Last weekend's big flood benefit concert in New Paltz raised $52,000 for flood victims who were hit hard by Tropical Storms Irene and Lee on the Wallkill River in Ulster County.
The concert, which you can watch in full on the New Paltz Flood Aid website, featured a huge roster of local performers. The funds will go to the New Paltz Community Foundation, which is still taking donations via PayPal.
Here's the press release from the concert organizers:
Leading up to our benefit concert on 10/16 at Hasbrouck Park, New Paltz Flood Aid for Farmers, Families, and First Responders had collected over $30,000 from our 10/2 kickoff event and in sponsorships, donations, and pre-concert ticket sales. Due to a continued tremendous outpouring of support – on the day of the concert we increased that amount to over $52,000. Amazing!
Updates to our farm assessments reveal that nearly 300 acres were completely lost by our local New Paltz farmers this season, representing over a third of the acres planted this year. Many families living in close proximity to the Wallkill River lost all their possessions, including some that have lost their homes forever. We need to continue to collect funds for the most in need in our community in the wake of the flooding caused by Hurricanes Irene and Lee.
Since what we have collected so far is still just drop in the bucket compared to what our affected farms and families have lost, we are continuing to take donations. Donations can be made on our website or mailed to the New Paltz Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1112, New Paltz, NY 12561. (Checks should be made out to "New Paltz Community Foundation" with "FLOOD AID" in the memo.)
We once again want to thank all our sponsors, donors, bands, and everyone who has attended our events. Please visit our website, www.NewPaltzFloodAid.org for a full list of our many, many sponsors, donors, and participating bands. There you can view a full video of the concert from start to finish. If you are a New Paltz family or farm in need, please call Judy Ness at 845-332-8432.
Thank you New Paltz, we love you! The New Paltz Flood Aid Planning Committee: Steve Casa, Butch Dener, Theresa Fall, Judy Ness, Debbie Rausch, Ben Resch, KT Tobin, Jason West
