News Releases

Third annual Gala Celebrating New Paltz honors New Paltz chamber president

NEW PALTZ — The third annual Gala Celebrating New Paltz will honor Joyce Minard, president of the New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce. The event, which raises funds for a scholarship endowment for students from New Paltz attending SUNY New Paltz, will take place at the Mohonk Mountain House at 5 p.m. on Nov. 20.

Sally Cross, director of Development at SUNY New Paltz, said that Minard was chosen because “her leadership and community spirit embody the Gala.”

The first and second Galas have raised nearly $50,000 for the scholarship endowment, and the first scholarship has been awarded to Mackenzie Kell.

The black-tie-optional event includes fine food and wine served at the award-winning Mohonk Mountain House and dancing to the beat of Bill’s Toupee. The Gala also features an auction. Just a few of the many items to be auctioned include:

  • A weekend in a luxury suite at The Sherry Netherland in New York City
  • A G. Steve Jordan photograph
  • “The Gatehouse,” a gicleé print by SUNY New Paltz alumna Marlene Wiedenbaum (Visit www.newpaltz.edu/news/images/thegatehouse.html for a photograph of the image.)
  • Fine jewelry by New Paltz alumnus David Urso, Green Cottage in High Falls
  • A week in Sanibel Island, Florida
  • A night at the Mohonk Mountain House
  • Fine wines from In Good Taste and Stone Ridge Wine & Sprits

Tickets are $125/person, $250/couple, or $1,250 for a table of 10. To purchase tickets or a table, or to donate items to the auction, call Sally Cross at (845) 257-3240 or visit www.newpaltz.edu/gala.

Major corporate underwriters include The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company and The Kempner Corporation. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Gateway Community Industries and Lighthouse International, Hudson Valley Region.