Annual Dinner Raises Over $7k For Safe Homes

CORNWALL-ON-HUDSON – Friends and supporters of Safe Homes of Orange County gathered at Painter’s Restaurant, Cornwall-on-Hudson, on March 7th for the 23rd Annual Love Gently Dinner, and raised over $7,400 for the agency’s comprehensive services for survivors of intimate partner violence, teen dating violence, and human trafficking. Over the years, Painter’s owners, staff, and the community supporters who dine at the event, have helped raise over $124,000 for Safe Homes by, one night each year, donating all tips to the agency’s cause.

This year’s celebrities included appearances by: O.C. District Attorney – David Hoovler; and O.C. Sheriff – Carl DuBois; serving staff included: O.C. Legislator – Jim DiSalvo, Cornwall-on-Hudson Mayor – Brendan Coyne, and Clerk – Jeanne Mahoney; Town of Cornwall Supervisor – Richard Randazzo; WJGK Fox Radio Host – Rose Tamberino; local photographer and business owner – Karen Kaiser-Sharp; attorney – Glen Plotsky; community volunteer – Mary Beth Greene-Kraft; photographer – James Ferrara; and, owner of Michele Winchester-Vega & Associates – Dr. Michele Winchester-Vega. The community personalities work alongside Painter’s staff to engage and entertain guests, and help boost fundraising results.

Live music was donated by Dr. Dean Scher, Matthew Scherdin and Gerry Baer of Run DMG; Rozelisa Defabiis-Marsh donated Tarot card readings to the fundraiser, boosted by an additional 50/50 raffle and the sale of chocolate-dipped strawberries by Commodore Chocolatier of Newburgh.

Safe Homes works toward eliminating all forms of intimate-partner violence, teen dating violence, and human trafficking by offering comprehensive support services to survivors, including shelter, and by increasing public awareness through education and prevention programs. If you are experiencing intimate-partner violence, teen-dating violence or human trafficking, or know someone who is, call Safe Homes’ 24-HOUR-HOTLINE: 845-562-5340.