‘Hudson Valley Gives is just one example of the generosity we witness in our communities day in and day out’

There have been too many instances of division in our country and world to count this year; but on May 19, folks in the Hudson Valley proved that people are capable even in these challenging times, to come together for the greater good!

May 19 marked the sixth annual Hudson Valley Gives, an online day of giving hosted by the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan. It was a day for nonprofits in the region to raise awareness and money for their important work. But the question was whether the public that is so often labelled “selfish” would respond.

The answer is “Yes, they responded big time!” When HVGives concluded, 4,172 local individuals had given $663,359 to support 182 nonprofits that make our communities better places to live. The donation total was up 24 percent compared to 2020.

Local businesses stepped up as well, donating $30,000 in corporate sponsorships that went directly to a prize pool benefitting participating nonprofits, a 50 percent increase over last year. These weren’t huge corporations donating, but rather, small businesses that were hardest hit by the pandemic.

We at the Community Foundation are humbled by our role of supporting charitable giving in Orange and Sullivan counties. We couldn’t do it without the support of local individuals and businesses alike.

Hudson Valley Gives is just one example of the generosity we witness in our communities day in and day out. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to all who made this day an overwhelming success!

Nicole Feller Lee

Director of Development and Communications

Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan