On Sunday, September 30th many friends of Dutchess Outreach enjoyed a fun mid day brunch at the Dutchess Golf and Country Club in Poughkeepsie. The occasion was the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Lunch Box which has been serving hungry people in and around Poughkeepsie since 1982.

The Brunch combined a touch of nostalgia, great food and fun. Charlie North, President CEO of the Poughkeepsie Chamber of Commerce, as master of ceremonies, provided a lively commentary. He, at one point, led the group in a lively chorus of Happy Birthday to the Lunch Box. Chef Morey Kanner, from the Culinary Institute of America provided the attendees with some culinary insights.

Great food at the Dutchess Golf and Country Club

To give everyone a glimpse at the beginnings of the Lunch Box, Trudy Grundon, one of the first volunteers, and Ella Spooner, the first associate director gave personal recollections of the early days. The Brunch was capped off with a lively auction and the results of the raffle for a HD flat screen television.

Trudy Grundon with Don Pectle

Thank you to our sponsors: Ulster Savings Bank, Central Hudson Gas& Electric Corp., Health Quest, Marist College, MVP Health Care, Inc., St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Sam’s Club, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation and Hickey-Finn & Co for their generosity.

Thrivent Volunteers

Thank you to all our supporters for helping to contribute to the financial pantry of Dutchess Outreach. This will truly help us continue our programs to aid those in need in the community - not only through the Lunch Box, but also emergency assistance, the food pantry to mention a few.