Stan Beinstein’s journey through the arts began in 1969 at SUNY New Paltz, where he helped produce concerts featuring legendary acts like Chicago, The Who, Jefferson Airplane, Chuck Berry, Seals and Crofts, and The Band. That formative experience ignited a lifelong passion for music and culture, guiding his career and his enduring impact on the Hudson Valley.

Over the years, Beinstein has supported institutions such as the Bardavon and Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, viewing them not just as venues but as cultural anchors that enrich the region. His work in music, media, and the arts has kept him closely connected to the creative community, and his philanthropy reflects a deep commitment to nurturing that spirit.

For Beinstein, investing in the arts is more than philanthropy—it’s family. His late wife, Rosalie, was a gifted artist and illustrator whose work graced posters for the Bardavon and Mid-Hudson Civic Center. “The arts are the bloodstream of our family,” he says. Creating a fund in Rosalie’s name was a way to honor her legacy and give back to the community that shaped them.

Beinstein’s love for the Hudson Valley is rooted in its unique blend of tranquility and cultural richness. From Ulster County to Poughkeepsie, he has lived and worked in places that pulse with artistic energy. “This place is steeped in artistic history,” he says, recalling recent moments like seeing Judd Hirsch perform on stage at Shadowland Stages and hearing John Simon—producer for The Band and Leonard Cohen—play piano in a local restaurant. “That’s the magic of this place.”

When it came time to establish Rosalie’s fund, Beinstein turned to the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, drawn by its combination of compassion and expertise. He saw CFHV as a trusted partner—one capable of transforming his vision into meaningful action. “The Community Foundations understand how to make things happen,” he says. “Whether it’s food, housing, or the arts, it knows how to direct funds where they’re needed most.”

To those considering opening a fund or giving locally, Beinstein offers heartfelt advice: “If you have a cause or a person you want to honor, there’s no better way than creating a fund locally.” He believes in the power of legacy—not just in memory, but in action. “There’s a saying from my heritage: You die twice — once when you pass, and once when your name is no longer spoken. A fund is a way to keep someone’s name, values, and spirit alive.”