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Spotlight on Honorees: Breda Lyons & Catherine Levins, River Court on Main
In the heart of New City, NY, River Court on Main has become much more than a neighborhood restaurant. Since its inception, co-owners Breda Lyons and Catherine Levins have infused the space with warmth, community spirit, and a deep-rooted commitment to social change. Through their leadership, River Court has grown into a vibrant gathering place where authentic Irish hospitality meets purpose-driven action and where the mission to end gender-based violence is embedded in everyday operations.
On October 24, 2025, Center for Safety & Change will proudly honor Breda and Catherine at the 18th Annual Simona & Jerome A. Chazen Business Luncheon.
From Vision to Community Gem
When Breda and Catherine opened River Court on Main, their vision extended beyond serving great food. They aimed to create a welcoming space where everyone neighbors, friends, and first-time visitors alike felt a sense of belonging. Over the past seven years, they have turned that vision into reality, cultivating a restaurant celebrated not only for its cuisine, but for its inclusive, heart-centered culture.
Guided by empathy and a desire to give back, River Court quickly evolved into a true community cornerstone. It stands as a shining example of how business and social impact can go hand in hand.
A Platform for Change
From day one, Breda and Catherine recognized the potential of their business to make a difference. River Court on Main has consistently leveraged its visibility to support meaningful causes, especially the work of Center for Safety & Change.
They’ve led impactful efforts such as the St. Patrick’s Day t-shirt awareness and fundraiser campaign, annual clothing, school supply, and toy drives, and regular participation in “Dine Out for Change.” These initiatives have not only raised vital funds, but have also mobilized community engagement and amplified awareness of critical issues.
By aligning their business with advocacy, Breda and Catherine demonstrate that local establishments can be powerful forces for change.
Advocating to End Gender-Based Violence
The Simona & Jerome A. Chazen Business Luncheon was created to equip businesses with tools to raise awareness about domestic violence and Breda and Catherine have embraced our mission wholeheartedly. Through River Court, they have sparked conversations, uplifted survivors, and reaffirmed that everyone deserves safety in their home, workplace, and community.
Their efforts are deeply aligned with the Center’s mission to support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other forms of abuse. Advocacy is not an add-on to their work, it is woven into the fabric of their business model, informing them how they lead, serve, and connect with others.
Honoring Legacy, Creating Impact
The luncheon’s namesakes, Simona and the late Jerome A. Chazen, believed in the vital role businesses play in eradicating domestic violence. As this year’s honorees, Breda Lyons and Catherine Levins continue that legacy proving that local leadership, fueled by compassion, can have a far-reaching impact.
Their work exemplifies how entrepreneurial spirit, when paired with purpose, can inspire others to act, give, and advocate for a more equitable and just world.
A Lasting Legacy of Hospitality and Justice
River Court on Main stands as a reflection of its owners’ values. Breda and Catherine have created more than a restaurant they’ve built a place where community flourishes and justice take center stage.
Their recognition at the 18th Annual Business Luncheon is a celebration not only of their business success, but also of their transformative impact on Rockland County. By blending hospitality with advocacy, they remind us that true leadership transcends business, it uplifts communities and advances change.
Center for Safety & Change proudly honors Breda Lyons and Catherine Levins for their unwavering commitment to community, compassion, and the shared vision of a world free from violence.
Center for Safety & Change provides critical services and support to women and all victims and survivors of gender-based violence and other crimes while working towards justice by creating social change.
