Dale Stewart reports from Red Hook, NY. The rain ended just in time on Saturday, June 9 for the second annual Hudson Valley Engagement, one of the first of many regional area events celebrating LGBT Pride Month. The festive afternoon was hosted by Harlan Bratcher & Toby Usnik on the sprawling grounds of their Red Hook home. The affair benefitted Empire State Pride Agenda, Inc., and marked the first gathering of the organization's Hudson Valley supporters the right to marry in New York State had been secured. Guests were encouraged to explore the park-like grounds and, surprisingly, do a little dog shopping. One of the day's most unlikely beneficiaries was Rhinebeck’s Russell Refuge, Inc., which gave revelers, including Dan Cain with rescue Scout, and Brad Brefeld a chance to ooh and aah over the party's tiniest guests, a selection of adorable terriers.
Gigi Trattoria's Laura Pensiero, party host Toby Usnik, and Cornelius du Toit; partygoers Aaron Leth and Jennifer Dixon.
ESPA's Associate Director of Development Donnie Roberts with Michael Van Nort and David Merrill Jr.; designer Christopher C. Spitzmiller and David Svanda.
Kendra Hutchinson, Héctor Lozada, and Empire Pride's Interim Executive Director Lynn Faria; Brian Kelly is flanked by Stephan Hengst and Patrick Decker of Big Gay Hudson Valley.
Rhinebeck’s Russell Refuge's Dale Mountain with Gemma; party host, Harlan Bratcher with Buddy; Bill Hamilton, Peter Kross, and Sam Blount.
Thomas Froese and Rich Volo; street athlete Robin Arzon, Rob Calvin, and Adam Meiras.
Patrick Killeen and Abel Mendez; Ken Quay with committee member Louis Bradbury.
Josh Roseman with Rachel Usnik; Alex Channing, Steve Tompkins, and Larry Bodel.
Susan Simons and Beth Jones take in the grounds at twilight.
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Matteline deVries-Dilling, founder of Lite Brite Neon, one of the evening's honoree of this year's Upstate Benefit adresses the gala from the Caboose's caboose.
- Karen Pearson. Courtesy Art Omi.
Olana senior vice president and landscape curatorMark Prezorski, president Sean Sawyer, The evenings honoree Kristin Gamble and New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett.
- Oxygen House Photo
