Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley to Celebrate Philanthropy at 30th Garden Party; Announces 2026 Honorees

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) will celebrate the power of philanthropy and recognize community leaders from across the region at its 30th Garden Party on September 27 from 2–5 p.m. at Hutton Brickyards in Kingston, NY. The 2026 honorees are:

· James Hoover and John Aubry (Ulster County)

· Ken and Jean Kearney (Putnam County)

· Daniel and Michelle Lepore (Dutchess County)

A beloved tradition since 1994, the Garden Party is CFHV’s signature fundraising event, bringing together donors, nonprofit partners, leaders, business professionals and community members to celebrate those who help strengthen the Hudson Valley.

“This event celebrates those whose generosity and leadership make the Hudson Valley a stronger, more vibrant place to live,” said Laura Washington, president and CEO of CFHV. “For more than 30 years, the Garden Party has brought people together to honor those who give so much of themselves while raising critical resources that help local nonprofits thrive.”

Proceeds from the event support CFHV’s Community Grants and capacity-building programs, which have invested more than $3 million in nonprofit organizations throughout Ulster, Putnam and Dutchess counties since 2000 and awarded nonprofit organizations over $542,000 in 2025 alone.

During the event, CFHV will recognize its 2026 honorees from each of the counties it serves, whose dedication to service, philanthropy and community leadership reflects the organization’s mission of inspiring and growing philanthropy throughout the Hudson Valley.

James Hoover and John Aubry are Ulster County residents whose lifelong dedication to conservation, education and public service has left a lasting mark on the region. Through decades of volunteer leadership with organizations including the Mohonk Preserve, Stone Ridge Library and Mid-Hudson Library System, they have helped preserve natural resources, expand access to knowledge and enrich countless lives.

Ken and Jean Kearney of Putnam County have leveraged decades of leadership in real estate development to help expand affordable, workforce, senior, veteran and artist housing across the Hudson Valley. Beyond their professional accomplishments, the Kearneys have demonstrated a deep commitment to charitable giving, nonprofit leadership and creating opportunities that strengthen the place they call home.

In Dutchess County, the entrepreneurial success of Daniel and Michelle Lepore and family has been matched by an unwavering commitment to giving back. Through charitable investments and the establishment of a donor-advised fund, the Lepore family continues to create new opportunities for organizations working to improve the quality of life throughout the Hudson Valley.

Tickets, sponsorship opportunities and more information are available at www.communityfoundationshv.org/events/garden-party-2026, ensuring CFHV can continue investing in nonprofits and initiatives that create lasting impact across the Hudson Valley.

About The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) is a trusted partner in philanthropy, empowering individuals, families, businesses and organizations to establish charitable funds that address the needs of Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties. CFHV offers expert planning that aligns charitable giving with both personal priorities and community needs. Established in 1969 as the Area Fund, CFHV has grown to manage over $140 million in assets and administers nearly 600 charitable funds, distributing over $20 million in grants and scholarships in 2025 alone. As a tax-exempt organization under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3), contributions to CFHV are tax-deductible within IRS guidelines.