This Will Make You Smile: Photos From First Positive People Awards
People for People Fund – a not-for-profit dedicated to providing temporary financial assistance to Orange, Ulster and Sullivan County residents who experience unexpected financial setbacks – announced that they were taking nominations for its "Positive People Award. For the first time, People for People Fund asked community members to nominate outstanding individuals and companies that exemplify the spirit of its mission – those that positively contribute to the community and, ultimately, help others.
Pictured left to right are Nolly Climes, president of People for People Fund; Carol Fenichel, Marilyn Hoffman, George Cullen, Lee Baranowski and Lynn Skolnick - volunteers at People for People Fund; and Marsi Ann Clark, executive director of People for People Fund.
"People for People Fund would not exist without the support of our community," said Nolly Climes, president, People for People Fund. "These awards will let us thank those who share our vision of 'neighbors helping neighbors'. Whether nominees are familiar with our work or not, we hope that the public will help us recognize those who share our passion for giving back."
In a celebration of community, People for People Fund recently hosted its second annual Recognition Breakfast. The Fund – a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit serving Orange, Sullivan and Ulster Counties – provides interim financial support to hardworking, self-sufficient individuals facing unexpected financial hardships. The Fund's second annual Recognition Breakfast at Wallkill Golf Club on Thursday, September 26, 2024.
Pictured left to right are Nolly Climes, president of People for People Fund; Tara Bliss, secretary of People for People Fund; Justin LaMarch, 2024 Positive People Award recipient; Jennifer Birch, 2024 Positive People Award recipient; and Maggie Smith, treasurer of People for People Fund and chairman First Federal Savings’ board of directors.
Built on the notion of neighbors helping neighbors, the organization routinely recognizes those who contribute their time and resources to the betterment of the Hudson Valley. This year’s award recipients included:
- Barbara Carlsen, posthumously honored, for her lifelong support of regional nonprofits.
- Ulster Savings Bank for its dedication to the community, specifically in areas of education, housing, and health and human services.
- Joseph and Pamela Catania for their longstanding generosity and contributions to People for People Fund.
- Jennifer Birch for her devotion to helping others (both animals and humans!) and volunteer work with the Accord Fire Company and Rondout Food Pantry.
- Justin LaMarch for his extensive community service and work with the Monroe Fire Department, Harriman Engine Company, VFW Post 8858 (Harriman) and Monroe Volunteer Ambulance, among others.
- Rob Albino, Lee Baranowski, George Cullen, Carol Fenichel, Marilyn Hoffman and Lynn Skolnick for their work on behalf of the Fund; these dedicated volunteers act as a bridge between the organization and the people it serves.
Pictured left to right are Nolly Climes, president of People for People Fund; Tara Bliss, secretary of People for People Fund; John Finch, EVP and COO of Ulster Savings Bank; and Steven Drobysh, vice president of People for People Fund and first VP, commercial lending, for Ulster Savings Bank.
To learn more about the Fund’s 2024 awardees, and its mission, visit @People for People Fund, Inc. on Facebook or @peopleforpeoplefund on Instagram.
About People for People Fund:
People for People Fund is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit that provides one-time grants to Orange, Ulster and Sullivan County residents facing unforeseen financial hardships. This interim support promotes long-term stability, acting as a helping hand for in-need community members. For more information, visit peopleforpeoplefund.org or follow People for People Fund on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Read More: Hudson Valley Organization Awards Over $90K in Emergency Assistance
On a previous episode of In Touch, we spoke with Nolly Climes, Marsi Ann Clark, Tara Bliss, and Barry Lewis from the People for People Fund. People for People helps local, self-reliant people who unexpectedly face an emergency through financial assistance. These one-time grants assist qualified applicants with things like housing, utilities, auto repair and media bills. The organization has awarded $5.2M since its launch, donating $90,000 in 2023 alone.
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Welcome to Townsquare Spotlight! Here, we get to shed a light on the incredible arts and entertainment that happens in and around the Hudson Valley. We speak with creatives, artists, leaders, and celebrities who are performing, starting programs, and living in the Hudson Valley!
Townsquare Spotlight is a spin-off of In Touch - Townsquare Media of the Hudson Valley's Award-Winning Public Affairs and Issues Program. You can also listen to Townsquare Spotlight wherever you listen to In Touch:
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