News & Events

Rotary Club Of Middletown Places Golden Gear Educational Fund With Community Foundation Of Orange And Sullivan

Middletown, NY – The Rotary Club of Middletown has established The Rotary Club of Middletown Golden Gear Educational Fund within the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan.   The Fund was established with a gift of $89,160.

Awards will be made annually from The Rotary Club of Middletown Golden Gear Educational Fund to support the college or higher education costs of graduating students from Minisink Valley High School and Middletown High School.  Applicants must demonstrate how they have overcome significant obstacles in their lives and demonstrated real progress in turning their lives around.

The Community Foundation of Orange & Sullivan helps individuals, businesses, and organizations establish permanent Charitable Funds that award grants and scholarships forever.  Nearly 80 charitable funds have been created since 1999 and have awarded more than $850,000 in grants in the areas of land preservation, education, health/human services, youth development, the arts and culture.  Simple and cost effective, it costs nothing to establish a fund and the Foundation charges a modest fee annually to administer the fund.  For more information, contact Karen VanHouten at 469-4469 or www.cfoc-ny.org.  To contribute to The Rotary Club of Middletown Golden Gear Educational Fund or to establish your own charitable fund in the name of your business or family, contact Karen VanHouten at 469-4469 (vanhouten@cfoc-ny.org.) or www.cfoc-ny.org. 

Community Foundation Of Orange And Sullivan Will Honor Ottaway And Kassel At Green Leaf Gala On April 12th

Ruth Kassel

Jim Ottaway

On April 12th, the Community Foundation will honor two of its founders and community philanthropists, Ruth B. Kassel and James H. Ottaway Jr. at its Green Leaf Gala at Anthony’s Pier 9 in New Windsor.  The event is being co-chaired by Jim and Eileen Taylor.

Ruth Kassel is a woman who achieved an enviable balance between her personal, professional, and community commitments.  In 1988, she obtained her law degree from Pace University.  In the interim, Ruth worked in the family business, Kassel Brothers Clothing Stores, raised three sons, and worked tirelessly to improve her community through the Junior League, Cub Scouts, the PTA, Library Board, and Hillside Cemetery Board.
She then became an attorney specializing in Family Law, was a Court-Appointed Law Guardian and did Divorce Mediation.

Ruth Kassel possesses a long history of public service of amazing scope from the PTA to the Orange County Legislature where she served for 12 years and chaired the Finance and Administration, Social Services, and Health and Mental Health Committees.  She was the Founding President of the Homemaker Service of Orange County, the OCCC Educational Foundation Board and most recently the Community Foundation of Orange/Sullivan County on whose Board she served for eight years.

She has presided over the Boards of the Orange County Citizens Foundation, the Orange County School Boards Association, The Ramapo-Catskill Library, the Middletown School District Public Library, and the Middletown Unit of Junior League.  Ms. Kassel co-chaired the YMCA Capital Fund Drive and served as a YMCA Trustee.  She also served on the Museum Village Board, City of Middletown IDA, the Middletown Board of Education, and the Dispute Resolution Center Board.

Kassel has received special awards from CASA (Orange County Court Appointed Special Assistants), Leadership Orange, OCCC, Orange/Sullivan Boy Scouts of America, Delta Kappa Gamma women educators, and the Greek Ladies Philoptochos Society. In 2002, Ruth was honored by the Tribute to Women of Achievement of Orange County in the Professions category.

In Orange County, Jim Ottaway, Jr.’s name has garnered admiration and high regard for several decades.  Many know him professionally through his roles with Dow Jones & Co. and the Times Herald Record.  And many more know him for his philanthropy locally, nationally and internationally.

Photo of Provident Bank giving $15k Major Corporate Sponsorship of Community Foundation 2008 Green Leaf Gala

Photo of Gala Working Committee

In the Hudson Valley, he, along with Ruth Kassel, was among the founders of the Community Foundation.  Mr. Ottaway has devoted his time and resources to many organizations such as Storm King Art Center, Bard College and the Wallkill Valley Land Trust.  He and his wife have long contributed most generously to many nonprofit agencies and projects.  Mr. Ottaway has been honored by Elant, Occupations and the Orange County Citizens Foundation for his contributions to the quality of life of Orange County.

Mr. Ottaway’s life and contributions range far wider than his professional achievements.  His non-profit board activities reflect his values and concerns.  Included in the long list are the US advisory board of Doctors Without Borders, the New York Council of Human Rights Watch USA, the International Center for Transitional Justice, Human Rights in China, the World Wildlife Fund, the Archaeological Institute of America, and the Urban Coalition.  Mr. Ottaway’s life seems as busy in retirement as it was during his working years.  He values his role as a Trustee of Bard College and chairman of the advisory board of Bard’s Institute for International Liberal Education. 

Beyond professional and civic duty, Mr. Ottaway has a deep interest in Nepal, an interest he developed during his years as head of Dow Jones International, supervising the Asian and European editions of the Wall Street Journal, from 1984 – 1998.  He has trekked in Nepal four times times, once to the base camp in the Himalayas, 18,000 feet above sea level.  Through the World Wildlife Fund, Mr. Ottaway has participated in projects in Annapurna and Kanchenjunga, Nepal.  In Kanchenjunga, he worked with local peoples on an integrated conservation and development initiative designed to create sustainable livelihoods for residents while protecting animals and forests.

The Green Leaf Gala is open to the public for an evening of dining and dancing as the Foundation celebrates spring and other new beginnings!  Provident Bank is the major corporate sponsor.  The event is also being sponsored by Anthony’s Pier 9, the Times Herald-Record, Crystal Run Healthcare, Orange Regional Medical Center; Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell; Clear Channel Radio of the Hudson Valley, Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation, M&T Bank, Platinum Mechanical Contractors, and TD Banknorth!  Tickets are $150 per person.  Sponsorships and advertising in the commemorative journal for the Green Leaf Gala are still available.  Please call the Community Foundation at 469-4469, or log on to www.cfoc-ny.org.

Wallkill East Rotary Scholarship Established Within Community Foundation Of Orange And Sullivan

The Wallkill East Rotary Club has established The Wallkill East Rotary Scholarship Fund within the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan.   The Fund was established with a gift of $20,000.

Awards will be made annually from The Wallkill East Rotary Scholarship Fund to students who live in the Town of Wallkill, demonstrate leadership, initiative, service to their school and community, high character, and evidence of academic effort, achievement and initiative.
 
The Community Foundation of Orange & Sullivan helps individuals, businesses, and organizations establish permanent Charitable Funds that award grants and scholarships forever.  Nearly 80 charitable funds have been created since 1999 and have awarded more than $850,000 in grants in the areas of land preservation, education, health/human services, youth development, the arts and culture.  Simple and cost effective, it costs nothing to establish a fund and the Foundation charges a modest fee annually to administer the fund.  For more information, contact Karen VanHouten at 469-4469 or www.cfoc-ny.org.  To contribute to The Wallkill East Rotary Scholarship Fund or to establish your own charitable fund in the name of your business or family, contact Karen VanHouten at 469-4469 (vanhouten@cfoc-ny.org.) or www.cfoc-ny.org. 

Chester Kiwanis Establish Scholarship Fund with Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan

Chester, NY – Chester Kiwanis has established the Chester Kiwanis Scholarship Fund within the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan.  

SINCE THIS FUND BALANCE WON’T BE AT $25,000 MINIMUM THRESHHOLD IN ORDER TO BE DISTRIBUTED IN 2008, JOHN RAVERT, PRESIDENT OF CHESTER KIWANIS SAID TO HOLD OFF ON PRESS RELEASE THIS YEAR.

CHESTER KIWANIS WILL FOLLOW THEIR NORMAL PROCEDURE FOR GETTING THIS SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED (AS IN THE PAST).

ONCE THE FUND GETS TO THE $25,000 MINIMUM THRESHOLD, CONFIRM WITH CHESTER KIWANIS THAT THIS SCHOLARSHIP IS ONLY FOR CHESTER ACADEMY GRADUATES --- THE FUND AGREEMENT DOES NOT SAY.

PREPARE AN ADDENDUM AT THAT TIME ONCE CHESTER KIWANIS CONFIRMS THAT THIS SCHOLARSHIP IS TO BE AWARDED AT CHESTER ACADEMY ONLY, IF THAT IS STILL THE CASE.  K.VANHOUTEN

The Community Foundation of Orange & Sullivan helps individuals, businesses, and organizations establish permanent Charitable Funds that will makes grants or scholarships in a donor’s name, your family’s name, or the name of your business.  Seventy-five Charitable Funds have been created since 1999.  Those Charitable Funds have awarded more than $850,000 in grants in the areas of land preservation, education, health/human services, youth development, the arts and culture.  Karen VanHouten, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan indicated, “Donors establish charitable funds for the things they care about.  It’s simple and cost effective.  It costs nothing to create a charitable fund and only 1% annually for the Community Foundation to administer the Fund.”  To contribute to the Chester Kiwanis Scholarship Fund or to establish your own charitable fund in the name of your business or family, contact Karen VanHouten at 469-4469 (vanhouten@cfoc-ny.org.) or www.cfoc-ny.org. 

Walden Savings Bank makes $10,000 Donation to John D. Garrison Memorial Scholarship Fund (WSB)

Avid Cocks (Walden Savings Bank) making gift to Community Foundation John D Garrison Memorial Scholarship Fund

Chester, NY – Walden Savings Bank has made a $10,000 gift to the John D. Garrison Memorial Scholarship Fund (WSB).   The Fund was created in early 2007 by Walden Savings Bank in memory of John D. Garrison, the former President of Walden Savings Bank.  According to David Cocks, President of Walden Savings, “John was a fine community leader and businessperson.  His goodness, kindness, and caring touched so many that it was only appropriate to create a lasting way to remember John.  Walden Savings Bank is proud to make another substantial gift to this endowment fund that will provide scholarships to students forever.”

Seven $500 scholarships were awarded earlier this year from the John D. Garrison Memorial Scholarship Fund (WSB).   Each recipient was evaluated on his or her good character, community service involvement, and their desire to pursue a career in business or finance.   2007 Recipients were Savaltore Gigante of Cornwall Central High School who is attending Western New England College, Krysten Thomas of Marlboro Central High School who is attending Loyola University.  Leonel Sorano of Newburgh Free Academy who is attending LeMoyne College, Sean Cloke of Pine Bush Central High School who is attending Mount Saint Mary College, Jennifer Polesel of Valley Central High School who is attending Dublin Institute of Technology, Corey Fisher of Wallkill Central High School who is attending Iona College, and Jaclyn Fitzgerald of Washingtonville Central High School who is attending Marist College.

The Community Foundation of Orange & Sullivan helps individuals, businesses, and organizations establish permanent Charitable Funds that will makes grants or scholarships in a donor’s name, your family’s name, or the name of your business.  Seventy-five Charitable Funds have been created since 1999.  Those Charitable Funds have awarded more than $850,000 in grants in the areas of land preservation, education, health/human services, youth development, the arts and culture.  Karen VanHouten, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan indicated, “Donors establish charitable funds for the things they care about.  It’s simple and cost effective.  It costs nothing to create a charitable fund and only 1% annually for the Community Foundation to administer the Fund.”  To contribute to the John D. Garrison Memorial Scholarship Fund (WSB)or to establish your own charitable fund, contact Karen VanHouten at 469-4469 (vanhouten@cfoc-ny.org.) or www.cfoc-ny.org. 

Richard O’Beirne and Dr. Patrick Michel Appointed to Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan Board

The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan is pleased to announce its newest appointments to the Board of Directors:  Richard O’Beirne and Dr. Patrick Michel. 

Richard O’Beirne, President of Airport Properties, LLC, is a highly respected speaker, negotiator and management trustee.  O’Bierne is the chairman of the board of trustees of St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital.  He also serves on the board of trustees of Riverside Bank, the Orange County Partnership, and in an Emeritus status on the board of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce. O’Beirne resides in Newburgh with his wife of 45 years, Chrystal.  They have five daughters and eight grandchildren.

Dr. Patrick Michel is Superintendent of Schools for the Monticello Central School District.  He has served in the Clarkstown, Hyde Park, Pine Bush, and Monroe-Woodbury school districts.  Dr. Michel is currently on the board of directors of the Sullivan County Partnership, the Middletown YMCA, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Wallkill and Sullivan County, The Monticello Community that Cares Coalition, and the New York State Board of Parent Information and Resources Center.  Dr. Michel has also been involved with the Boy Scouts of America for the past 30 years.  He currently resides in Monticello with his wife Salvina of 21 years and their three children Joseph, James, and Katie.

Officers of the Foundation are RJ Smith, President, RJ Smith Realty as President; David Cocks, President, Walden Savings Bank, as Vice President - Finance, Gerald Jacobowitz, Esq., Jacobowitz and Gubits LLP, as Vice President-Development; Derrik Wynkoop, VP of Retail Delivery, Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union as Treasurer; William Vacca, Regional VP, Provident Bank as Secretary, and Anne Palmer Moss, VP of Development, Elant Foundation, Inc. as Assistant Secretary.

Other directors include Chris Ashman, Orange County Commissioner of Mental Health, Goshen; Ann Barber Smith, Principal, Ann Barber Consulting, New Paltz; Debbie Bogdanski, General Manager, Frontier Communications, Middletown; Michael Bonura, General Manager, Anthony’s Pier 9, New Windsor; William Bratton, Technical Solutions Manager, IBM Global Services, Westtown; William Devitt, Sr. V.P. Investments, Merrill Lynch, Middletown; Dorothy Fein, Executive Director, Crystal Run Healthcare, Middletown; Katharine Fitzgerald, V.P, Provident Bank, Florida; Joanne Gross, Community Volunteer, Pine Bush;  David Hawkins, President, D.L. Hawkins Realty, Goshen; Sandy Leonard, Supervisor, Town of Monroe, Monroe;  Jonah Mandelbaum, President, MJJ Builders Corporation, Warwick; Howard Mills, Chief Advisor, Deloitte & Touche USA, LLP, New York; Robert Onofry, Esq., Cuddeback & Onofry – Port Jervis; Rolland Peacock III, V.P., TD Banknorth – Middletown; Josh Sommers, President, Focus Media Group – Monticello; Tom Sullivan, President, Smith Seaman and Quackenbush; and Joe Vanderhoof, President & Publisher, Times Herald-Record - Middletown.

The primary goal of the Community Foundation is to connect people who care with causes that matter.   “We achieve this goal with the help of a large volunteer support system of Board members and working committees.  Board members are selected because their professional spheres of influence are compatible with the needs of the Foundation,” said Board President RJ Smith.  “We are extremely fortunate to have many prominent and community-minded citizens lend their talents in cultivating, managing, and growing permanent charitable endowments on behalf of individuals, businesses, and organizations,” added Karen VanHouten, the Foundation’s Executive Director.

To learn more about the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan (845) 469-4469, or visit www.cfoc-ny.org.

Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan Awarded State Funding

The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan has been awarded $35,000 in state funding to expand philanthropic services in Orange and Sullivan County.  The money will be used to provide services to existing and future donors who set up permanent charitable endowed funds through the Community Foundation.   The funding was secured by state Senator William J. Larkin, Jr.

The Community Foundation encourages individuals, businesses and organizations to establish permanent charitable funds which award grants to local nonprofit organizations and scholarships to students.   Since inception in 1999, the Community Foundation has established 75 charitable funds that have awarded over $877,000 in grants and scholarships throughout the local area.

The Community Foundation handles all the details involved in setting up and administering a charitable fund, therefore it’s an easy and cost-effective way to make the most of individual and corporate charitable donations.  To learn more, call Karen VanHouten at 469-4469 or email vanhouten@cfoc-ny.org. 

Michell Speight
The Dyson Foundation
845.677.0644

Dyson Foundation Awards Grant To Community Foundation Of Orange And Sullivan

Chester, NY - The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Dyson Foundation for general operating support and its initiative to expand philanthropy in Orange County. The grant will be payable over a two year period for fiscal years 2007-2008 and 2008-2009. Speaking for the Dyson Foundation, Director of Programs Michell Speight said, "The Foundation's Directors are delighted to award this grant to support philanthropy in Orange County, and they join me in wishing the Community Foundation every continuing success in expanding their philanthropic work throughout Orange and Sullivan Counties, and the wider region."

The Dyson Foundation is a private grant making foundation headquartered in Dutchess County and directed by the Dyson family under the leadership of Foundation President Robert R. Dyson. The Dyson Foundation's mission is to improve and enhance the quality of life in the region for all of its residents, especially those most vulnerable or economically disadvantaged,” said Dyson.  "The Dyson Foundation supports the work of community foundations because community foundations assist individuals, businesses, and local organizations in creating permanent, charitable endowment funds which, like the Dyson Foundation, enhance the quality of life throughout our region," said Speight.

In 2006, the Dyson Foundation awarded grants of over $18 million to a wide variety of non-profit organizations supporting the arts, medicine, education, children's issues, HIV/AIDS prevention and education, and assistance to immigrants, among other program areas.

Incorporated in 1999, the Community Foundation is an effective and innovative giving vehicle that combines maximum tax savings and flexibility with the opportunity to make a difference locally. "The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation made it easy for Warren Buffett to accomplish his charitable objectives, and the Community Foundation makes it easy for people of all means to make a difference in their local community," said Karen VanHouten, Executive Director of the Community Foundation. "We offer a simple and cost effective way to create a charitable fund that operates much like a private foundation. This grant from the Dyson Foundation supports our work to continue helping individuals, organizations, and businesses establish more charitable endowment funds that will strengthen our communities forever," VanHouten added. The Community Foundation, since its inception, has awarded over $850,000 in grants and scholarships. For more information, please contact Karen VanHouten at the Community Foundation at 845-469-4469.

Richard O’Beirne and Dr. Patrick Michel Appointed to Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan Board

Richard O’Beirne

Dr. Patrick Michel

The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan is pleased to announce its newest appointments to the Board of Directors:  Richard O’Beirne and Dr. Patrick Michel. 

Richard O’Beirne, President of Airport Properties, LLC, is a highly respected speaker, negotiator and management trustee.  O’Bierne is the chairman of the board of trustees of St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital.  He also serves on the board of trustees of Riverside Bank, the Orange County Partnership, and in an Emeritus status on the board of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce. O’Beirne resides in Newburgh with his wife of 45 years, Chrystal.  They have five daughters and eight grandchildren.

Dr. Patrick Michel is Superintendent of Schools for the Monticello Central School District.  He has served in the Clarkstown, Hyde Park, Pine Bush, and Monroe-Woodbury school districts.  Dr. Michel is currently on the board of directors of the Sullivan County Partnership, the Middletown YMCA, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Wallkill and Sullivan County, The Monticello Community that Cares Coalition, and the New York State Board of Parent Information and Resources Center.  Dr. Michel has also been involved with the Boy Scouts of America for the past 30 years.  He currently resides in Monticello with his wife Salvina of 21 years and their three children Joseph, James, and Katie.

Officers of the Foundation are RJ Smith, President, RJ Smith Realty as President; David Cocks, President, Walden Savings Bank, as Vice President - Finance, Gerald Jacobowitz, Esq., Jacobowitz and Gubits LLP, as Vice President-Development; Derrik Wynkoop, VP of Retail Delivery, Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union as Treasurer; William Vacca, Regional VP, Provident Bank as Secretary, and Anne Palmer Moss, VP of Development, Elant Foundation, Inc. as Assistant Secretary.

Other directors include Chris Ashman, Orange County Commissioner of Mental Health, Goshen; Ann Barber Smith, Principal, Ann Barber Consulting, New Paltz; Debbie Bogdanski, General Manager, Frontier Communications, Middletown; Michael Bonura, General Manager, Anthony’s Pier 9, New Windsor; William Bratton, Technical Solutions Manager, IBM Global Services, Westtown; William Devitt, Sr. V.P. Investments, Merrill Lynch, Middletown; Dorothy Fein, Executive Director, Crystal Run Healthcare, Middletown; Katharine Fitzgerald, V.P, Provident Bank, Florida; Joanne Gross, Community Volunteer, Pine Bush;  David Hawkins, President, D.L. Hawkins Realty, Goshen; Sandy Leonard, Supervisor, Town of Monroe, Monroe;  Jonah Mandelbaum, President, MJJ Builders Corporation, Warwick; Howard Mills, Chief Advisor, Deloitte & Touche USA, LLP, New York; Robert Onofry, Esq., Cuddeback & Onofry – Port Jervis; Rolland Peacock III, V.P., TD Banknorth – Middletown; Josh Sommers, President, Focus Media Group – Monticello; Tom Sullivan, President, Smith Seaman and Quackenbush; and Joe Vanderhoof, President & Publisher, Times Herald-Record - Middletown.

The primary goal of the Community Foundation is to connect people who care with causes that matter.   “We achieve this goal with the help of a large volunteer support system of Board members and working committees.  Board members are selected because their professional spheres of influence are compatible with the needs of the Foundation,” said Board President RJ Smith.  “We are extremely fortunate to have many prominent and community-minded citizens lend their talents in cultivating, managing, and growing permanent charitable endowments on behalf of individuals, businesses, and organizations,” added Karen VanHouten, the Foundation’s Executive Director.

To learn more about the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan (845) 469-4469, or visit www.cfoc-ny.org.

Community Foundation of Orange County and Sullivan Hosting Annual Reception November 29th Honoring Orange County Chamber of Commerce

The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan will host its Annual Reception on
November 29th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the HarnessRacingMuseum and Hall of Fame of the Trotter in Goshen. 

The Community Foundation will honor the Orange County Chamber of Commerce for its significant contribution to the quality of life in Orange County by promoting business and philanthropy.

$20 per person.  Sponsorships are available.  Sponsor levels are Platinum ($2,000), Gold ($1,000), Silver ($500), and Bronze ($250).

The Community Foundation helps individuals, businesses and organizations establish permanent charitable funds that award grants and scholarships forever.  Over 70 charitable funds, created since 1999, have awarded more than $850,000 in grants in the areas of land preservation, education, health & human services, youth development, the arts and culture.  To learn more about the Community Foundation or the upcoming Annual Reception, call the Community Foundation at 469-4469 or e-mail Karen VanHouten at vanhouten@cfoc-ny.org. 

September 17, 2007

The Caitlin M. Hammaren Memorial Foundation Is Established

Chester, NY – Sept. 13, 2007 – The Caitlin M. Hammaren Memorial Foundation was recently created following Caitlin's tragic and senseless death on the morning of April 16, 2007 at Virginia Tech.  At 19 years old, Caitlin was just completing her sophomore year and was pursuing a double major in International Studies/Politics and Leadership, with a minor in French.  Her parents, Marian and Christian, along with family and friends, have established this Foundation as a way to keep the memory of Caitlin alive and vibrant.  The Caitlin M. Hammaren Memorial Foundation is a component charitable fund of the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan.

Caitlin was an only child who lived in Westtown, New York.  She was well known within her local community, as well as the Virginia Tech community, for her smile, her warm personality, and her caring and nurturing nature.  While at Virginia Tech she was a Resident Advisor to 58 students whom she referred to as "her angels".  Caitlin frequently engaged in little acts of kindness, quietly and unobtrusively assisting or comforting those around her who she intuitively sensed were in need.  A friend attending Caitlin’s memorial service said, "Caitlin made everyone feel like they were her best friend".

Caitlin loved the Arts and during her short life was involved in many aspects of them.  She participated in the fine arts, she sang, played the violin, the theater and the Culinary Arts.   She was also an accomplished equestrian in the discipline of dressage.   To say that Caitlin lived each day to the fullest would be an understatement.  A close family friend described Caitlin as “mastering the art of living”.  Through The Caitlin M. Hammaren Memorial Foundation the family will continue those quiet little acts of kindness by assisting other young students through a scholarship fund.  Each year a graduate from Caitlin's alma mater, Minisink Valley High School, will receive a scholarship from the Foundation to help continue their pursuit of higher education.  Additionally, in the future, grants will be awarded from the Foundation that reflect Caitlin’s love for others and her passion for the Arts.

By bringing The Caitlin M. Hammaren Memorial Foundation under the umbrella of the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan, the Hammaren Foundation will now able to focus on fundraising and its desire to award grants in Orange County for charitable causes that were important to Caitlin.   The Community Foundation manages charitable funds and handles all of the fiscal reporting and administration for each charitable fund under its umbrella, thereby keeping administration costs much lower than a private foundation, and allowing more dollars to flow toward grants and scholarships.

Contributions to The Caitlin M. Hammaren Memorial Foundation are welcome.   Donations can be made to CFOC-Caitlin M. Hammaren Memorial Foundation and sent to the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan, 23 White Oak Drive, Chester, NY 10918.   The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  All gifts are tax deductible under current tax laws.The Community Foundation can be reached by calling 469-4469. 

On October 5, 2007 the First Annual Caitlin M. Hammaren Memorial Foundation Golf Tournament will be held at High Point Golf Club.  Please contact Virginia or Dion Morrow at (845) 726-3984 or (845) 726-3822 for details. 

Community Foundation Of Orange County Changes Name, Expands Philanthropic Services Into Sullivan County

Monticello, N.Y. – Sept. 5, 2007 – The Community Foundation of Orange County recently announced that it will be expanding services into Sullivan County.  To reflect its expanded services, the foundation will also be changing its name to the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan.

The expansion was announced Wednesday at a press conference at the Sullivan County Government Center.

“Through the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan, and the combined gifts of many people, permanent charitable funds will be created whose income will make grants that meet important community needs and leave a lasting legacy,” said Karen VanHouten, executive director of the newly christened Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan.

In the six years since the inception of the Community Foundation of Orange County, over 70 permanent charitable funds have been established by individuals, businesses and organizations. Those funds have provided over $850,000 in grants and scholarships.

“The Community Foundation should propel philanthropy to a new level in Sullivan County as individuals discover that giving in the county has become easier and more organized,” said R.J. Smith, president of the Board of Directors of the foundation. “The reality is that it is expensive to set up a private foundation. Donors are required to meet regulatory requirements, comply with federal guidelines and make appropriate IRS filings, among a myriad of other details. It is often difficult to determine what charities should receive grants.  We are here to assist donors in carrying out their charitable wishes, while relieving them of the administrative burdens,” he added.

“Educating the community that we are here to complement and support existing nonprofit organizations is critically important,” VanHouten said. “The Community Foundation will be available to existing nonprofits – and the donors who support those organizations – to establish permanent charitable funds that will provide a stream of income back to those organizations forever.”

“We all have a responsibility to give back to, and preserve, the communities we live in,” said Derrik Wynkoop, a foundation board member and treasurer. “What better way to do that than to help create a vehicle that pools and expands the area’s philanthropic resources to meet current and future challenges and opportunities. That’s what community foundations do and this is exciting to us.  As we expand the work of the Community Foundation, we are identifying key individuals in Sullivan County to assist us in this effort.”

Outstanding Area Students Receive $78,250 In ScholarshipsThrouh The Community Foundation Of Orange County

The following area high school students received scholarships through a number of charitable endowments managed by the Community Foundation of Orange County. 

CHESTER UNION FREE SCHOOL - Chester, NY
Maryalice DeAngelis and Thomas Burke received $1,250 eachfrom the Rudolph Vallet Memorial Science and Education Scholarship.   DeAngelis will study Education at SUNY Oneonta, and Burke will study Biological Studies at St. John’s University.

CORNWALL HIGH SCHOOL – Cornwall, NY
Salvatore Gigante received $500 from the John D. Garrison Memorial Scholarship and will attend Western New England College to major in Sports Management.   Carlene Meaney received $200 from the Cornwall Alumni Scholarship and will study Pre-Med at the University of Delaware.

JAMES I. O’NIELL HIGH SCHOOL – Highland Falls/Fort Montgomery, NY
Megan Krieger and Christos Constantinou received $1,000 each from the Abraham and Judith and Jonathan R. Kopald Memorial Scholarship.  Krieger will pursue a major in Athletic Training at Troy University to become an Athletic Trainer for a college sports team and Constantinou will pursue a major in Architecture, a five (5) year accredited program of Design and Science at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to pursue his Masters degree in Architecture.

MARLBORO HIGH SCHOOL – Marlboro, NY
Krysten Thomas received $500 from the John D. Garrison Memorial Scholarship and will attend Loyola University to pursue a major in Business. 

MIDDLETOWN HIGH SCHOOL – Middletown, NY
Caroline Warren received $1,000 from the Jennifer Newton Memorial Scholarship and will attend Vassar College to pursue a major in English and Drama.

NEWBURGH FREE ACADEMY – Newburgh, NY
Leonel Soriano received $500 from the John D. Garrison Memorial Scholarship and will attend Le Moyne College to pursue a major in Business. 

PINE BUSH HIGH SCHOOL – Pine Bush, NY
Sean Cloke received $500 from the John D. Garrison Memorial Scholarship and will attend Mount Saint Mary College to major in Finance.  James Northup received $300 from the Scott F. Coen Memorial Scholarship andwill attend SUNY Delhi to study Physical Education.  Rachael Sosnowski received $2,500 from the Michelle Renee Bratton Memorial Scholarship and will attend Stony Brook to study Pre-Med.  Magdalena Kura received $500 from the Pine Bush Alumni Scholarship and plans to study Economics at the University at Albany.  Christina Morrell received $200 from the Isadore “Stitch” Wittenberg Scholarship and plans to study Business at the College at Old Westbury.  Russell Wood received $500 from the John C. Smith Scholarship and plans to study Architecture at SUNY Orange.

Port Jervis High School – Port Jervis, NY
Four (4) recipients received $10,000 each from the Oscar B. Greenleaf Scholarship:
Lucas Behnke plans to study English at the University of Syracuse to become an Author.  Adam Derkacz plans to study Environmental Science at Elizabethtown College and plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree.  McCallion Campbell plans to become a Mathematics Teacher and will attend Marist College and plans to pursue a degree in Teaching.  Brian Smith plans to study Aerospace Engineering at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree.

WALLKILL HIGH SCHOOL – Wallkill, NY
Corey Fisher received $500 from the John D. Garrison Memorial Scholarship and will attend Iona to major in Education. 

Warwick Valley High School – Warwick, NY
Alexander Raynor and Terence Prial received $1,000 each from the John P. Williamson Memorial Scholarship.  Alexander plans to study Liberal Arts at SUNY Potsdam.  Terence plans to study Engineering at Columbia University to become an Engineer.  Daniel Tobin and Shannon Farrell received $500 each from the Anthony C. Quinn Memorial Scholarship.  Daniel will attend the Rochester Institute of Technology plans to pursue a major in Mechanical Engineering and Shannon will attend St. Michaels College to pursue a major in Journalism.

WASHINGTONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL – Washingtonville, NY
Five (5) recipients received $500 each from the Washingtonville 5 Firefighters WTC Memorial Scholarship:

• Amber Lomolino will attend SUNY Potsdam
• Kathryn Kerley will attend Quinnipiac College
• Micheal Gross will attend Siena College
• Kimberly Shadwick will attend the U.S. Coast Guard Academy
• Eliana Kurzum will attend Campbell University

Jaclyn Fitzgerald received $500 from the John D. Garrison Memorial Scholarship and will attend Marist College to major in Business and Communications.  Jennifer Guzman is the first recipient to receive $2,000 from the Jonathan George Memorial Scholarship and will attend SUNY Potsdam to pursue a major in the Arts.

VALLEY CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL – Montgomery, NY
Jennifer Polesel received $500 from the John D. Garrison Memorial Scholarship and will attend the Dublin Institute of Technology in Dublin, Ireland and plans to pursue a major in Business Management.  Lauren Feroli received $2,000 from the Corinne Feller Memorial Scholarship and will attend Renesslear Polytechnic Institute.

The following four (4) graduates received $2,000 each from the John Mazur Scholarship:
Christina Molnar plans to study Pre-Vet/Biology at College of St. Rose, Kayleigh Sullivan plans to study Nero Biology at Cornell University, Julie McPhillips plans to study Biology at Binghamton University, and Matthew Dami plans to study Biological Science at University of Vermont.

OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS
The following three (3) graduates received $2,000 each from the Rescue 3 9/11 Scholarship:
Megan Knabbe of Newburgh, NY plans to attend the College of St. Rose, Michael Morrissey of the Bronx, NY plans to Manhattan College, and Timothy Conboy of Montgomery, NY plans to attend SUNY Dutchess.

Bethel High School – Bethel, CT
Amy Rowe and Chelsie Ouellette received $1,000 each from the RJM Super Star Scholarship.  Rowe plans to pursue a major in Secondary Education-English at Providence College and Ouellette to plans to pursue a major in Communications with a minor in Acting at Northeastern University.

In addition, the Community Foundation of Orange County recently established scholarships that are available to students in the following schools:

The Caitlin M. Hammaren Foundation for Minisink Valley High School students
The Jim Taravella Scholarship Fund for Monroe-WoodburyHigh School students
The David E. Phillips Music Scholarship Fund for MiddletownHigh School students
The Spencer McLaughlin Scholarship Fund for Orange County high school students entering at SUNY Orange as freshmen.

All high school applicants are encouraged to see their Guidance Counselors each January pertaining to a scholarship within their respective school district.

The above scholarship funds are facilitated through the Community Foundation of Orange County, a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity that was established to encourage people to create charitable endowments within their community.  Each of these scholarship funds are just a few of the many charitable endowments that have been created within the Community Foundation.  To create your own named Fund, or to add to an existing Fund, contact the Community Foundation, Karen VanHouten, at (845) 469-4469 or e-mail vanhouten@cfoc-ny.org.

Tom Sullivan Appointed as Community Foundation Director

The Community Foundation of Orange County, Inc. is pleased to announce its newest appointment to the Board of Directors, Tom Sullivan.  Sullivan is the Owner and President of Smith Seaman & Quakenbush, Inc. – Monroe, and is an active community volunteer for Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, Sacred Heart Parish in Monroe, Mombasha Fire Company, the Orange County Chamber of Commerce, Orange County Firefighters Museum, various Orange County and New York State Firemens’ and Fire Chiefs’ Associations, and the Orange, Rockland & Sullivan Counties Funeral Directors Association.  Tom has received numerous recognitions for his community service, including the United Way’s Marian S. Murphy “Neighbors helping Neighbors” Award, and the Hudson Valley Council Boys Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen Award.  Tom and his wife Janet live in Monroe and have two grown children, Daniel and Jill.   

Officers of the Foundation are RJ Smith, President, RJ Smith Realty as President; David Cocks, President, Walden Savings Bank, as Vice President - Finance, Gerald Jacobowitz, Esq., Jacobowitz and Gubits LL, as Vice President-Development; Derrik Wynkoop, VP of Retail Delivery, Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union as Treasurer; William Vacca, Regional VP, Provident Bank as Secretary, and Anne Palmer Moss, VP of Development, Elant Foundation, Inc. as Assistant Secretary.

Other Board of Trustees include Chris Ashman, Orange County Commissioner of Mental Health, Goshen; Ann Barber Smith, Principal, Ann Barber Consulting, New Paltz; Debbie Bogdanski, V.P., Orange County Chamber of Commerce, Montgomery; Michael Bonura, General Manager, Anthony’s Pier 9, New Windsor; William Bratton, Technical Solutions Manager, IBM Global Services, Westtown; William Devitt, Sr. V.P. Investments, Merrill Lynch, Middletown; Dorothy Fein, Executive Director, Crystal Run Healthcare, Middletown; Katharine Fitzgerald, V.P, Provident Bank, Florida; Joanne Gross, Community Volunteer, Pine Bush;  David Hawkins, President, D.L. Hawkins Realty, Goshen; Sandy Leonard, Supervisor, Town of Monroe, Monroe;  Jonah Mandelbaum, President, MJJ Builders Corporation, Warwick; Howard Mills, Chief Advisor, Deloitte & Touche USA, LLP, New York; Robert Onofry, Esq., Cuddeback & Onofry – Port Jervis; Rolland Peacock III, V.P., TD Banknorth – Middletown; Josh Sommers, President, Focus Media Group – Monticello; and Joe Vanderhoof, President & Publisher, Times Herald-Record - Middletown.

The primary goal of the Community Foundation is to connect people who care with causes that matter.   “We achieve this goal with the help of a large volunteer support system of Board members and working committees.  Board members are selected because their professional spheres of influence are compatible with the needs of the Foundation,” said Board President RJ Smith.  “We are extremely fortunate to have many prominent and community-minded citizens lend their talents in cultivating, managing, and growing permanent charitable endowments on behalf of individuals, businesses, and organizations,” added Karen VanHouten, the Foundation’s Executive Director.

To learn more about the Community Foundation of Orange County (845) 469-4469, or visit www.cfoc-ny.org.       

Karen VanHouten of Highland, the Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan Counties, is a 2007 graduate of Leadership Orange.  Each year, a select group of individuals with a variety of backgrounds are chosen to participate in a 10-month leadership training program.  Class participants receive training on topics including education, health and human services, communications, government and politics, the environment, culture and recreation, economic development, leadership development and the judicial system.  The training enables community members to better understand the many challenges facing Orange County and, therefore, to better serve the community.

Raising Money For Corinne Feller Scholarships And Raising Awareness Of Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

Chester, NY – When Corinne Feller passed away from ovarian cancer in 1999, her family decided to establish two charitable funds to celebrate her life and honor her memory forever. 

They established within the Community Foundation of Orange County the Corinne Feller Scholarship Fund to award scholarships and the Corinne Feller Memorial Fund to raise awareness of the signs of ovarian cancer.  To that end, the Feller family has rallied around these causes. 

Each year, the Feller family holds annual fundraisers for these two charitable funds in honor of Corinne --- a basketball tournament (one of Corinne’s favorite sports) to raise money for the scholarship fund --- and a race in previous years and now, women’s health seminars and other events, to raise awareness of the disease.  They have now organized their own group of ovarian cancer survivors called C.A.S.T. (Cancer Awareness Survivors Team) who are trained to speak to women’s groups about the symptoms of the disease and conduct presentations in the Hudson Valley about once a month.

Founded in 1999 through the vision of the Orange County Citizens Foundation, the Community Foundation is an effective and innovative giving vehicle that combines maximum tax savings and flexibility with the opportunity to make a difference locally.  By “connecting people who care with causes that matter,” the Community Foundation affords opportunities to donors who want to create individual charitable funds that will support our community well into the future,” said Karen VanHouten, Executive Director of the Community Foundation.  “By their very nature, Community Foundations are designed to have a significant impact on the population of the region that they serve.  In just over six years we have been able to build a solid base of charitable funds” VanHouten added.  In 2005-2006 the Community Foundation awarded over $252,000 in grants to support local nonprofit organizations and scholarships to students.

For more information, please contact Karen VanHouten at the Community Foundation of Orange County at 845-469-4469.

The Dyson Foundation Awards Grants To Community Foundation Of Orange County

Chester, NY – The Community Foundation of Orange County has received a $20,000 grant from the Dyson Foundation for general operating support, and a $3,000 Management Assistance Mini-Grant for developing a marketing and communications plan.  Speaking for the Dyson Foundation, Senior Program Officer Michell Speight said, “The Foundation’s Directors are delighted to award these grants and join me in wishing the Community Foundation every continuing success in expanding philanthropy throughout Orange and Sullivan Counties, and the wider region.”

The Dyson Foundation is a private grant making foundation headquartered in Dutchess County and directed by the Dyson family under the leadership of Foundation President Robert R. Dyson.  The Dyson Foundation’s mission is to “improve and enhance the quality of life in the region for all of its residents, especially those most vulnerable or economically disadvantaged,” said Dyson.  “The Dyson Foundation supports the work of community foundations because community foundations assist individuals, businesses, and local organizations in creating permanent, charitable endowment funds which, like the Dyson Foundation, enhance the quality of life throughout our region.”

In 2006, The Dyson Foundation awarded grants of over $18 million to a wide variety of non-profit organizations supporting the arts, medicine, education, children’s welfare and health, HIV/AIDS prevention and patient support and assistance to immigrants, among other program areas.

Founded in 1999 through the vision of the Orange County Citizens Foundation, the Community Foundation is an effective and innovative giving vehicle that combines maximum tax savings and flexibility with the opportunity to make a difference locally.  By “connecting people who care with causes that matter,” the Community Foundation affords opportunities to donors who want to create individual charitable funds that will support our community well into the future,” said Karen VanHouten, Executive Director of the Community Foundation.  “By their very nature, Community Foundations are designed to have a significant impact on the population of the region that they serve.  In just over six years we have been able to build a solid base of charitable funds.  This grant from the Dyson Foundation affirms our work to continue helping individuals, organizations, and businesses establish more charitable funds that will have a significant impact on our communities,” VanHouten added.  In 2005-2006 the Community Foundation awarded over $252,000 in grants to support local nonprofit organizations and scholarships to students.

For more information, please contact Karen VanHouten at the Community Foundation of Orange County at 845-469-4469.