NEWBURGH – On Tuesday, March 13th, friends and supporters of Safe Homes of Orange County gathered at PAINTER’S Restaurant in Cornwall-on-Hudson for the 24th Annual “Love Gently” Dinner. Almost $9,400 was raised through the dinner event, making it the biggest “Love Gently” in Safe Homes history. All proceeds will directly benefit the agency’s comprehensive services for survivors of intimate partner violence, teen dating violence, and human trafficking.
“It’s incredible to witness the magic of “Love Gently” each year and this year – with two sold-out seatings – was no different! We were honored to be joined by “Love Gently” creators, Jessica Robie and Beth Bull plus so many other new and longtime supporters of Safe Homes. This is our favorite event of the year!” said Kellyann Kostyal-Larrier, Executive Director of Safe Homes.
This year’s celebrity servers and hosts included Wayne Booth, Deputy Orange County Executive; Carl DuBois, Orange County Sheriff; Christopher Borek, Chief Assistant Orange County District Attorney; Brendan Coyne, Cornwall-on-Hudson Mayor; Jim DiSalvo, West Point-Highland Falls Rotarian; Mary Beth Greene, community volunteer; Jeanne Mahoney, Cornwall-on-Hudson Clerk; Dick Randazzo, Cornwall Town Supervisor; Dr. Michele Winchester-Vega from Dr. Michele Winchester-Vega & Associates; Inaudy Esposito, Executive Director of the Orange County Human Rights Commission; Kevinderyan Lujan, Orange County Legislator; Glen Plotsky, Attorney; James Ferrara, Photographer; and Jacqueline Murray, Safe Homes of Orange County Founding Board Member. These “celebrity” servers worked alongside seasoned Painter’s server to engage and entertain guests and help boost fundraising efforts.
Run DMG(with special appearances by Bill Jolly and David Jolly) provided live music for “Love Gently” and proceeds from tarot card readings were donated by “Rozelisa”Defabis-Marsh. A 50/50 raffle and the sale of chocolate covered strawberries from Commodore Chocolatier also boosted fundraising for the event.
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.
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