WAPPINGERS FALLS, NY – On Sunday, September 24, 2017, some of the Hudson Valley’s most generous philanthropists, business and community leaders came together at Obercreek to honor Elizabeth Peale Allen of Dutchess County, Seamus Carroll and Marie Wieck of Putnam County, and Tim and Laurel Sweeney of Ulster County. These beloved community leaders were recognized for their extraordinary commitments to philanthropy and community service in the region.

Each honoree spoke with conviction about role models, childhood experiences and beliefs that influenced their decisions to give back to the community through volunteer service and philanthropy.

Proceeds from the event support the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley’s work in the region, including its Community Grant programs in Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties. Community 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 $1.1 million in grants to our region’s nonprofits since 2000. We are especially grateful to our Pinnacle Sponsor, D’Arcangelo Financial Advisors LLC, and Platinum Sponsors, IBM, Peter and Deborah Krulewitch, and M&T Bank – along with 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 Alexander Reese and Alison Spear for hosting us at Obercreek, their beautiful estate. Our guests enjoyed a special glimpse of their historical and architecturally significant home on a beautiful warm fall afternoon.”

About the Honorees

Elizabeth Peale Allen and her late husband, John M. Allen, both served as trustees of the Community Foundations. Mrs. Allen, who served for nine years on the Community Foundations board and for 13 years on the Town of Pawling planning board, is the daughter of author Norman Vincent Peale, whose book, The Power of Positive Thinking, generated an entire movement around the principles of living a faith-based life. Mrs. Allen is currently board president of Trinity Pawling School, a director of Americares, and board chair of Guideposts, where she carries on her family’s legacy through the nondenominational nonprofit that provides inspiration to millions worldwide.

Seamus Carroll and Marie Wieck, who firmly believe that “charity begins at home,” have been instrumental to the Community Foundations’ growth in Putnam County. Grants from their fund are earmarked for programs that improve lives and protect the beauty of the region. A retired engineer, Mr. Carroll serves on the boards of Hudson Highlands Land Trust, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, and as board chair of Hudson Valley Seed. Ms. Wieck, an IBM executive, has volunteered with MentorNet, the Society of Women Engineers, Vital Voices, Haldane Technology Committee, and Girls Who Code. She serves on the boards of Charity Navigator, the Anita Borg Institute, and as co-chair of the National Association of Female Executives (NAFE) Roundtable.

Tim and Laurel Sweeney, known for their tireless energy and generosity, make “giving back” a priority. A wine connoisseur, Mr. Sweeney owns and operates Stone Ridge Wine and Spirits. He serves on the Marbletown town council and as board president of both SUNY Ulster and the Hudson Valley Catskill Region Multiple Listing Service. Additionally, he directs the Rondout Valley Business Association and serves as a vestry person at Christ the King Episcopal Church in Stone Ridge. Mrs. Sweeney’s professional career has evolved from critical care nursing at Benedictine Hospital to medical sales and marketing to her current position as associate broker with Berkshire Hathaway Nutshell Realty. She serves on the boards of the Mohonk Preserve and SUNY Ulster.