The Town of Wallkill Boys and Girls Club, “serves the underserved kids and I made it my passion to get the Club what it needed. This building was part of an awesome team effort, and I could not have done this without the support of the Town Board which was in place in 2014,” said Dan Depew, former Town of Wallkill Supervisor, and honoree at the 6th Annual Grown Here event held October 12 at the Circleville Park.

Event Chairman, Jay Anthony said, “Dan has always been here for the kids. He has indeed walked the talk by obtaining funding, campaigning, and doing what it took to make this building (the Clubhouse) happen. If not for Dan, none of this would exist.”

Grown Here is a fundraiser for the organization which highlights the use of local foods and purveyors, featuring soup prepared by Loretta Ruetter of Hermann’s Erie Hotel in Pine Bush. Other courses included Scancarello & Sons of Middletown charcuterie for the cocktail hour, pasta course by Edison Narkaj of Limoncello at the Orange Inn, entree by Jaime Stankevicus at Neversink General Store in Neversink, and Jamie and Chef Marcus Guiliano of Aroma Thyme Bistro in Ellenville prepared dessert. In addition to the farm-to-table culinary aspect, the evening also featured music performed by Somerville, as well as popular silent auctions consisting of donations including a New York Giants signed football, wheelbarrow of cheer, and a basket of gifts from various Pine Bush businesses.

However, it is the visual reminders proudly displayed throughout the space including photographs of and quotes from the children who benefit from the Boys and Girls Club that underlines the event name. Those who attend before or after school sessions, summer camp, or perhaps benefit from services like the Giving Tree or Backpacks for Hope. They are also grown here.