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May 06, 2025 |
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Newburgh, NY—On Tuesday, March 25, two former students of Cornwall Central High School (CCHS), Jess Robie and Leah Robinson, will return to town to join the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Love Gently Dinner, the event they started at PAINTER’S Restaurant, Cornwall-on-Hudson, in 1995, to help raise funds for Safe Homes of Orange County, serving adults and children affected by domestic violence. Over the years, Love Gently Dinner has raised close to $100,000 for Safe Homes and stands today as a cherished local tradition with a loyal following—roughly 200 guests each year—and a familiar crew of volunteer servers, a.k.a., “celebrity waiters.”
The first Love Gently Dinner was one of several initiatives by a CCHS Girls Group formed by Robie to promote discussion and education around women’s issues. Other group members and founders of Love Gently were Sara Beauchamp, Kate Sehr and group adviser, Beth Bull, then-school librarian. Painter’s Restaurant has hosted the event since 1995. All will be recognized by Safe Homes and Orange County Executive, Steve Neuhaus, for their significant contributions to the sustainability of services for individuals living with the toll of domestic violence.
“What these young women did is inspiring and validating on many levels: their desire to give back to their community; their confidence in themselves, and their demonstration of the power and potential of our youth. Their story is one that can both encourage our teens and affirm their value to the community,“ said Kellyann Kostyal-Larrier, Safe Homes executive director.
The Annual Love Gently Dinner features community personalities as servers working alongside Painter’s staff, and donating all tips to Safe Homes. The 20th anniversary “celebrity waiters” include Steve Neuhaus, Orange County Executive; David Hoovler, O.C. District Attorney; Carl DuBois, O.C. Sheriff; James Skoufis, New York State Assemblyman; Cornwall-on-Hudson Mayor, Brendan Coyne, and clerk, Jeannie Mahoney; Town of Cornwall Supervisor Randy Clark, and clerk Renata McGee; Frank Fornario, WTBQ radio host and Blooming Grove Town Supervisor; Oliver Mackson, Investigator with the Dutchess County Public Defender’s Office, and former Times Herald-Record Reporter; Glen Plotsky, Port Jervis Attorney; and photographers James Ferrara and Karen Kaiser-Sharp.
As always, attractions include Live Music by Run DMG; the sale of chocolate strawberries by Commodore Chocolatier; psychic reader, Rozelisa (fees donated to the fundraiser); and a 50/50 raffle.
There is no cover-charge. Dinner is à la carte and served in two seatings, 5:30-7:15 and 7:30-9:15. Reservations are strongly suggested; call Painter’s at 845-534-2109. For more information on Celebrity Servers and their shifts, call Safe Homes at 562-5365.
Safe Homes works toward eliminating domestic violence by offering comprehensive support services to survivors and by increasing public awareness through education and prevention programs. If you are experiencing domestic violence or know someone who is, call Safe Homes’ 24-HOUR-HOTLINE: 1-888-503-4673 (HOPE).
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