Celebration of Service Awards Dinner 2025

What a joy it was to celebrate with so many of you at our recent Celebration of Service Awards Dinner at the City Winery! We truly enjoyed the evening. A special moment was presenting the 2025 Distinguished Leadership Award to Orange Bank and Trust. Michael Gilfeather's inspiring words highlighted their long and impactful partnership with United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region, and the incredible things we've been able to achieve together for our community. We also gave heartfelt thanks to our Top Campaign Companies for their employees' amazing generosity and were wowed by the Talent United contestants, especially the winner's beautiful rendition from Anastasia.

Many of our guests left with raffes prizes, amazing vacation packages and golf outings. We are so thankful to the many raffle donors and those who entered to win. A huge thank you to City Winery for the delicious wine, your fabulous venue and exceptional service.

We were eager to share more about a new program close to our hearts; our partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to promote early literacy. We are starting the program in two areas; the town of Amenia, in Dutchess County and Pine Bush, in Orange County. Children in these areas can register to start receiving books.

Talent United Recognition and Performance

The seven Talent United contestants deeply inspired the audience, not only with their extraordinary talents but also with their dedication to the United Way and their successful peer fundraising efforts. A standout performance came from Caroline Sottile, who, as a young vocalist, sang a beautiful piece from the Disney animated film Anastasia.

Event Committee

Sheila Appel
Dr. & Mrs. Daniel Z. Aronzon
Heather Bell-Meyer
Dr. Elizabeth H. Bradley
Frank M. Castella, Jr.
Fred Clarke, Esq.
Kevin J. Cleary
Matthew Cruz
Catherine (Candy) E. Davies
Jasmin Davis
Arthur DeDominicis, CPA
Ryan Dutcher
Tim Eisentraut
Dr. Robert Gervasi
Christopher Gilbert
Michael J. Gilfeather
Steve and Susan Howell
Timothy Kane
Steven and Linda Lant

Anne Marie "Annie" Leamy
Phillip Lekanides
Michael Lesler
Michael Mazzuca
Sharon A. McGinnis
Jeannie Montano
Hon. Steven M. Neuhaus
Marta Newkirk
Michelle S. O'Reilly
John P. O'Shea
Senator Robert Rolison
Barry and Rita Rothfeld
Elizabeth Rowley
Senator James Skoufis
Hon. Sue Serino
John Stroligo
Mark Villanti
Kevin C. Weinman
Dr. Kristine M. Young

Our Honoree

Orange Bank & Trust

Orange Bank & Trust is an independent bank that began with the vision of 14 founders over 130 years ago. It has grown through conservative banking practices, ongoing innovation, and an unwavering commitment to the community and business clientele to more than $2.5 billion in total assets. Orange Bank & Trust now has seventeen offices across four counties: Orange, Rockland, Westchester, and the Bronx.

Raffle & Auction Donations

Accessible Massage
Aesthetics with Alexis Sabrina Alloca Sallye Ander Inc.
Bardavon
Bradford Portraits
Cynthia Linden
Carlaw Casafina
The Center for Performing Arts Rhinebeck
Chloe + Lois
County Players
Crew Restaurant
Dutchess County Chamber of Commerce
Tim Eisentraut
Emerson Spa & Resort
Fingerprints New York
Fishkill Farms
Frazzleberries Country Store
Nicole Gilmartin
GorJana Jewelry
Gourmet Gift Baskets.com
Half Time Beverages
Halligan’s Public House
Heritage Food + Drink
Hudson Valley Food & Wine Festival
Hudson Valley Office Furniture
Hudson Valley Renegades
Hudson Valley Skin Care
Hudson Valley Swim
Hyde Park Jeweler
Jazzercise Poughkeepsie
Jane Johnson
Jessica Kaznowski
Samantha Lowe-Durling
Rebecca Lull
Elizabeth Manning
Sue Manning
Susan Marchewka
Millbrook Vineyards & Winery
Jeannie Montano
Motorcyclepedia Museum
MVP Health
Michelle Nepton
New York Giants
New York Jets
Oakdale Pottery
Orange Bank & Trust
Pamela’s on the Hudson
Ravenna Hair Design
Resorts World Catskills
Rossi’s Deli
RPM Raceway Shake and Grind
Kendra Scott
Sharon Shah
Lauren Spangler
Spins Bowl
Stagecoach Inn
The Stissing Center for Arts & Culture
The Tavern at Beekman Arms
Arnie Ten
Temple Hill Tavern and Catering
United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region
Vassar Golf Course
Wanderlust Realty - Rental Managers
Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery
West Hills Country Club
Whitecliff Vineyard