Grace Church Gala helps spirits soar

MILLBROOK — Grace Episcopal Church is known for its charity, for reaching out to those in need, and for the integral part it plays in the Millbrook community. The year 2020 has been a tough one all around, with more needs and fewer chances for fundraising, yet there are always ways to give and reasons to be grateful

On Sunday, Sept. 20, Grace Church gave back to the community by hosting a Musical Gala on Zoom, featuring many local artists in a special event that also raised money for its many programs. 

Father Matthew Calkins was the host; he showed clips of the many ways the church is involved in helping others, with food donations, immigrant outreach, programs for teenagers and recent college graduates. 

Calkins invited viewers to call in with pledges, in return they received gift certificates from local businesses. In this way, the businesses benefited, as did the performers who have suffered a decline in finances since the COVID pandemic hit. 

The gala was intended to thank the people and businesses who have contributed to the many causes sponsored by the church over the past months of the pandemic as well as the causes it supports throughout the year.

The performers were well known locally, including Eric Marshall and his daughters, Mathilde and Alice. The trio has been performing locally for many years. Phillippe Treuille performed on the piano, as did Suzanne McDonald. Songs were also performed by Marissa Cote, Heather Holohan-Guarnieri and Elinor Qiao. Also featured, Isabel Morrison on the guitar and Deborah Coconis read, “The Owl and the Pussy Cat,” a classic poem.

Among those the church mentioned in its thanks were Marona’s Market; the Theodoropoulos family, owners of Millbrook Diner, who provided free food to community members in need during the pandemic; and Village Trustee Kevin McGrane, who provided much leadership throughout this difficult time with help from Town Clerk Mary Alex and others.

Expressions of gratitude went also to the Food of Life Pantry at St. Thomas Church in Amenia and Pastor A.J. Stack and the Dutchess Outreach Lunch Box in Poughkeepsie, which continue to serve meals each week.

Pledges were received live throughout the concert. A goal of $10,000 was not reached by the end of the show, but donations are ongoing, and $6,700 was pledged during the hour with an audience of 34. 

Funding for the program came from the Dyson Foundation, and from many other private donations.

Anyone wishing to make a donation or to volunteer may call the Grace Church office at 845-677-3064 or Pam Freeman at 845-677-7348.