It was Mistletoe Madness at the Metropolitan Club!
The Belmont Child Care Association, Inc. (BCCA) was delighted to host its annual Mistletoe Madness Holiday Luncheon on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the Metropolitan Club in New York City. This year's event provided an unforgettable afternoon of elegance, holiday spirit, and philanthropy. BCCA was proud to recognize the PJ Callahan Foundation, Inc., Thoroughbred Industry Honoree, and William Villanova, Community Honoree, for their extraordinary leadership both within the racing industry and the broader community.
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Set against the backdrop of The Metropolitan Club’s storied marble staircase, soaring ceilings, and timeless Gilded Age architecture, Mistletoe Madness offered guests a rare opportunity to step inside one of Manhattan’s most exclusive private clubs. Founded in 1891 and often referred to as the “Marble Palace,” The Metropolitan Club truly provided the perfect setting for the quintessentially unique New York holiday experience.
The afternoon commenced with cocktails and a silent auction in the magnificent Great Hall, followed by a luxurious luncheon in the West Lounge facing Fifth Avenue. A highlight of the afternoon was a special presentation by fashion historian John Tiffany, author of Dawn: The Career of the Legendary Fashion Retailer Dawn Mello. Tiffany shared fascinating insights into Mello's visionary career as the woman who redefined the fashion industry.
At the heart of the beautiful afternoon was the mission of the BCCA. Every sponsorship, ticket, auction prize, or donation helped to open the doors of Anna House at Belmont Park, and Faith’s House at Saratoga Race Course, where children receive an early childhood education and development program and school-age enrichment program, which provides them with the foundation to dream BIG while offering their parents peace of mind as they work.
The PJ Callahan Foundation, Inc., founded by the late Peter J. Callahan and his daughters, has enriched lives for more than two decades through education, medical research, the arts, and community programs, while continuing Peter's deep passion for Thoroughbred racing and philanthropy. William Villanova, President of Frank E. Campbell The Funeral Chapel, is a respected community leader and philanthropist whose decades of civic involvement, professional mentorship, and public service have made a lasting impact across the City of New York and beyond.
“Extraordinary things happen at Anna House and Faith’s House every day because we’ve established programs, in addition to our STEAM-based curriculum, which are transformative such as integrated arts, gardening, school-age enrichment, virtual learning, and women’s literacy for our mothers. BCCA recognizes that you can’t put a price on giving a child a great start in life! We offer scholarships for our children and we are now providing college scholarships for our earliest graduates! A gift of any size matters because when we come together, we can make a great impact on the lives of our children and their families as we educate to elevate 365 days a year.” Joanne K. Adams, Executive Director.
The silent auction featured an array of unique experiences and luxury items, with proceeds helping BCCA sustain and grow its educational programs. These resources allow children to explore, learn, and thrive in a nurturing environment designed to spark curiosity and set the stage for lifelong success.
