ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, NY – On Sunday, September 27, 2015, some 500 of the Hudson Valley’s most generous philanthropists, business and community leaders came together at historic Montgomery Place to honor Darlene L. Pfeiffer of Ulster County and Richard C. Strain and daughter Karen Strain Smythe of Dutchess County. These beloved community leaders were recognized for their extraordinary commitments to philanthropy and community service in the region.
Ms. Pfeiffer and the Strains each spoke with conviction about how family role models taught them since childhood to give back to the community through volunteer service and philanthropy. Over the years, their personal involvement and philanthropy has brought even more joy and fulfillment to their lives, and inspires them daily to continue to do more.
The event netted over $100,000 to support the Community Foundations’ work in the region and its Community Response grant programs in Dutchess and Ulster counties. Community Response grants build the capacity and effectiveness of local nonprofit organizations in health and human services, education, the arts, environmental protection and more.
The Community Foundations also publicly introduced its newly appointed President and CEO, March S. Gallagher, who formally began her new role on September 28, 2015. She said, “What a wonderful way to meet the generous people who are the backbone of the Community Foundations’ impact in our region. The community service of the honorees is a personal inspiration to me moving forward in my new role.”
“We are so grateful to our Platinum Sponsors, HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley and Health Quest, and all of our sponsors and guests for their generosity making this event and our work in the community possible,” said Kevin Quilty, event leader and Vice President of the Community Foundations’ work in Ulster County. “We also thank Montgomery Place’s Director Ray Armater and his excellent staff for hosting the event. They treated our guests with such care as they enjoyed a special glimpse of the mansion and sweeping views of the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains on a beautiful fall afternoon.”