On Sunday, June 14, 150 people gathered at the Mohonk Pavilion for “Celebrating the Heart of Community Service.” This joyful gathering honored Colleen Geraghty—social worker, activist, community organizer, and dedicated volunteer—with our annual Distinguished Achievement Award.
What if our wounds can inform our gifts?
Calling herself a “Sherpa for the Shelter”, Colleen Geraghty is infamous in our community for doggedly organizing and distributing help to those most downtrodden by life, victims of domestic violence and their families. When asked how she does it, she laughingly says “You raise your hand at a meeting”. Her humility and commitment to shining the spotlight on others is a portrait in courage, and how to build community.
Due to her own shyness of the spotlight, it was no surprise that the event honoring her was equally a celebration of many worthy organizations and people. Represented were: Family of Woodstock, Hudson Valley LGBTQ+ Center, New Paltz Committee for Shelter Outreach, Project Linus, Resilient Child Fund, and Ulster Immigrant Defense Network. The spoken tributes were touching and resonant, ending with a powerful video message from Tony Porter, Director of A Call to Men, in which he encouraged all men to be part of the solution for domestic violence by speaking up about it.
Amidst a collection of stunning home-made quilts from the Linus Project, money was raised, songs were sung, tributes were offered, and a festive summer barbecue was enjoyed, topped off by a giant strawberry shortcake.
It would have been difficult to leave that day without being inspired to act upon on Colleen’s ideals: Through service we can transmute suffering.
2026 Distinguished Achievement Award—Photos by Lorna Tychostup.
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