A RED CARPET EVENT
Vanderheyden hosts for first-ever gala to fundraise for community
POESTENKILL >> Vanderheyden rolled out the red carpet Friday night for a Royal Gala for more than 200 people from its main campus in Wynantskill and throughout the community.
The Poestenkill firehouse was turned into the stuff of Hollywood dreams thanks to donations from throughout the community in support of the first-ever formal dance in organization’s 183-year history. Donors provided gowns, tailored men’s suits, accessories, a limousine, flowers, dinner, money, volunteers and even the red carpet, provided by UniFirst of Albany.
“I am extremely thrilled and appreciative that the community and businesses have been so generous with donations for this formal dance,” said Vanderheyden President and CEO Karen Carpenter Palumbo. “Our youth and adults felt very special and proud to have a night to shine.”
The event took on all the glitz and glamour of a Hollywood Alist affair, with guests posing for a photo in a limousine, then walking the red carpet to enter a banquet room decorated in black, red and gold. They then enjoyed hors d’oeuvres prepared and served by members of the Albany chapter of the Women Presidents’ Organization and steak or chicken dinners made possible in part by Outback Steakhouse.
Vanderheyden is a children, adult and family services agency that assists those who have been abused, neglected or abandoned, have emotional or behavioral challenges, have developmental disabilities, or are caring for a special needs individual. In addition to its educational facility, the Richard A. Desrochers Educational Center in Wynantskill, the organization offers a residential treatment center and diagnostic, respite and community services.
For more information on Vanderheyden, call 283-6500 or visit http://venderheyden.org.