps, lemon coolers and much, much more.

And not only is your money going to great causes, but all the ingredients are healthy and wholesome, like your grandma used to use. And whenever possible the ingredients are purchased from local farms, and other supplies from local businesses, upholding the philosophy of keeping business in the community to support and strengthen the community in which one lives, works and learns.

Connie's Bakery, one of the many successful endeavors of Connie Milstein, is a treat in so many different and important ways. Come visit and see what we mean.

Connie Milstein's Great Idea

2010-05-07T01:52:00.000-07:00

Connie Milstein came up with such a great idea, that it seems to have really worked. What idea is that? To create a store where all the earnings are dedicated to helping organizations and charitable foundations, and where the people working there are treated with dignity and paid liveable wages, and a store where apprentices receive training so that one day they themselves can also be gainfully employed in a dignified profession. This is the idea behind Connie Milstein's special project, Connie's Bakery and General Store.

First established at the end of 2006 in Mt. Kisco, New York, by Connie Milstein, this beautiful store full of wonderful and delicious treats not only delights the sense of taste, but also delights the sense of justice and kindness as well. When purchases are made at Connie's, customers know that they are helping many people all at the same time.

First, there are those organizations which benefit from the money raised through the purchases people make at Connie's Bakery. Then, the employees themselves who are being paid wages on which it is possible to live dignified lives. Third, there is an apprenticeship program in which otherwise unemployed and untrained individuals can get the training and experience they need to lead productive and fulfilling lives in a rewarding and dignified profession.

Connie Milstein's good idea has turned into a great achievement.

Katie Curic Special Guest at CURE Annual Dinner

2010-04-27T03:49:00.000-07:00

CURE, Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy, was thrilled to be celebrating unprecedented media exposure recently. On Friday, April 16, 2010, they had their annual dinner in Chicago with special guest Katie Couric. This renowned journalist from CBS Evening News and 60 Minutes brought important media attention to this incredibly worthy cause.

Certainly, CURE President Susan Axelrod and Board Members including Jeanne H. Donalty, Thomas F. Hynes, Connie Milstein and others enjoyed sharing in this exciting night.

Connie Milstein International Council Member of Belfer Center

2010-04-17T03:50:00.000-07:00

The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, where Connie Milstein was, until recently, an International Council Member, has a dual mission.

1. At the intersection of science, technology and environmental policy the Belfer Center provides leadership in international policy-relevant knowledge which is of critical concern to international security.

2. Prepare for the future by educating the next generation of leaders in these crucial issues.

Researchers at the Kennedy School of Government’s Belfer Center not only conduct their research but also develop policy which is new and innovative. The fellows and faculty of the Center develop their prescriptions for policy reform from their analysis of global challenges such as nuclear proliferation to terrorism to climate change and energy usage policy.

NSO Board Member Connie Milstein

2010-04-07T03:42:00.000-07:00

Connie Milstein serves on the Board of Advisors of the National Symphony Orchestra.

The NSO was created in 1931 and performs today at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.

Due to its proximity to affairs of national interest the NSO frequently participates in events which have both national as well as international importance. These performances can include performing for ceremonial state affairs, presidential inaugurations and other official holiday celebrations.

There are exactly 100 musicians in the NSO, and during their 52-week season they perform in about 175 concerts per year. In addition to their concerts which vary from classical subscription series to pop concerts, they are also engaged in extensive educational programming. Reaching out to young people from pre-school to high school, small groups of NSO members develop educational programs which collectively present up to 100 additional performances a year.

It is an honor and a privilege for Connie Milstein to be on the Board of Advisors of such an important, active and exciting endeavor as the National Symphony Orchestra.

Connie Milstein Awarded Medal at NYU Commencement

2010-03-26T03:36:00.000-07:00

Connie Milstein is a graduate of New York University. She is now serving as a Trustee there, and in 2009 Mrs. Milstein was honored with the Distinguished Service Award from the College of Arts and Science in recognition of her outstanding professional achievements.

This year “The Albert Gallatin Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Society” was presented to Connie Milstein in March for her work as a lawyer, entrepreneur and philanthropist at the Commencement Exercises for the 2010 graduating class of New York University.

The well-known actor and alumnus of NYU, Alec Baldwin spoke at the 2010 Commencement Exercises, which are the 178th for NYU and which took place at Yankee Stadium. Alec Baldwin was one of the co-hosts of the 2010 Academy Awards ceremony, and he is a graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Baldwin himself will be honored at the commencement ceremony with a Doctor of Fine Arts Degree, honoris causa.

Dining, Drinking & Auctioning for the Heart

2010-03-17T02:01:00.000-07:00

The American Heart Association is thrilled to announce the 2010 Chairman of their Heart’s Delight three day program. This year, Connie Milstein will be the chair of this mega event. Certainly, she has proven herself to be dedicated to heart research and has, most recently, been the driving force behind the creation of the Vivian and Seymour Milstein Family Heart Center at New York Presbyterian Hospital.

Heart’s Delight is a premier destination event where people can enjoy master winemaking and amazing culinary treasures, while raising money for heart research. This year’s three day program will take place from Thursday, May 6^th 2010 through Saturday May 8^th.

On Thursday there will be a Private Dinner Series in embassies, restaurants and private homes in Washington D.C. Friday will include a Vintners Dinner. The program culminates on Saturday with wine tastings, food classes, a silent auction, a live auction and more.

Connie Milstein at Opening of New Heart Center

2010-03-07T03:24:00.000-08:00

Already well known for its excellent medical facility, the prestigious New York Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center has opened the Vivian and Seymour Milstein Family Heart Center. This incredible, cutting-edge facility will help NY Presbyterian remain one of the leading facilities for cardiac care in the country; rated among the top ten in the United States by U.S. News and World Report, and the number one hospital for cardiac care in New York. NY Presbyterian has one of the lowest mortality rates for patients who have been diagnosed with heart failure or with heart attacks. The hospital also does more heart transplants than any other in the United States.

Connie Milstein represented her family at the opening ceremony for the new, six story, 142,000 square foot building, for which they donated $50 million of the $260 million needed for construction or the building and outfitting it in the most technologically advanced and environmentally friendly way possible.

Connie Milstein & The Blue Star Families

2010-02-28T03:27:00.000-08:00

In addition to her many philanthropic activities, Connie Milstein now adds one more. She has recently joined the Board of Directors of the Blue Star Families. Blue Star Families does an amazing amount of work in support of military personnel and their families. The Blue Star Families’ chapters get together to offer support and friendship to each other. They also receive all sorts of equipment and toys for their bases and units, helping those who are serving America to do so better, while enriching the lives of their family members.

Connie will bring a unique perspective to the Blue Star Families’ team with her vast philanthropic knowledge and experience and her business acumen.

Charitable Support from Connie’s Bakery & General Store

2010-02-21T03:32:00.000-08:00

Certainly, if you’ve ever been to Connie’s Bakery & General Store, owned by Connie Milstein, then you know that you can find delicious food and baked goods. What you might not know is that 100% of the after-tax profits go to 6 charitable organizations that Connie selects each year. These organizations receive Connie Milstein’s financial support, and are also promoted at the store and on the website. Three of the organizations to receive Connie’s Bakery & General Store support at the moment include:

The Food Bank of the Hudson Valley – This non-for-profit organization collects large donations of unmarketable but still edible food and distributes it to nearly 370 member agencies in six counties in the Hudson Valley.

Visiting Nurse Association of Hudson Valley – This not-for-profit organization provides home health care in the Westchester Community to those who need services, regardless of their ability to pay.

Veteran’s Hospital of Castle Point – This hospital in New York offers a large array of services to veterans who have served their country.

Recent Breakthrough in Epilepsy Research

2010-02-14T03:30:00.000-08:00

Recently, two researchers offered an exciting breakthrough for epilepsy research. The two researchers who had grants from CURE, where Connie Milstein is on the Board, included Daniela Kaufer, PhD from the University of California at Berkeley and Alon Friedman, MD, PhD from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel.

Together, these researchers have shown that the drugs known as TGF-beta blockers have prevented epilepsy in rats who experience brain injuries. Should these findings be confirmed in humans, it would mean that the TGF-beta blockers could prevent many cases of epilepsy which occur in accident victims, in soldiers leaving war zones and more.

Their findings have been made possible by the CURE’s program, Prevention of Epilepsy after Traumatic Brain Injury, in partnership with the United States Army Medical Research and Material Command. Now in its third year, this research is intended to look at the impact that traumatic brain injuries have on epilepsy and to develop intervention and treatments against this outcome.

Blue Star Families Lend Support to Soldiers

2010-02-07T03:29:00.000-08:00

One of the most recent projects led by the Blue Star Families is the Operation Appreciation program. The Blue Star Families Military Life Issues Survey found overwhelmingly (94%) that the public doesn’t understand or fully appreciate what the military is doing each day and the sacrifices they are making.

Blue Star Families, including Board of Directors member Connie Milstein, started “Operation Appreciate” to express gratitude to those in the field. This initiative invites community members to write letters of support to the military families. The person sending the card can send it to the parent, spouse or child of a military member, or to a veteran in the armed services.

This is a perfect activity for schools, Cub Scout and Brownie troupes, and more. It is a great opportunity to let military people know that others are thinking of them and appreciating the work that they are doing for America.

New Heart Center Offers “State-of-the-Art Care”

2010-01-31T02:33:00.000-08:00

The latest addition to excellent health care in New York City has opened its doors as of February 1st, 2010. The Vivian and Seymour Milstein Family Heart Center will begin offering cutting-edge cardiac care within the New York Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center’s prestigious walls. Designed by the internationally renowned architectural firm of Pei Cobb Freed & Partners in conjunction with daSilva Architects, this 260 million dollar, 142,000 square foot, 6 floor facility will be able to give the best care possible to cardiac patients and others with related conditions.

Fifty million dollars of the cost was donated by the Milstein Family, which has a long history of service and support for the hospital. Connie Milstein, daughter of Seymour and Vivian, has been actively involved on several committees at the medical center, including the Quality and Performance Improvement Committee. The donation represents one of the largest single donations in New York Presbyterian Hospital’s history, and will go far to create one of the most outstanding cardiac facilities in the country, and even the world.

Susan Axelrod on the 60 Minutes Segment

2010-01-24T23:47:00.000-08:00

Hear from CURE Epilepsy founder Susan Axelrod, and the many supporters of this organization, including Connie Milstein about the recent 60 Minutes segment.

CURE Reaches Its 2009 Goals

2010-01-17T23:46:00.000-08:00

As 2009 came to a close, CURE raced to raise $250,000. They were thrilled to not only raise this amount, but to surpass their goals as the year ended. This money will go to fund another Challenge Grant for the coming year, which will be named the Friends for the Cure Award. The extra money will, hopefully, fund yet another research project.

President Susan Axelrod, newest Board Member Connie Milstein, and many others were thrilled with the fundraising efforts they saw in 2009. They hope to continue to publicize the needs of those with epilepsy in 2010 and they hope to continue to fight epilepsy in the coming decade.

A Great Upcoming Production

2010-01-09T23:44:00.000-08:00

The City Parks Foundation is excited, as 2010 begins, to announce that Three will be coming to the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre in Central Park. A compilation of the classic fairy tales, “Three Three Little Pigs,” “Three Billy Goats Gruff,” and “The Three Bears,” this is an hysterically funny and enjoyable production.

Written by Jeff Borkin, a children’s TV writer and Emmy winner, the show includes original music and marionettes that are made by master pupetter Addis Williams. The show will run from January 12, 2012 to June 25, 2010.

This is one of the many performances and activities that the City Parks Foundation offers. The Board of Directors include Andrew Tisch and Jean Troubh, and the many trustees include Connie Milstein, James Abadie and others.

Support for CURE From Connie Milstein

2009-12-29T04:44:00.000-08:00

Epilepsy research is underfunded when compared to other illnesses receiving funding for research. According to a study conducted in 2008, whereas Parkinson’s disease received between 2,000 and 2,500 dollars per patient in the United States, Epilepsy research received only 500-590 dollars per patient.

One of the mandates of CURE, Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy, is to lobby the government and educate the public to give funds for Epilepsy research which is on par with other health research in the U.S.

The newest board member of CURE, Connie Milstein will be contributing to this effort and help bring the goals of CURE to the forefront of the consciousness of the public in the United States.

Connie Milstein Comes on Board of CURE

2009-12-22T03:27:00.000-08:00

Connie Milstein has recently added another organization that she actively supports with her hard work and determination. Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy, known as CURE, has added Ms. Milstein to their board of directors.

Susan Axelrod is the President of CURE, which she co-founded with two other women in 1998 after experiencing years of frustration and disappointment trying to find appropriate medication or a cure for her daughter Lauren’s severe epilepsy.

Connie Milstein has been involved with CURE in the past, helping with fund raising and hosting special events for the supporters of CURE. It was only a natural consequence of Connie’s undaunted and devoted support which led her to becoming an active board member for CURE.

Medical Mission for Children Reaches Out Throughout the Globe

2009-12-14T03:58:00.000-08:00

Connie Milstein is a Trustee for the innovative organization Medical Missions for Children. Headquartered in St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital in Paterson, New Jersey, MMC reaches out to over 100 countries globally to make available the most up-to-the-minute treatments, practices and knowledge to wherever that information is needed.

Medical outreach, or distance medicine is facilitated through several of MMC’s programs, including Telemedicine Outreach Program, Medical Broadcasting Channel, Global Video Library of Medicine, and Giggles Children’s Theater. MMC also sponsors four different television programs geared to the general public. The four programs include Plain Talk, Tomorrow’s Medicine Today, Take Care and Encore Lifestyles.

Each of these initiatives and programs are designed to educate viewers, physicians, investigators, and health care workers of all types to stay abreast of the latest information that could help them improve the lives of millions of people, including saving lives across the world.

Connie Milstein Trustee for Medical Missions for Children

2009-12-12T03:51:00.000-08:00

Medical Missions for Children is a special organization that has taken on the task of bringing the superior medical resources which are widely available in industrialized and western societies to the places in the world where it may be most needed but least available.

Using the astounding communications technology now available scientific know-how and cutting-edge treatments can readily be transferred almost instantly with the technical issue of location no longer playing a crucial role in health care around the world.

Connie Milstein, as a Trustee on the board of this innovative and life-saving organization, can take pride in her involvement and support of the work MMC is doing. There is no question that increasing knowledge, transferring information from its ‘point of origin’ to the ‘frontlines’ of medicine and improving the lives of millions of children, adults, men and women throughout the world is a goal worth working towards.

HDI Brings Food Security to International Community

2009-12-10T02:43:00.000-08:00

Empowerment is the modus operandi with which Connie Milstein practices her philanthropy, and the food security program of HDI is just another example of how this is accomplished. Satisfying their interest in feeding the hungry and helping those who are disenfranchised has always been an important goal of the directors of Humpty Dumpty Institute, including Connie Milstein. HDI’s projects in Africa and Asia combine the clearance of mines with the development of agriculture which increases the local food supply.

As just one example, HDI cleared landmines from important roads and thoroughfares so that over 20,000 individual farmers could bring their farm produce to the marketplace for the first time in more than ten years.

In another case landmine removal was removed from the areas around schools in Laos in exchange for getting a daily, healthy snack for each one of 10,000 students. In Sri Lanka the HDI clearance program is combined with teaching more than 1,200 farmers modern and new techniques for agriculture and bringing a renaissance to the now dormant, but once thriving, dairy industry.

Empowerment, self-sufficiency, human dignity are the goals the HDI, with Connie Milstein at the helm, strive towards.

Arts, Education, Politics Just Some of Connie Milstein’s Many Interests

2009-12-08T03:41:00.000-08:00

Connie Milstein is involved in charitable organizations such as Medical Missions for Children and her very special bakery, Connie’s Bakery and General Store, where every purchase goes to charity and the business employees and trains people that otherwise might not have had a real chance at earning a living wage in a dignified manner.

Ms. Milstein is also participates in the democratic process and supports political causes such as The National Democratic Institute and the Democratic Governors Association.

Added to all this, Connie Milstein is a busy patron of the arts and educational institutions, with involvement in such organizations such as the New York City Opera, the New York City Parks Foundation and New York University.

Mine Action Programs of HDI Supported by Connie Milstein

2009-12-06T02:39:00.000-08:00

Connie Milstein is a co-founder and board member of the Humpty Dumpty Institute, which is on the forefront of the battle against the international landmine epidemic. In order to remove the mines HDI has created innovative partnerships to raise money and awareness.

One of its more pioneering projects was begun in 2004, which monetized surplus food commodities in the U.S. and using the proceeding monies for reinforcing the symbiotic goals of demining and development of agriculture on the newly cleared lands. In this way the HDI was able to directly contribute almost $10 million towards the landmine clearance programs of Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Laos, Armenia and several others.

HDI, with the support of Connie Milstein has also created a program called “Adopt-A-Minefield.” Begun in 1998, Adopt-A-Minefield has raised more than $20 million for its many projects. The goal of these projects is the same everywhere: to support and help the direct and indirect victims of landmines so that they can either return home, find jobs, support families, be productive members of their societies and in general lead normal, fulfilling lives.

Connie Milstein Promoting UN-US Relations at HDI

2009-12-01T02:21:00.000-08:00

As Chairman, Co-Founder and Board Member of the Humpty Dumpty Institute, Connie Milstein promotes improved dialogue between the U.S. government, the U.S. Congress and the United Nations. This improved relationship is accomplished through several means and on a variety of levels.

At the moment HDI is the only U.S. organization that brings congressmen and women and other senior government staff to United Nations Headquarters for private and off-the-record talks on issues of critical importance to the U.S. and U.N.

Based on the belief that sharing information improves policy decisions, the Humpty Dumpty Institute offers several programs for policy makers to get informed.

1. Congressional Delegations are brought to the headquarters of the United Nations in NY: This is the flagship program of HDI, which brings congressmen, senators, and their senior staff members to New York to meet in private and off-the-record with senior Secretariat officials and U.N. diplomats at the U.N. headquarters. More than 300 offices of congressional leaders have participated so far in the HDI sponsored delegations since this programs founding.

2. U.N. Across America: This latest HDI program takes members of the U.N. diplomatic corps to meet the people of America, from all backgrounds and with all their concerns and issues. This program has so far concentrated on reaching out to U.S. citizens outside the Northeastern corridor of the U.S. and has taken 50 U.N. diplomats to 10 different American cities. The U.N. diplomats have also met with city and state level policy makers in Detroit, Boston, and Phoenix, Portland (Maine and Oregon), Houston and more.

3. U.N. to D.C.: HDI also brings the U.N. diplomats down to Washington to meet law-makers in their own headquarters for more closed door, off-the-record policy discussions.

Connie Milstein Shows Support with Gift of Delicious Brownies

2009-11-25T01:39:00.000-08:00

Assistant pastry chef Jamie Jeffrey, along with Liane Paap of Connie’s Bakery, delivered 20,000 brownies to the inaugural celebration in Washington D.C. last January. According to Deena Plotka, who works at Connie’s too,

“Connie Milstein wanted to support the efforts of our president-elect, of all the people in Washington, D.C., our nation and all the volunteers.”

Connie’s is an amazing enterprise which is well-known for its one year apprenticeship program, which hires people having difficulties finding work and trains them to be employable in the food service industry. Jamie Jeffrey, the employee that delivered the brownies to Washington, was living in a shelter with no prospects for gainful employment when she became an apprentice at Connie’s Bakery, in 2006. After finishing her apprenticeship she was hired at a full-time assistant pastry chef at the Bakery, and got to deliver the brownie’s to the inauguration.

Team Effort at Connie’s Bakery Get Brownie’s to the Inauguration on Time

2009-11-18T01:35:00.000-08:00

Connie’s Bakery, located in Mt. Kisco, New York, closed down from January 5th until January 17th so that the staff would be available to bake, wrap and store 20,0000 brownies to be distributed at various events and venues of the presidential inauguration of Barak Obama. Working 20 hour days, the staff at Connie Milstein’s bakery worried if they would be able to complete the task at hand by the deadline, when they only managed to pack 810 brownies by the end of the first day.

Enlisting the help of the community by placing a sign on the door of Connie’s asking for help from the public, volunteers came to the rescue and brought the 20,000 brownies goal to fruition.
Expressing a theme of Connie’s Bakery in general, Deena Plotka, one of the employees at Connie’s, said,

“That’s the only way for us to be successful, is through the support of the community.”

Plotka continued:

“This goes to show us how many people are becoming aware of who we are, what we do and our mission, and they support our efforts.”

Twenty Thousand Brownies for Inauguration of Barak Obama from Connie’s Bakery

2009-11-11T01:29:00.000-08:00

Connie’s Bakery, one of Connie Milstein’s philanthropic projects, donated 20,000 brownies to the historic inaugural celebration of President Barak Obama in January, 2009. In order to facilitate this mighty undertaking, Connie’s was closed from January 5th until January 17th, although the facility was itself was hard at work producing the scrumptious brownies by the thousands.

The yummy treats were distributed to the large cadre of volunteers working hard to make the inauguration an outstanding success, and were Connie’s way of saying thank you and giving back to the community. The largest number of brownies, 10,000, was distributed at the “Day of Service” even which took place at RFK Stadium. The rest of the brownies were made available at seven other events in honor of and in celebration of the inauguration.

Connie Milstein: TOP is Tops at Medical Missions for Children

2009-10-29T05:41:00.000-07:00

One of the outstanding features of the Medical Missions for Children organization is the Telemedicine Outreach Program, (TOP.) The main mission of TOP is to help children who are seriously ill, who are having trouble getting a correct diagnosis. Without an accurate assessment of what is wrong, it is impossible to embark on the right course of treatment, and even worse, incorrect treatment could cause even more damage. Unfortunately, as much as one third of diagnoses in the developing world have been shown to be incorrect. MMC and TOP hope to correct this problem through telemedicine.

Since there is a severe shortage of expert medical care in many underserved communities around the world, the mission of TOP is to supply the expertise of physicians who are located in the developed world to people in communities without access to this high level of medical care. This is achieved via hi-tech telecommunications technology.

TOP and MMC presently runs a network of 27 level-one mentoring hospitals in the U.S. and Europe participating in TOP. Because TOP enjoys a partnership with the World Bank, TOP has a presence in over 100 countries all over the globe.

Connie Milstein Supports Telemedicine with MMC

2009-10-22T05:36:00.000-07:00

Medical Missions for Children is an organization whose goal is to “restore hope and health through technology.” Connie Milstein is one of the founders of this unique organization, and is on the board of trustees. Headquartered in St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital in Paterson, New Jersey, MMC is an award winning charity which sends out its message in many distinct ways.
MMC includes among its programs:

1. Telemedicine Outreach Program (TOP): a distance-medicine network which operates in over 100 countries.

2. The Medical Broadcasting Channel (MBC): a global satellite and IP TV Network.

3. The Global Video Library of Medicine (GVLM)

4. Giggles Children’s Theater: a troupe whose motto is “laughter is the best medicine.”

5. Four Television Programs which are targeted for general audiences including Plain Talk, Tomorrow’s Medicine Today, Take Care and Encore Lifestyles.

Through these media and more, MMC hopes to improve the health and wellness of millions of people throughout the world each year.

Milstein Founder and Member of Medical Missions for Children

2009-10-12T05:32:00.000-07:00

Connie Milstein is a founding member and is on the board of trustees of the international organization Medical Missions for Children. The goal of MMC is to “transfer medical knowledge from those who have it to those who need it” using the most up-to-date communications technologies.

Our civilization is in the midst of a medical revolution where new breakthroughs and discoveries are happening at a pace never before seen in history. MMC believes that this knowledge should be spread as rapidly as it is discovered. MMC is therefore constantly seeking ways to transfer this knowledge from the place it is developed to the “front lines of medicine.”

By helping to facilitate this transfer of knowledge, Connie Milstein and the MMC organization hope to improve the health of millions of people each year.

Charity Begins at Home at Connie’s Bakery

2009-10-02T00:39:00.000-07:00

Taking a great idea to the next level, Connie Milstein of Connie’s Bakery and General Store in Mt. Kisco, New York, insists that her employees are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of the fact that all profits from the business enterprise are given to charity.

Every worker is paid a “living wage” as well as given medical benefits if they are full-time employees. Not only that, but there is an effort to support small local farmers and craftsmen whenever possible when purchasing decisions are made.

Connie’s Bakery and General Store is a model business enterprise which donates all its profits to charity, which is really the icing on the cake.

Baked Goods for Charity at Connie’s Bakery Make Good Business Sense

2009-09-25T00:34:00.000-07:00

Connie Milstein is a Principal of Ogden CAP Properties, but she is also the force behind the successful business Connie’s Bakery and General Store. This is the award-winning shop that donates 100% of its profits to charity.

But just because the profits are “only” for charity does not mean that the business side of the enterprise is in any way neglected. Rather, only the best ingredients go into each tasty pastry, cake, pie, tart and cookie. Everything is made with the most wholesome elements by hand, just the way grandma used to.

Employees are paid a living wage, which means Connie’s is also an example and role model for other businesses to do the same, including providing medical benefits to all of Connie’s full-time employees.

Connie Milstein: Great Cookies for Good Causes

2009-09-18T00:29:00.000-07:00

Connie Milstein had a wonderful idea. Why not sell something people love and are more than willing to buy anyway, and give the profits to charitable causes?

This idea has come to fruition in the successful shop known as Connie’s Bakery and General Store. Located in Mt. Kisco, New York, there is a second location in the lobby of Northern Westchester Hospital. Simply stated, the more that is sold in Connie’s, the more money is available to give away to charity.

Connie Milstein: Governor of REBNY

2009-09-10T04:13:00.000-07:00

Connie (Constance) Milstein is a Governor of the Real Estate Board of New York, (REBNY.)

Begun in the year 1896, the REBNY was the first real estate trade association in the state of New York. Members of the board are among New York City’s most energetic, influential and talented real estate professionals.

As the leading trade association for realtors, the REBNY works for the benefit of its members by promoting public and industry policies. The REBNY often speaks in front of government offices to promote the expansion of New York’s economy, encourage the renovation and development of residential and commercial property, improve the city’s appeal for investors and help with property management.