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
This year, we honor Rosemary & Denny Evaul and Dani Masterson. Rosemary and Denny are recognized for their decades of cultural, educational, and civic leadership in Wappinger, inspiring generations through their work with Masque & Mime, County Players, Friends of Grinnell Library, and other community organizations. We also proudly recognize Dani Masterson for her extraordinary dedication to veterans, including organizing Wreaths Across America Day locally and sounding TAPS at more than 5,000 military funerals nationwide. Through her work in theater, first responder training, and with Magic Wheelchair, Dani continues to bring service, creativity, and compassion to the community.
Featuring
Abundant hot & cold hors d'oeuvres and drink from Simply Gourmet
Upbeat Music by Bryan Lammers and The Blend
Illusions by Illusionist Ryan Dutcher
*Cocktail Attire Requested*
Scroll down to see photos from last year's event.
Honoring
Rosemary & Denny Evaul and Dani Masterson
for their long-time and diverse contributions to the Wappinger community. Through their cultural, educational and civic engagement, they bring magic to our lives!
Location
The historic Wappingers Falls Boathouse
(105 Market Street)
Previously the Box Factory, this building was built in the late 19th century for the construction of wooden crate shipping containers for calico fabric produced at the Dutchess Bleachery. Lumber arrived here from barges coming up the Hudson River to the Wappingers Creek. That lumber was then crafted into shipping crates; the manufactured textile goods were shipped to markets from there.
Photos From Last Year's Gala
The Spirit of Mesier Celebrates Midsummer
A wonderful evening was enjoyed by all at last year's cocktail gala. Guests savored abundant food and drink from Simply Gourmet, beautiful florals from Sabellico's Greenhouse, and lively music by Bryan Lammers and The Blend. We honored Kristin Catalano and County Players and celebrated Wappinger150. Scroll through our gallery to enjoy some photos of the event. Photo credit: Allie Bopp
Thank you to our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and guests—your support helps us continue preserving and celebrating our local history.
Silent Auction
We are putting together a wonderful array of 13 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, one-of-a-kind artwork, brewery and dining packages, theater, photo shoots and more.
Preview of our Silent Auction now! Love an item? Skip the bidding and use “Buy It Now” to make it yours before someone else does. "Buy it Now" advanced purchase takes place June 3rd - June 17th.
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