To the editor:
In the wake of Hurricane Irene and the resultant flooding, we have organized New Paltz Flood Aid: Farmers, Families, and First Responders. Contributions and all ticket sales to Flood Aid events will be distributed to the New Paltz farmers, families, and first responders most affected by the late August flooding. The New Paltz Community Foundation will administer, manage, and distribute all the funds.
On August 24, 2011, the Village of New Paltz passed a resolution declaring the first week of October the inaugural "New Paltz Local Food Week". Less than a week later, Hurricane Irene hit. As a result, this year's Local Food week focus will be on helping the people in our community most impacted by the flooding.
Our first event is a kick off potluck fundraiser on Sunday, October 2nd, from 4:00pm to 9:00pm at the Water Street Market, with a $20 suggested donation. Six local bands will be performing: The Love Taps, Ratboy, Seth Davis, SnowBear, The Sweet Clementines, & The Bubba Band. Local chefs will be preparing local food, and there will be raffles contributed by local businesses and sign-ups for volunteer opportunities. Donated items and gift certificates for the raffle can be dropped off at The Mudd Puddle, The Antique Barn, or Mixture.
On Sunday October 16th, from 12:00pm to 6:00pm at Hasbrouck Park, there will be an all day benefit concert. General admission tickets are $2o for adults, $15 for college students and children age 12-18, and free admission for children under age 12. Kick off event attendees on 10/2 can get these tickets for $5 off the regular price. There will also be $100 VIP tent tickets. This big musical event will include both local bands and musicians from afar - plugged in and acoustic. Confirmed bands to date include: Ratboy Jr., Mark Sager and the Black Horse Riders, the Trapps, Casey Erdman and Friends, the Greyhounds, Mr. Roper, Joobeco, Connor Kennedy Band, Hector Tajeda (a local farmer who lost all of his crops), the Bow Thayer Band, Patrick Carlin (George Carlin's Brother), Alexis P. Suter, and the Flood Aid All Stars: Steven Bernstein (of Levon Helm’s Band), Randy Ciarlante (of The Band), Byron Isaacs (of Levon Helm’s Band & Ollabelle), Jim Wieder (of The Band & Levon Helm’s Band) and much, much more.
Both events will be streamed live on the Internet via webcast. For more information about New Paltz Flood Aid or to find out how to make donations or buy concert tickets, visit www.NewPaltzFloodAid.org.
We look forward to seeing the wonderfully supportive members of our community at these upcoming events,
The New Paltz Flood Aid Planning Committee
Steve Casa
Butch Dener
Theresa Fall
Judy Ness
Debbie Rausch
Ben Resch
KT Tobin
Jason West
