United Way holds annual dinner

New Windsor — Orange County United Way held their annual celebration of dedication and service dinner on Thursday, March 16, at Anthony’s Pier 9, in New Windsor. The event opened with Patrick Drake of Chester playing the bagpipes. The Color Guard from the 105th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard, along with Unit 618 of Sarah Wells Trail Girl Scout Council, led everyone in the pledge of allegiance. The Madrigals, four seniors from Newburgh Free Academy, led the singing of the national anthem. John Checklick, president and CPO of Orange County United Way, was master of ceremonies. The Spirit of Caring Award was presented to Orange & Rockland Utilities, Orange Regional Medical Center, WalMart in Middletown, WalMart in Monroe, WalMart in Newburgh, and Sam’s Club in Middletown. Also cited for support were ShopRite Supermarkets, Ball Corporation, and Newburgh Enlarged City School District. Each year the Marion S. Murphy Neighbors Helping Neighbors Award honors two individuals whose value of and concern for people are demonstrated through their vision, leadership, service and commitment to the community. Dedicated in memory of former Orange County Clerk and longtime United Way board member and volunteer, Marion S. Murphy, the awards this year were presented by her Timothy Murphy, a case supervisor with the Orange County Department of Social Services, and a current United Way board member. The award winners include: James A. Moss, chairman of the Times Herald-Record and chief franchise development officer for Ottaway Newspapers, was nominated by Orange County United Way’s board, for his leadership in the organization and assistance with flood victims in western Orange County. Thomas P. Sullivan, funeral director and president of Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush funeral homes in Monroe, was nominated by Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties for his work on its board and its newly opened Kaplan Family Hospice Residence. Closing the program was Robert E. Hatfield, Jr., 2005-2006 Campaign chair, who announced that the campaign had raised $1,772,107. He spoke about the “boundless compassion and immense capacity of Orange County citizens to respond with help and donations to Tsunami victims, Orange County flood victims, Hurricane Katrina victims, while also helping our local health and human service recipients through the United Way campaign.”