Award ceremony was last Friday afternoon
Last week, the West Point chapter of DUSA — Daughters of the United States Army — made a lot of local folks smile.
It was DUSA’s annual grants distribution ceremony, held at the West Point Museum on Friday afternoon.
DUSA Vice President Holly West, who runs the organization’s grant program locally, welcomed all to the event, calling the local organizations which were receiving grants “outstanding” in the work they do in the community.
“We are proud to announce that we will be awarding over $42,000 in grants to these organizations, which will enable them to continue their important work,” West said.
She told those at the ceremony why DUSA supports communities around the country.
“The Daughters of the United States Army is a unique organization that has a rich history of service to our country,” she said. “It was founded in 1903 by a group of women who were dedicated to supporting the United States Army and its soldiers. Since then, the organization has grown to become one of the most respected and influential advocacy groups in the country.”
The DUSA chapter at West Point is a not-for-profit, philanthropic women’s organization, dedicated to serving the West Point community and sharing the ideals of Army values, while inspiring women, preserving Army heritage and encouraging patriotism.
“Our goal is to uplift, unite, and support our community by offering service opportunities, educational scholarships, community grants, and free events,” West said. “The grants we are awarding today reflect our commitment to supporting organizations that share our values and our mission. These organizations have demonstrated an unwavering dedication to serving our communities and our country, and we are honored to support their efforts.”
As she signaled it was time to present the awards, West added: “We look forward to continuing to work with you to make a difference in our community.”
Of varying amounts, they went to:
American Legion Post 633 – funds for a new air conditioner
Bear Mountain Lacrosse – funds for starter equipment sets
Club Beyond – funds for leadership training
Community Connections – funds for sensory friendly trips and materials
Constitution Island Association – funds to replace rose and herb gardens, to plant trees and restore indoor textiles
Friends of the American Revolution – funds for outdoor signage
Franciscan Missionary of Sacred Heart – funds to cover a multitude of needs
HFFM PTP – funds to purchase a coffee percolator and insulated beverage dispenser
Highland Falls Little League – funds to help refurbish the concessions stand
JIO Drama Club – funds for costumes and supplies
JBK Soccer – funds for balls and training
Kaylynn Rhodes Girl Scout Gold Project – funds to help refurbish the VFW in Highland Falls
JIO Senior Bash – funds to provide games, a photo booth and karaoke
Sacred Heart Food Pantry – funds to purchase fresh foods from the Food Bank
Town of Highlands Recreation – funds for flag football equipment
Vet Rep’s Thomas Poole and Charles Scott Griesa Center Foundation – funds for performance rights, operations
WPMS – funds to buy the rights to perform Annie.
