NECC highlights coming challenges at annual Chef & Farmer Brunch fundraiser

MILLBROOK — The North East Community Center raised $403,500 in about 15 minutes of paddle raising Sunday, July 19, at its annual Chef & Farmer Brunch fundraiser.

The annual fundraiser — a major source of income for the Millerton-based nonprofit held this year at Millbrook School — supports the NECC’s programs throughout the year, including the regular food pantry program, youth programs and the weekly farmers market.

Co-Interim Executive Director and Board Chair Irene Banning praised attendees and donors for contributing to the organization’s work in a year that has seen high-ranking staff departures and the closure of the organization’s childcare program.

“This has been a challenging year for NECC,” Banning said. “But we are standing strong, working on finding an executive director and looking into an exciting future.”

Banning further praised the organization’s staff, saying NECC’s success would be impossible without the employees’ dedication to building community and supporting neighbors.

She championed NECC’s mission and expressed gratitude for the organization as a whole, as well, describing it as a refuge where she can contribute to good in the community.

“It is the place where I get to be a part of doing good, of caring for the members of our communities,” Banning said. “And being a part of making people’s lives feel less unsettled and more balanced.”

Following Banning’s remarks was an address from her counterpart, Julie Fajgenbaum, who is sharing the workload as co-interim executive director, while the organization searches for a replacement for former Executive Director Christine Sergent. Sergent resigned from her position at the organization in March 2026.

Fajgenbaum detailed some of the work NECC does, including giving away 15,000 diapers to 25 area families so far this year.

“That’s lightening the financial load for those new parents and allowing them to spend on other things like formula,” Fajgenbaum said.

But she acknowledged that the year’s successes have also exposed a downside — pointing to 19 additional families that remain on the waitlist for free diapers from the organization.

Other statistics underscore the challenges NECC faces in the coming year. The organization’s food pantry served 1,000 people in April alone, reflecting the growing financial pressures many households face as food and fuel costs continue to rise.

Fajgenbaum once again pointed to the benefactors taking part in the day’s fundraising, praising them for coming together to support the NECC’s mission to serve northeast Dutchess communities.

“Today is most definitely a high,” Fajgenbaum said. “We’re so grateful that you’re here with us. I don’t know what we would do without you.”

Following Fajgenbaum’s remarks, local auctioneer CK Swett led the annual “paddle raise,” a lightning-round fundraiser where donors raise auction paddles to commit to donations ranging in increments from $100 to $50,000.

This year’s paddle raise resulted in at least $403,500 in donations to the charitable organization after just 15 minutes of auctioneering.

“This is a community effort, this is a collective effort,” Swett said. “And we will help the community together.”

Photo by Nathan Miller

Benefactors enjoy hors d’oeuvres and live music in the morning sun on Sunday, July 19, at Millbrook School.