Anthony & Nancy Kane and Tom & Janet Sullivan, outstanding business and civic leaders, will be honored by the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan during their Annual Reception from 5:30-8:30 pm, Wednesday, November 15, at Anthony’s Pier 9, in New Windsor. More than 400 community and key business leaders are expected to attend, where honorees will be presented with the 2017 David T. Cocks Award for Commitment to Community, an annual recognition bestowed upon those who make significant contributions to enrich the lives of others in Orange and Sullivan counties. This event is graciously sponsored by Crystal Run Health, Presenting Philanthropy Sponsor, The Kaplan Family Private Foundations, Platinum Sponsor, and Bonura Hospitality Group, BNY Melon Wealth Management, Orange & Rockland, Orange Bank & Trust Company, Hudson Valley Investment Advisors, and Orange Regional Medical Center, Diamond Sponsors.

Anthony and Nancy Kane are retired professionals and exemplary civic volunteers. Rooted in strong spiritual belief, they have dedicated a significant portion of their lives to serving others – including their children, their grandchildren, their community, and their country.  Anthony Kane is a retired judge on the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, (Third Department) and he hung up his robe in 2009 after seven years’ service in that capacity. Prior to retirement, he worked 15 years (1970-85) as a private practice lawyer in Sullivan County, and 8 years as the Forestburgh Town Attorney (1976-84). He also was elected and served as a judge for Sullivan County Family Court. His political success continued when he was elected Sullivan County Judge and Surrogate in 1992, and to the Supreme Court of the State of New York in 1995. He served as the resident Supreme Court Justice in Sullivan County from January of 1996 until his appointment to the Appellate Division from which he retired. Their compassion for others is unrivaled, perhaps rooted in their involvement with the Monticello United Methodist Church, where Nancy served on the Board of Trustees. She is sympathetic to — and a strong advocate for — those struggling with mental health issues or terminal illness. Nancy has been a volunteer with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Golf Tournament. Together the Kane’s have been praised and honored for their dedication to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties. Their work together includes serving as Founders and Co-Chairs of the Forestburgh 5K Walk and Run for Hospice, now in its 11^th year, raising more than $230,000. Judge Kane has served as a 17-year member of their Board of Directors.

Tom and Janet Sullivan both believe in giving back to the community on many levels. They have lived in Monroe for the past 42 years where they’ve raised their family. Tom is a funeral director, and past President/Owner of Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Homes in Monroe and Highland Mills, and William F. Hogan Funeral Home in Highland Falls.  He is a past Chairman of the Board of Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties and continues to serve on their Board of Directors.  Janet and Tom were the recipients of the Cornell Award in 2008 presented by Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties.  Janet served on the Hospice Auxiliary Board, volunteering as co-chair of the Hospice Gala; served on the Orange County Chamber of Commerce Snow Ball Committee and on the Orange Regional Medical Center Gala Committee. She is a former member of the Southwinds Board of Directors.  Tom served as a Trustee of the Monroe Senior Center and is a past recipient of the Goodwill Ambassador Award sponsored by the Pallottine Sisters in Harriman.  He received the Bob Bonney Volunteer of the Year Award in 2000 in Monroe. Throughout their many endeavors, both Tom and Janet have made commitment to their community a top priority in their busy lives.

This year’s Annual Reception will begin with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and networking at 5:30 p.m. The awards program, with plated desserts and table seating, will follow. The Community Foundation’s one and only major fundraising event of the year, all proceeds from this event will support our work in providing trusted expertise and administrative support for hundreds of charitable funds that distribute grants and scholarships – now and forever. Established in 1999, the Community Foundation has distributed over $10M back into the community to support organizations and initiatives in the area of the environment, education, the arts & culture, health and human services. Tickets, journal advertisements and sponsorship information can be found at www.cfosny.org. For more information, please contact the Community Foundation, at (845) 769-9393.