Friday, June 19, 2026 | 6:00pm to 9:00pm
A cocktail party fundraiser dedicated to advancing our educational mission and honoring extraordinary individuals who have made lasting contributions to our community.
Venue: the Historic Boathouse on Wappinger Creek
105 Market Street, Wappingers Falls NY 12590
SILENT AUCTION
We've put together a wonderful array of 12 silent auction prizes, all featuring unique experiences that highlight our beautiful village, town, hamlets and the surrounding mid-Hudson Valley ~ think private tours of interesting places not generally open to the public, dining and touring around the Hudson Valley, one-of-a-kind artwork, locally grown dahlia bouquets, beer and wine, and more! Scroll down to preview all the wonderful silent auction items that are part of our Gala. "Buy it Now" advanced purchase will begin on June 3rd - June 17th.
Behind the Wings of History: Private Tour of Placid Lassie, a Real WWII War Hero 1943 C-47, for your group of up to Four (4) people
Tour Placid Lassie, an actual WWII hero, with your group of up to four (4) people! Placid Lassie is a 1943 Douglas C-47 Skytrain military transport aircraft which flew missions on D-Day over Normandy. Climb aboard Placid Lassie while she is stationed at the Hudson Valley Regional Airport in Wappingers Falls and learn the history and stories of the Lassie’s flights before, during, and after World War II from a volunteer docent of the Tunison Foundation.
Unlike many warbirds operating today, Placid Lassie is a real war hero. She is not a replica, or a deep restoration based upon parts from multiple separate airplanes. These same rivets crossed the English Channel on June 6th, 1944 and continued across Europe in service of our country. Learn more about her history at: https://www.tunisonfoundation.org/c-47-placid-lassie
This exclusive opportunity is limited to your group of up to 4 people and will take place subject to Placid Lassie’s active flying schedule and travel commitments, while she is at her hangar at Hudson Valley Regional Airport. Valid from July through November 2026 and from January through September 2027.
The winner of this auction will receive contact information from the WHS office and you’ll be able to arrange a mutually-agreed upon tour date and time with the Tunison Foundation directly. Please note that a flight is not included in this tour.
Dinner’s on Us: Dining around Wappinger and beyond featuring nine (9) gift certificates to the some of the best restaurants in the area!
From cozy date nights and happy hour cocktails to delicious takeout when you’d rather skip the cooking, this “Dinner’s on Us” package celebrates the incredible dining scene right here in the Hudson Valley. Featuring gift certificates to nine (9) outstanding local restaurants in Wappingers Falls, Fishkill, Poughkeepsie, and Hyde Park, this prize offers a flavorful tour of some of the area’s popular destinations.
Enjoy a variety of cuisines including Italian favorites, farm-to-table dining, classic American fare, hearty steakhouse selections, and even a touch of British charm. Whether you revisit longtime favorites or discover somewhere new, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
Perfect for treating yourself, planning a night out, or even sharing as gifts, this collection of dining experiences is sure to delight food lovers and local supporters alike. Bon appétit!
This auction item includes the following gift certificates:
$100 – Crew Restaurant & Bar in Poughkeepsie
$100 – Farm to Table Restaurant in Fishkill
$100 – Stone’s Pizzeria in Wappingers Falls
$100 – Trattoria Locanda Restaurant in Fishkill
$100 – Fishkill Prime Land & Sea
$50 – StoryTeller at the Inn at Bellefield in Hyde Park
$50 – Shadows on the Hudson in Poughkeepsie
$50 – Nonnina’s in Wappingers Falls
$50 – Braised Pies in Wappingers Falls
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Family Portrait Photography Session with Local Photographer Alysha Winter: For a group of up to six (6) people.
Capture lasting memories in the heart of the historic Village of Wappingers Falls with a family photo session by lifestyle photographer Alysha Winter. This package includes up to a 2-hour session for a maximum of six (6) people (including children), set against your choice of charming and scenic village backdrops.
The village provides a beautiful setting in every season, so you may schedule your 2-hour session in the summer, fall, or winter or next spring. Choose for your backdrop historic locations such as the new Gardens at Mesier Park, the Gazebo, the Village Creamery, the Grinnell Library, or another favorite spot in the village that holds special meaning for your family.
Following the session, Alysha will professionally edit your images and provide a gallery of 35 high-resolution digital photographs chosen by you out of a proof gallery of roughly 100 photos. Photos you’ll be able to download, share, and treasure for years to come. A beautiful opportunity to celebrate family, connection, and the timeless beauty of Wappingers Falls.
About Alysha Winter:
Alysha has been a photographer for 10 years, now focusing on children and families. She is a wife and mom of two. For family photo sessions with young kids, Alysha knows how crazy it is to get good photos, so her goal is to make you and your kids as comfortable as possible and keeping the session fun! Your littles are NOT expected to behave perfectly -- movement and normal life make for the best candid moments. She wants you to feel your best while having a good time! View some of Alysha Winter’s work at https://www.alyshawinterphotography.com/
This Auction item offers a family photo session for up to six (6) people, using outside locations in the village of Wappingers Falls as a backdrop for your photos. Session time is up to 2-hours on a day and time mutually agreed upon. You will receive a gallery of 35 edited digital photos within a month of your session. Prize valid through May 31, 2027.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Silver Sponsors
Denny and Rosemary Evaul
Joseph D. Cavaccini
Bronze Sponsors
Grace and Michael Martin
Alison Spear and Alex Reese
Marcy L. Wagman
Al and Toni Casella
Kim and John Lawrence
Donors
Brent Financial Group, LLC
Lafayette Lodge No. 18, I.O.O.F.
Legion Fireworks Co. Inc.
Richard Tallman
Beth & Jack Devine
Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home
Marie Needham
The Holohan and Costello Families
Sponsorships are available for next year's gala. More information? 845-632-1281