Leading up to our benefit concert on Oct. 16 at Hasbrouck Park, New Paltz Flood Aid for Farmers, Families and First Responders had collected over $30,000 from our Oct. 2 kickoff event and in sponsorships, donations and pre-concert ticket sales. Due to a continued tremendous outpouring of support — on the day of the concert we increased that amount to over $52,000.
Amazing!
Updates to our farm assessments reveal that nearly 300 acres were completely lost by our local New Paltz farmers this season, representing over a third of the acres planted this year. Many families living in close proximity to the Wallkill River lost all their possessions, including some that have lost their homes forever. We need to continue to collect funds for the most in need in our community in the wake of the flooding caused by Hurricanes Irene and Lee.
Since what we have collected so far is still just a drop in the bucket compared to what our affected farms and families have lost, we are continuing to take donations. Donations can be made on our website or mailed to the New Paltz Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1112, New Paltz, NY 12561. (Checks should be made out to “New Paltz Community Foundation” with “FLOOD AID” in the memo.)
We once again want to thank all our sponsors, donors, bands and everyone who has attended our events. Please visit our website, www.NewPaltzFloodAid.org, for a full list of our many, many sponsors, donors and participating bands. There you can view a full video of the concert from start to finish. If you are a New Paltz family or farm in need, please call Judy Ness at 332-8432.
Thank you New Paltz, we love you!
Steve Casa, Butch Dener, Theresa Fall, Judy Ness, Debbie Rauch
Ben Resch, KT Tobin and Jason West
The New Paltz Flood Aid Planning Committee
For more letters, see print edition.
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