SAUGERTIES, NY – On Sunday, September 25, 2016, some of the Hudson Valley’s most generous philanthropists, business and community leaders came together at Opus 40 to honor Sue Hartshorn of Dutchess County and Gloria Turk, son Steve Turk and his wife Shelley Turk of Ulster County. These beloved community leaders were recognized for their extraordinary commitments to philanthropy and community service in the region.

Sue Hartshorn and Steve Turk 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.

Proceeds from the event support the Community Foundations’ work in the region and its Community Response grant programs in Dutchess, Putnam 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’ President and CEO, March S. Gallagher, Esq. said, “The Community Foundations’ annual Garden Party has provided more than $1 million in grants to our region’s nonprofits since 2000. We are so grateful to our Platinum Sponsor, HealthAlliance and MidHudson Regional Hospital, Members of the WMCHealth Network, and all of our sponsors and guests for their generosity making this event and our work in the community possible.”

Kevin Quilty, event coordinator and Vice President of the Community Foundations’ work in Ulster County added, “We also thank Opus 40 and their excellent staff for hosting the event. They treated our guests with such care as they enjoyed a special glimpse of the sculpture park and sweeping views of the Catskill Mountains on a beautiful fall afternoon.”