Three hundred guests converged on the Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site’s lawn for the second Urban Garden Party, benefiting Groundwork Hudson Valley, on September 17. The event featured local cuisine by famed chef Peter Kelly, and honored several individuals who have been instrumental in building up various Westchester communities. Groundwork plans to use the nearly $240,000 raised to fund programs that rejuvenate neglected neighborhoods. On hand at the event were Groundwork’s board chair Robert Baron, chef Peter Kelly, State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and Steve Cutler Photograph by Donna Davis/Ms. Davis Photography
Hudson Valley Community Services held its Hairdressers’ Disco Ball and Charity Hair Show (which raises funds and awareness for HVCS’s HIV/AIDS programs) on August 17 at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie. Eighteen local salons plus guest stylists participated in the futuristic-themed runway show; more than 500 guests enjoyed appetizers, a business catwalk, and roving body-painted models. From left: J. Dewey, HVCS’s public relations director; Carla Ramos, show creator; and Kate Cinzio, K104.7 FM host and emcee of the show
Photograph by Tracy Buzzanco
Columbia-Greene Community Foundation Executive Director Joan Koweek (second from left) gathers with Columbia-Greene Community College students and basketball team members (from left) Rodney Dickson, Nate Williams, and Derwyn Thompson. The foursome were among the 200 guests who danced the night away at the foundation’s gala fund-raiser, held September 13 at the Greenport campus
Photograph by Shanna Decelle
The Ty Louis Campbell Foundation recently celebrated its Muddy Puddles “Mess Fest” on August 9 at Camp Kiwi in Mahopac. More than 1,500 tristate area guests attended the event, which raised more than $75,000 in support of pediatric cancer research. Chase Eichele stands near a photo of his brother Tanner, who was honored at the event
A sold-out crowd of more than 300 local residents, community advocates, and volunteers supported United Way of Westchester and Putnam at the “Best Chefs and Fine Wines” event, held on September 15 at Putnam County Golf Course. Proceeds from the event benefited United Way’s health initiatives, which include reducing childhood obesity (among others). Prior to the party, United Way honored its volunteers with an award ceremony: David Yawman (center) receives the “Spirit of Westchester and Putnam Volunteer Award” from board chairman Greg Bassuk (left) and President/CEO Alana Sweeny
The Benedictine Health Foundation held its 26th annual Sister Mary Charles Club Reception on September 10 to thank donors for their support. Daniel J. Gruner, (left), who volunteered with the organization for 11 years, was the evening’s honoree. Standing with Gruner are (left to right) Nan Gruner, Ellen Arsenault, Meg DiDonna, Jenn Gruner, A.J. Gruner, Fr. Bill Waters, and Al Gruner
The Jewish Federation of Ulster County’s Fall for Art fund-raiser took place on September 4 at the Wiltwyck Golf Club in Kingston. The event raised more than $20,000 for area not-for-profits, and awarded scholarships to three high school art students. Scholarship recipients Suki McCarty (far left), Megan DeMarco (center), and Asher Weinman (far right) proudly display their winning pieces with Fall for Art committee members Sue Worthman (second from left) and Randy Mundi (second from right)
Photograph by Celeste Brunnell
Madeleine K. Albright, the country’s 64th Secretary of State (and the first female to hold that position), speaks at the Henry A. Wallace Center at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum on September 4. The program coincided with the Roosevelt Library’s special exhibition, “Read My Pins: The Madeleine Albright Collection.” The exhibit features more than 200 pins and explores how Albright used jewelry as a diplomatic, social, and political tool
Congressman Chris Gibson presents a Women Veterans Challenge Coin — given to exceptional veterans to honor their wartime contributions and bravery — to Ruth Milliot of Rhinebeck on August 11 at Northern Dutchess Hospital. At 103 years old, Milliot is the oldest female Marine veteran in the nation
Congressman Chris Gibson presents a Women Veterans Challenge Coin — given to exceptional veterans to honor their wartime contributions and bravery — to Ruth Milliot of Rhinebeck on August 11 at Northern Dutchess Hospital. At 103 years old, Milliot is the oldest female Marine veteran in the nation
Congressman Chris Gibson presents a Women Veterans Challenge Coin — given to exceptional veterans to honor their wartime contributions and bravery — to Ruth Milliot of Rhinebeck on August 11 at Northern Dutchess Hospital. At 103 years old, Milliot is the oldest female Marine veteran in the nation
Mount Saint Mary College unveiled the Kaplan Family Library and Learning Center in the newly renovated Dominican Center on August 14. Among the event’s featured speakers was college President Anne Carson Daly