The 2025 Gala will Honor
Lisa Umansky,
Gala Honoree
& Melissa Rice,
Ruth Fins Award Recipient​​
​
Lisa Umansky, owner of the local business Polka Dot Pound Cake in Rockville Centre, is a dedicated community leader. A longtime member and past president of the Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce, she has worked tirelessly to support fellow small businesses. She founded the Snowman Hunt, an annual event to promote Small Business Saturday and designed to boost foot traffic for local shops during the entire holiday season. Her commitment to Rockville Centre’s growth and collaboration between businesses and the RVC Education Foundation has made a lasting impact.
Year after year, Lisa has supported the Education Foundation and the School Drama program and provided a venue for local high school musicians. In recognition of all her contributions to the community, Lisa was honored as "Rockville Centre’s 2018 Businessperson of the Year" by the Nassau County Council of Chambers of Commerce.
​Polka Dot Pound Cake is more than just a bakery—it’s a labor of love, a tribute to family traditions, and a testament to resilience and creativity. At the heart of it all is Lisa Umansky, a passionate baker whose journey from home kitchen to beloved community staple is as rich as the flavors she creates.
​
Lisa’s love for baking is deeply rooted in her Norwegian heritage, inspired by the cherished recipes passed down from her mother. After moving to Rockville Centre, NY, in 1993, she spent the early 2000s raising her two daughters while nurturing a creative spirit that would eventually lead to something bigger. From 2008 to 2012, she shared her handcrafted baked goods at 13 farmers' markets across Long Island, quickly gaining a loyal following.
In 2012, in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, Lisa saw an opportunity to turn her growing side business into a full-fledged bakery. Polka Dot Pound Cake opened its doors on Long Beach Road in 2013, marking a new chapter for both Lisa and the community. What began as a humble endeavor quickly became a local favorite, known for its homemade charm, unforgettable flavors, and inviting atmosphere.
That same year, Lisa’s husband, Paul Umansky, joined the business, helping to expand operations and bring new ideas to the table. Together, they have grown Polka Dot Pound Cake into a warm and welcoming gathering place where every bite tells a story.
​
Always looking ahead, Lisa continues to evolve her business. Lisa and her husband partnered with Old Westbury Gardens in 2016 as the café operators of Cafe in the Woods, and as their event caterer. In 2019, Polka Dot Pound Cake expanded into the adjacent storefront, creating a café and event space.
From farmers' markets to a thriving storefront, from a single baker to a family-run institution, Lisa Umansky has built Polka Dot Pound Cake on a foundation of tradition, passion, and community. And as she embarks on this next chapter, one thing remains the same—every cake, every cookie, and every cup of tea is made with love.
The Rockville Centre Education Foundation is proud to celebrate Lisa's achievements and her dedication to our community and our schools.
Melissa Rice has dedicated over two decades of her life to transforming the landscape of education in Rockville Centre. As a passionate and innovative educator, Melissa has consistently gone above and beyond to inspire her students and create opportunities for their success. Her commitment to fostering creativity and excellence in the classroom aligns perfectly with the mission of the Rockville Centre Education Foundation to enhance the quality of public education in our community.
​
Melissa’s teaching philosophy centers on the belief that education is the most powerful tool to change the world. Over her 23-year career, she has impacted the lives of hundreds of students, weaving compassion, perseverance, and a deep love of learning into her practice. She is known for her innovative approach to curriculum design, her ability to inspire students of all abilities, and her unwavering dedication to their success.
As a grant recipient from the Rockville Centre Education Foundation, Melissa has brought numerous innovative projects to life, creating dynamic learning experiences that have enriched her students' education and supported their growth. Her grants have been awarded for their exceptional educational merit and their potential to ignite curiosity and innovation in the classroom.
​
This year, Melissa Rice is being honored with the Ruth Fins Award, named for a beloved community advocate and tireless supporter of public education in Rockville Centre. Like Ruth Fins, Melissa embodies a spirit of dedication, advocacy, and a heartfelt belief in the transformative power of education. Her influence reaches far beyond her classroom, leaving an indelible mark on the students, families, and colleagues who have been fortunate enough to learn from and work alongside her. Beyond the classroom, Melissa and her husband, Mike, are dedicated parents to two dynamic girls who also feel like a part of the Rockville Centre community.
​
The Rockville Centre Education Foundation proudly celebrates Melissa’s achievements and unwavering commitment to our children and their future.
