Stewart Military Appreciation Picnic Seeks Benefactors, Volunteers

By Lisa Ramirez, Director of Communications and Membership

Members of the 2023 Stewart Military Appreciation Picnic Planning Committee have been meeting regularly in recent months, laying the groundwork for the region’s largest event for military members and their families.

Scheduled for Fall 2023, the event is traditionally held every three years at Stewart Air National Guard Base. Like so many events that were canceled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the gathering was scheduled for 2020, canceled and rescheduled for 2021, and once again postponed in 2022.

But the Military Appreciation Picnic — a day of great food, entertainment and family activities — is back on, and thousands of guests are expected to attend. It is a monumental undertaking, made possible only by the generous donations of many local organizations and individuals.

The Planning Committee has launched a fundraising campaign and is seeking benefactors to help make this year’s Military Appreciation Picnic special, and local and regional not-for-profits, community organizations and businesses have always given their generous support. Volunteers are also needed to set up, clean up, and do everything necessary to ensure that our guests of honor — the enlisted military members, their spouses and their children — enjoy the day and are shown our admiration, respect and appreciation.

We hope you will join us in supporting this event by becoming a Stewart Military Appreciation Picnic Benefactor. There are opportunities to become a Stewart Military Appreciation Picnic Benefactor at several levels, and all benefactors will be recognized at the event.

To learn more about becoming a Picnic Benefactor, to make a donation or for information on how your organization can help, call Organizing Committee Chairperson Alan Seidman at 845-562-4280 or email aseidman@ccahv.com. To donate online, visit https://cfosny.org/our-funds/designated/military-appreciation-day-fund.