The Rotary Clubs Joined Together To Help Ulster County Provide For Our Veterans In Need

Kingston, NY – Leaders from five local Rotary Clubs gathered at the County Executive’s Office and received warm thanks from Ulster County Executive Mike Hein for their generous support of the Ulster County Patriots Project.  After listening to the County Executive detail the Patriots Project at a Kingston Sunrise Rotary meeting last week, the local clubs quickly mobilized and began seeking ways to help the County’s Veterans in need.    

“Ever since I first announced the Patriots Project, the outpouring of community support has been absolutely tremendous and this is another example,” said County Executive Mike Hein.  “I want to personally thank each and every member of our local Rotary Clubs for their support, and I want to single out Colleen Mountford for spearheading the effort.  The Patriots Project will be a reality, but it is only because of the generosity of people and organizations like the Rotary Club.”

“The Rotary Club is proud to help make County Executive Hein’s vision a reality,” said Christine Giangrasso President of the Highland Rotary Club and Assistant Governor of Region 2 of Rotary International.  “I am so impressed by my Region, working together we are making a difference for our Veterans; they did so much for us, we need to do this for them.  I encourage everyone to do whatever you can to get behind this project.”

“Ulster County residents and businesses should be proud of what we, as a community, have accomplished so far,” said Colleen Mountford of the Kingston Sunrise Rotary.    “It is our goal that no veteran living in Ulster County ever goes homeless again, and therefore please lend your support to the Patriots Project in any way you can.

To date, the Rotary Clubs have donated $10,000 towards the project and have purchased furniture from Saugerties Furniture Mart and appliances from H.L. Snyder in Saugerties, with both businesses providing deep discounts on account of the Patriots Project.  The Clubs also continue to encourage others to get involved with the project so that Veterans will have a safe, respectable home.

When completed, the Patriots Project will provide transitional housing and essential services to Ulster County’s Veterans in need.  Anyone wishing to donate to the Patriots Project can contact the United Way at (845)-331-4199 or Kingston Sunrise Rotary at (845)-594-5913.

Back Row: Jim Kiley, Phil Schunk, Michael Ruane, Steve Laubach, County Executive Mike Hein, Nancy Clark, Robert Kalb, Matt Eyler, Front Row: Shirley Paley, Christine Giangrasso, Colleen Mountford, Georgiana Pangburn