Annual Event Focuses on Childhood Literacy
& Honors the 2025 Kindness Champion winner.
POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — The United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region (UWDOR) launched its 2025 Workplace Campaigns with its annual Imagination Breakfast on Thursday, September 18, at the Doubletree by Hilton, in Poughkeepsie. This year’s event highlighted the critical role of literacy and community kindness in building a stronger future for the region.
The 2024 Workplace Campaign Chair, John Stroligo, was honored and Nicole Gilmartin, at CPA, Client Advisor Partner at RBT CPAs, LLP, was introduced as the new Campaign Chair for the 2025 Workplace Campaigns. Gilmartin is a dedicated United Way volunteer with a long history of leadership and service with the organization.
A central feature of the breakfast was the recognition of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a program partner, that provides free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five. At the breakfast the United Way announced its expansion of the program into additional towns. The program is being offered by United Way in Orange County in Pine Bush, Crawford, Circleville, Montgomery and in Dutchess County in the towns of Amenia Wassaic, Millerton.
"Imagine the excitement on a child's face when their very own book arrives in the mail, addressed just to them!" said Jeannie Montano, President and CEO of UWDOR. "These books aren't just entertainment; they are gateways to new worlds, tools for cognitive development, and building blocks for a lifelong love of reading."
As community Literacy Champions, two speakers were featured from the school districts from the towns where the Imagination Library programs have launched: Joseph Lenz, Superintendent of Pine Bush Central School District, and Ray Castellani, Superintendent of Webutuck Central School District.
Attendees heard from local author and retired Fire Lieutenant Mark Bendel, Jr., a Marist University graduate. He shared the story behind his book, Scout, the Firehouse Mascot: A True Story, and explained his writing process and why he chose it as a children's book. Bendel’s keynote offered an excellent opportunity to hear from a community member who served locally.
United Way Announced the Top Three Winners of the Kindness Champion competition.
Twelve nominees were recognized for their extraordinary acts of kindness following a community-wide peer-to-peer vote. The finalists received prize packages, including donations to a charity of their choice serving Dutchess or Orange Counties. The nominees were: Faith Cass, Nivanni Felix, LaShawne Granger, Dr. Ebony Green, Stephen Haff, Inginia Jackson, Debbie Major, Nyla Pichardo, Rebecca Snyder, Lori Rivenburgh, Shaniya Warren and Shawn White. Nyla Pichardo took first place, LaShawne Granger in second place, and Inginia Jackson in third.
The event was hosted by local radio personalities Anne Marie Leamy and Ryan Dutcher. Guests enjoyed a performance by the 2025 Talent United winner, local high school student Caroline Sottile. Thank you to the community dignitaries in attendance: Senator Rob Rolison, Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino, Bella Cometti, a representative from the Office of Congressman Pat Ryan, Lisa Kaul, Dutchess County Legislature, and Pastor Patrick Guarracino of Immanuel Church in Wappingers Falls, who delivered the invocation.
United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region would like to thank all of its generous 2025 Imagination Breakfast Sponsors.
Premier Annual Sponsors: Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp., Pratt & Whitney
Annual Sponsors: CDPHP, IBM Corporation, RBT CPAs, LLP, Resorts World Hudson Valley, TD Bank, Ulster Savings Bank
Silver Sponsors: Petro Home Services
Bronze Sponsors: Kevin Cleary & Holly Wahlberg, DSL Financial Services
Partner Sponsors: Bruderhof Community at Fox Hill, Cassalina & Marquis Group of Merrill Lynch, Marist University, PKF O’Connor Davies
Centerpiece Sponsor: M&O Sanitation
Media Sponsors: iHeart Radio/Q92, Mid-Hudson News, Pamal Broadcasting, Sunrise Media, WTBQ & WGHT Radio, Wall Radio