Tickets and sponsorships for the highly anticipated October 18 event are now available

MONTGOMERY, NY (October 2, 2023) – The highlight of the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan’s calendar is just around the corner. The always highly anticipated Annual Reception will be held on October 18, 2023, at the West Hills Country Club in Middletown. This prestigious event will celebrate the Foundation’s commitment to Connecting People Who Care with Causes That Matter, culminating in the presentation of the renowned David T. Cocks Award for Commitment to Community.

Tickets and sponsorships for the Annual Reception are now available at cfosny.org.

The 2023 David T. Cocks Award for Commitment to Community will be conferred upon two outstanding recipients at this illustrious event—Michele McKeon and The Center for Discovery.

Michele McKeon’s remarkable career trajectory, from her early days as a Coordinator at the Orange County Teen Line to her present role as Chief Operating Officer of the Regional Economic Community Action Plan Program (RECAP), showcases her enduring commitment to serving the community and advocating for the less heard.

“We are thrilled to honor Michele McKeon at our Annual Reception. Her unwavering dedication to community service and her exceptional leadership embody the spirit of the David T. Cocks Award. Michele’s lifelong dedication to empowering the community is truly commendable,” said Elizabeth Rowley, President, and CEO of the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan.

Reflecting on her journey and values, Michele McKeon states, “My parents instilled in me the importance of leaving any place better than I found it. Every role I’ve had has been an opportunity to serve those in need, and I am deeply grateful for the chance to advocate for the unheard and to continue creating equity and opportunity for everyone.”

The Center for Discovery, a pioneering research and specialty center that originated over 70 years ago from the efforts of parents seeking services for their physically disabled children, is the second recipient of the David T. Cocks Award. Today, it is a leading provider of healthcare and education services for more than 1,200 children and adults with complex conditions, medical frailties and Autism Spectrum Disorders.

“The Center for Discovery’s impact on our region and beyond is immense. Their Healthy Community Model in the hamlet of Hurleyville and the soon-to-be-built Children’s Specialty Hospital are clear representations of their ongoing efforts to drive positive change. We are honored to recognize their dedication to enhancing the quality of life for so many,” said Rowley.

“We are thrilled to be honored by the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan with this year’s David T. Cocks Commitment to Community Award. Everything we’re able to do for our surrounding communities and for those in our care is due to the tireless dedication of our staff. With 1,700 employees, we are the largest employer in Sullivan County and it is because of them that we continue to make transformative changes in the local community and in the state of New York,” said Patrick H. Dollard, CEO of The Center for Discovery.

Since its humble beginnings in 1999, the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan has grown by leaps and bounds, forever expanding the pool of philanthropic capital for our region by working with charitable people, businesses, and organizations to support worthy causes. Through effective stewardship, its more than 360 charitable funds have distributed more than $25 million in grants to support areas of education and scholarships, health and human services, animal welfare, arts and culture, recreation, the environment, veterans, youth services, and more.

For more information, call (845) 769-9393 or email megan@cfosny.org.