Angels of Light shine at gala

MILLBROOK — There may have been a drizzle in the air, but the atmosphere at Orvis Sandanona was warm and cheerful, with glittering candles, wine and trays of food in abundance.

The third annual Angels of Light fundraising gala was held on Saturday, Sept. 14. It attracted 367 attendees, the most so far, and without a doubt the food, the music and the ambience were secondary to the important cause: providing Christmas for ailing and terminally ill children and their families. 

Angels of Light was started by Lori and George Decker and their family more than 10 years ago. It has grown with a Board of Directors and trustees, but the mission remains to help provide a stress-free holiday to those caring for very ill children, to allow them the time and energy to spend just with their family without the stress of shopping for and wrapping gifts, or planning and cooking holiday meals.

Lori Decker praised all of the many people, volunteers, sponsors and guests who make the mission possible each year. Development Coordinator Michelle Martinelli and a bevy of volunteers spend most of the year planning the event, transforming the two huge tents into a fairyland of twinkling lights. There’s even a buzz of excitement as people surround tables holding items for the silent auction. 

At the registration table last week, just up a small hill from the party tents, there were large posters describing the families who have been honored and the businesses who support Angels of Light.

The entertainment was provided by Maria Hickey and Jay Taylor, with a stream of country music. They also played for Nate Redmond, an 11-year-old with spina bifida and part of the Redmond family — the featured Family of the Year — so named because they have provided the best and most normal care for their son. Nate, by all accounts, is a joy to be around, and, as he proved to the guests at the gala, he’s also quite a singer.

The 2019 Honoree was Perrin Berkey Martin, who lives with her husband, Greg, and two daughters, Kitter and Piper, in Millbrook. Angels of Light reported that Martin has encouraged the community to support Angels of Light with a deep commitment to volunteerism.

The first Volunteer of the Year was Poughkeepsie’s Bob Gorman, proprietor of Gorman’s Garage. He’s helped deliver presents and has been very active with the group from the beginning.

The other Volunteer of the Year was Marie Weinfurt, who has made hundreds of holiday ornaments over the years seen on area Giving Trees. She was also one of the first shoppers for the cause, and co-directed this year’s gala décor.

Dora McShane was named Honorary Young Adult Ambassador. Since her sophomore year, she has been involved with Angels of Light. With her mother, Barri, she keeps busy delivering gifts, donating items and volunteering her time.

Honorable Mention of a Business went to M&O Sanitation, owned by Butch and Heather Cimmorelli.

More than 74 businesses and individuals donated items for the silent auction, some local and some not so local. Dutchess County Sheriff Butch Anderson participated in the auction.

In total, roughly 50 volunteers were honored; 22 restaurants donated food and 11 local businesses provided beverages. The staff of Orvis Sandanona was also thanked, with much enthusiasm.