Make A Difference Fund Grants

Make A Difference Fund Grants is sponsored by Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan. Supports nonprofit organizations addressing the social and emotional needs of veterans in Orange and Sullivan counties, New York.

Make A Difference Fund | Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan and Rockland Make A Difference Fund - Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan and Rockland Date Established: June 3, 2014 As of July 31, the 2026 Grant Cycle is officially closed and applications are under review.

The focus of this year’s cycle will be to support nonprofit infrastructure and operational needs, with preference given to organizations and projects that support women, children and seniors. Email lisa@cfosny. org with any questions.

Examples of eligible requests may include technology upgrades, equipment purchases, program-related supplies, facility improvements, and other operational expenses that directly enhance the organization’s ability to serve their community. Please consider donating below to support the numerous grants awarded each year!

The Make a Difference Fund was established in 2003 by leadership of the Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan and Rockland to meet emerging needs in the areas we serve. This fund has supported children and families in distressed communities achieve success through grants to nonprofits providing valuable educational, recreational and wellness opportunities.

Grants up to $5,000 will be distributed to nonprofit organizations in Orange, Sullivan and Rockland Counties. All tax exempt 501(c)3 organizations located in Orange, Sullivan and Rockland Counties are eligible to apply Please note that grants are not given to support: Organizations that received a Make A Difference grant within one (1) year. Projects that influence specific legislation or election campaigns.

Academic or medical research. Private education and religious organizations except for programs that serve broad community needs. Retroactive funding for projects that have been completed or will be completed prior to the grant award date.

Fundraising events, the purchase of tickets for benefits, courtesy advertising. Replacement of governmental or other public funding except for grants bridging periods before anticipated funding.

Higher education scholarships Make A Difference Fund Past Recipients Rockland Conservatory of Music Hurleyville Performing Arts Center STEAM (Siegel Trust Enriching Arts & Music) Wallkill River Center for the Arts Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless, Inc. Grahamsville United Methodist Church Community Church of Wurtsboro Food Pantry The Union Church Food Pantry Victory Hill Therapeutic Horsemanship STEAM (Siegel Trust Enriching Arts & Music) Fund Jewish Family Service of Orange County NY Liberty NY Rotary Club Foundation, Inc. The Pine Bush Area Public Library Town of Montgomery – Senior Independence Project Astor Services for Children & Families Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster Chosen Few Leathernecks, Inc. Dandelions are Flowers Too Youth Services, Inc. Literacy Volunteers of Sullivan County New York State Federation of Growers’ and Processors’ Associations, Inc. Rural & Migrant Ministry, Inc. Town of Wallkill Boys & Girls Clubs, Inc. United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan and Ulster Hudson Valley Council Boy Scouts of America Nora Cronin Presentation Academy PRASAD Children’s Dental Health Program Town of Wallkill Boys & Girls Club Newburgh Armory Unity Center, Inc. Time and the Valleys Museum Sullivan County Head Start, Inc. Catskill Regional Medical Center Interfaith Outreach United Sullivan County Head Start North American Cultural Laboratory, Inc. San Miguel Academy of Newburgh Safe Harbors of the Hudson Boys and Girls Club of Newburgh, Inc. Safe Homes of Orange County, Inc. Nana’s House Child Care Center Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson, Inc. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County, Inc. – Site Based Mentoring Program United Way of Sullivan County, Inc. – Snack Pack Program Safe Homes of Orange County – Family Justice Center Waiting Room Town of Wallkill Boys and Girls Club – TORCH Program Dispute Resolution Center – Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers Town of Wallkill Boys and Girls Club – InfluenceHer Program Other funds like this one: RECAP (Regional Economic Community Action Program, Inc.) Endowment Fund Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan Operating Fund Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine – Middletown Endowment Fund Jewish Family Service – Diane Finkelstein Families in Crisis Fund Orange County Arts Council Endowment Fund Nora Cronin Presentation Academy Endowment Fund Wallkill River School of Art Fund Fearless!

Hudson Valley Endowment Fund Crystal Run Village Foundation Fund Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra Fund Historical Society of Newburgh Bay and The Highlands Endowment Fund Hudson Highlands Nature Museum Endowment Fund Independent Living, Inc. Fund Neversink Valley Area Museum- Leonard Weissman Education Fund Charles Van I Cuddeback Fund – Neversink Valley Area Museum Orange County Firefighters Museum Endowment Fund Orange County Land Trust Endowment Fund United Way of Orange County Endowment Fund In Memory of Marion S.

Murphy Wallkill Valley Health Coalition Corp. Fund Friends of Hill Hold Museum Fund Bill Devitt’s Dream For Inspire Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County Firefighters Burn Fund (Firefighters Burn Treatment Fund Inc. of Orange, Ulster, Dutchess, and Sullivan) The Record’s People for People Fund Congregation Agudas Achim Endowment Fund Town of Wallkill Boys & Girls Club Great Futures Fund Chester Historical Society Endowment Fund Leadership Orange Endowment Fund Newburgh Chamber Music Endowment Fund Safe Harbors of the Hudson Endowment Fund Cornerstone Family Healthcare Endowment Fund Time and the Valleys Museum Terry Forshay Endowment Fund Museum Village Endowment Fund Goshen Volunteer Ambulance Corps Fund Access Center for Education Fund Friends of Orange County Arboretum Riverbank Historic House & Patent Model Museum Fund Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties Endowment Fund Montgomery Food Pantry Fund Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation Fund The Basha Kill Area Association Fund Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum Endowment Fund Livingston Manor Community Center Rockland Relief Fund Love From Heaven Christian Martinisi Memorial Fund American Friends of DVI Endowment Fund WJFF Radio Catskill Endowment Fund LIVINGSTON MANOR-ROSCOE LIBRARY GENERAL FUND Historical Society of Walden & Wallkill Valley Fund Anonymous Designated Fund #1 Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan and Rockland Endowment Fund Gumaer Cemetery/Pioneer Knoll Cemetery Fund The Harold and Carol Levine Subfund of the Orange County Land Trust The Jacques and Florence Levine Charitable Fund John Mazur Endowment Fund for the benefit of the Orange County Arboretum/Ruth & Jim Ottaway Education Center The Military Appreciation Day Fund Graham M.

Skea Endowment Fund for the benefit of the Orange County Arboretum/Ottaway Education Center Skoda Family Fund For Delaware Valley University Friends of Valley View Foundation The Rowley Family Birthing Center Enhancement Fund John Mazur Endowment Fund For Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orange County Education Center & 4-H Park Goshen Library Foundation Ethel K. and Kenyon D.

Ettinger Memorial Fund Plain Family Charitable Fund Friends of Orange County Youth Bureau Fund Hudson Valley Honor Flight Fund Friends of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh Fund Rural Valley Cemetery Association Maintenance Fund Matamoras-Westfall Historical Society Educational Programs Endowment Fund Mt. Hope Historical Society Educational Programs Endowment Fund Hudson Valley Animal Shelter Fund in Memory of Jean A.

Rowe DeBow Freed Valedictorian Award Fund Byron and Louise Grant Fund Hudson Valley Athletic Club Foundation Rudolf J. and Mary-Esmond G. Moehs Fund Rudolf G.

and Yong Ae K. Moehs Fund Linda and Anthony Cellini Scholarship Fund Cynthia G. De Leon Legacy Fund for Music & Healing William Bartsch Endowment Fund for the Historical Society of Warwick The Daniel P.

Downing Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh Fund Adelaide and Fred Schadt Library Fund Friends of Vaux-Hillside Cemetery Fund Evergreen Meadow Academy Capital Campaign Fund Albert Wisner Public Library Foundation Scholarship #3 Fund Zang/DeClue Family Charitable Fund Port Jervis Free Library American Indian Advancement Fund Advance Testing – James and Nancy Smith Scholarship Fund Salvatore & Patricia Trocino Foundation Anne F.

Bourne Memorial Fund Anonymous Donor Advised Fund #1 The ATB Legacy Fund (Alexander Thomas Blazeski) The Daniel and Jason Coffey Memorial Fund The Irma Schwinger DeAngele Fund Empire State Bank Charitable Trust Fund Bhag Mall & Leela Wanti Kumar Foundation Corinne Feller Memorial Fund The Bud & Ruth Kassel Fund The Robert Rowell Foundation Richie Reynolds Memorial Fund The Ronnie Honigsbaum-Caplan-Bensley Fund Chris Farlekas Legacy Fund Can’t Hurt Steel Community Foundation Dr. Carol Ann Malizia Legacy Foundation Lucas O’Connor Memorial Fund The Wesley-Krueger Family Foundation Lou Bucci Memorial Fund for Athletes & the Arts STEAM (Siegel Trust Enriching Music & Arts) Fund Darren Foss Memorial Fund Chief and Detective James T.

Giery (Father & Son) Memorial Fund Christine Thomas Memorial Fund for Helping Others Dustin James Fallen Police Officer Memorial Fund Bud and Marie Reilly Fund Matthew & Kathryn Wilhelm Charitable Fund Preddice Family Foundation Zen Charitable Foundation Ray and Madeline Spagnoli Foundation Jose (Jason) Brizell Fund Jesse J’s Brain Aneurysm Foundation Michael & Erin Martucci Family Foundation Be the Change Hudson Valley Fund Parksville Arts Center Fund George and Catherine Sifre Family Fund Kei Sharice Ramsey Legacy Fund Nancy & Jonathan Kupperman Family Charitable Fund 105th Airlift Wing Alumni Association Fund Doug Ackermann and Brenna Darling Memorial Fund Amy Alexander Foundation (Fund) Anthony Family Foundation for Autism Support The Lieutenant Gregg Atlas Foundation Congregation Ahavath Israel Perpetual Care Fund Dinners4Kids Orange County Fund The Fund for Senior Services in Memory of Anne Coon Ronald I.

Jacobowitz Health/Educational Fund The Jacobowitz Family Trust Fund, a Charitable Lead Trust The Mike Levine Journalism Education Fund The Valley Central Education Foundation Lazare and Charlotte Kaplan Foundation Fund The Keith B. Hayes Foundation Van Poucke Family Foundation Joseph M.

Rabess Memorial Foundation Jacob Kotin Teens in Crisis Fund Liberty Rotary Disaster Preparedness and Relief Fund Finkelstein Wellness Fund Richard and Buffy Cordisco Fund for Literacy and Learning The Force Recovery Foundation Bonacic Family Foundation Montgomery Community Fund Chester Kiwanis Foundation Fund Dr. Nathan L.

Rosenblum Legacy Foundation The Fund for A Single Bite Evan Wade Pearson Memorial Fund Zachary Woods Memorial Fund Adopting T. H. E.

O. Foundation Dick Polich Internship Fund Cappello and Thomas Helping Hands Fund Michaelene L. Thatcher Memorial Fund Terry and Carl Saturno Canine and Equine Support Fund Silent No More Foundation Steven Quinn Memorial Foundation TRI-STATE FINANCIAL LITERACY CLUB FUND David C.

Green Legacy Fund Liberty Rotary Local Needs Fund Orange County Highway Superintendents Fund G&D Schoolhouse Special Education Preschool Fund Town of Shawangunk Community Clock Fund Light It Up Blue Hudson Valley Fund Kara-Lynn Caltavuturo Fashion Award Paul Van Doran Memorial Fund Cornwall On Hudson Special Events Committee Fund Friends of Older Adults Fund The Great American Syndicate Fund Hudson Valley Caregivers Assistance Foundation RedTail Flight Academy Fund Hudson Valley Youth Bureau Association Fund Cultivate Montgomery Fund Caregivers Advancement Fund Friends of Orange County Think Differently Hudson Valley Basket Brigade Fund Advanced Disaster Recovery Fund Goshen Class of 2027 Booster Club Fund Newburgh Boys Tennis Fund Narrowsburg Ecumenical Food Pantry Fund Kids Club House Playground Fund Montgomery Village Events Committee Fund Packed with Love Foundation Goshen Class of 2029 Booster Club Goshen Class of 2026 Booster Club Fund TACA Community Robotics Fund Valley Central Boys Wrestling Booster Fund VC Boys Basketball Alumni Foundation Cornwall Events Committee Fund Dennis & Carmen Maher Youth Employment Foundation Hudson Valley FIRST Lego League Fund Goshen Class of 2028 Booster Club Fund All Together Now Chorus Fund Naomi Sewell Richardson Park Foundation Valley Central Girls’ Basketball Booster Club Newburgh Girls Tennis Fund Valley Central Girls Soccer Booster Club Lake Association of White Lake, NY Fund Valley Central Softball Booster Club VC Girls Swim & Dive Team Fund VC Vikings Football Booster Club Newburgh Girls Basketball Fund Wanderwood Trails and Tales Fund Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan and The Rockland Community Foundation Announce Planned Merger Linking the Hudson Valley Fund Trans+ Support Initiative Foundation The Pearl River Public Library Renewal Project Fund Acting Comedy Theatre (ACT) Fund for Goshen Central High School Jordyn Seiden Memorial Fund (To Infinity & Beyond…And Double That) Village of Montgomery Caboose Fund Walter Panas Robotics Fund Montgomery Odyssey of the Mind Project Fund Rockland Community Against Hunger Project Fund Newburgh Girls Flag Football Fund Meghan Sager Memorial Fund Marius Ivascu Aviation Foundation The John Maher Foundation Center for Business Innovation Scholarship Fund The Edward R.

and J. Roscoe Crist Memorial Scholarship Fund Destinations of New York State Travel, Tourism, Hospitality & Culinary College Education Scholarship Fund Hudson Valley Builders and Remodelers Association Scholarship Fund Taylor and Kyle Doce Academic Scholarship Fund Peter H.

Cahalan Scholarship Fund Orange County Youth Football and Cheerleading Scholarship Fund The Christopher and Ellen Byrne Charitable Fund The Ashley and Sierra Memorial Foundation The Lillian J. Bauer Memorial Scholarship Fund The Ian C. Bennett/Situation Cares Memorial Fund The Matthew R.

Bertholf Scholarship Fund Samuel Beytin Fallsburg Central Community Scholarship Fund Michelle Renee Bratton Memorial Scholarship Fund Chester Kiwanis Scholarship Fund The David T. Cocks Walden Savings Bank Scholarship Fund Scott F. Coen Memorial Scholarship Fund The Justin T.

Dimino Memorial Scholarship Fund Corinne Feller Memorial Scholarship Fund FF Thomas J. and FF Daniel R. Foley Memorial Scholarship Fund John D.

Garrison Memorial Scholarship Fund – Walden Savings Bank (WSB) The FF (Firefighter) Denis P. Germain Memorial Scholarship Fund The Susan Gunther Memorial Scholarship Fund Oscar B. Greenleaf Memorial Scholarship Fund Caitlin M.

Hammaren Memorial Foundation and Arts Institute Fund Hudson Valley Tuskegee Airmen Endowment Fund The Jodi’s Drive Scholarship Fund The Alison Klepper Memorial Fund Charlene Klieverik Memorial Scholarship Fund Abraham and Judith and Jonathan R. Kopald Scholarship Fund Elissa Lippen/Matthew Helm Memorial Scholarship Fund The David S. MacFarland Scholarship Fund John Mazur Memorial Scholarship Fund The Richard G.

McCoy Foundation Middletown High School Academy of Finance (AoF)/Academy of Information Technology (AoIT) Scholarship Endowment Fund Jennifer Newton Memorial Scholarship Fund Erin Ortiz Memorial Scholarship Fund The Pine Bush Alumni Scholarship Fund Pine Bush Youth Soccer Club Fund Michael Purcell Memorial Scholarship Fund Anthony C.

Quinn Memorial Fund The David Racine Scholarship Fund Rescue 3 Fallen Heroes 9/11 Scholarship Fund The Archie Stewart Rotary Scholarship Fund (Newburgh Rotary Club) Rotary Club of Middletown Golden Gear Education Fund Rotary Club of Walden Fund The E. Bash Soderlund and Barbara Soderlund (WUCM) Mentoring Fund The Sheila Birkett Gift of Life Scholarship Fund The Isaac and Ruthe Silberman Legal Profession Scholarship Fund/The Herbert J.

Avrutis and Ruthe Silberman Medical Scholarship Fund The Joshua Stamm Memorial Fund Sullivan 180 Scholarship Fund The Jane Unhjem Memorial Scholarship Fund Rudolph Vallet Memorial Science and Education Scholarship Fund Wallkill East Rotary Scholarship Fund Blake & Dorothy Washington Scholarship Fund Washingtonville 5 World Trade Center (WTC) Memorial Scholarship Fund Earle and Elizabeth Wilde- Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County Scholarship Fund Frederick B.

and Dorothy A. Wildfoerster Fund John P. Williamson Memorial Fund The Winifred Dunwald Memorial Scholarship Fund Women’s University Club of Middletown Endowment Fund Isidore and Ethel Wittenberg Memorial Scholarship Fund Al Romm Interdisciplinary Journalism Scholarship Fund Roy D.

Parker Scholarship The Cornwall Central High School Scholar’s Fund Anthony Cavaliere Foundation Jocelyn Levner-Nissenbaum Memorial Scholarship Fund Michael Bertolini and Jerry Duane Arts Education Scholarship Fund The Jean A. Rowe Scholarship Fund in Memory of John Culik and Anna Culik The Jean A. Rowe Scholarship Fund in Memory of Thomas Rowe and Winifred Rowe The Jean A.

Rowe Scholarship Fund in Memory of Thomas J. Rowe and Jean A. Rowe Ross B.

& Ken L. Decker Scholarship for the Arts Fund Elena Brodmerkel Scholarship for the Arts Fund Elizabeth Sheldon Memorial Scholarship Fund Liberty Rotary Club Scholarship Fund Kiwanis Club of Middletown Scholarship Fund Justin Speights Scholarship Fund The Marine P. F.

C. Jerry B. Evans Memorial Scholarship Fund The Haddon C.

Pantel Memorial Scholarship Fund Timothy Lubitz Memorial Fund Bill Perry Memorial Fund For Music Education & Appreciation Frank A.

and Lulu Rose Foundation Antonio Baglivo Memorial Scholarship Fund James and Eleanor Cain Scholarship Fund Christine Thomas Memorial Foundation Wendy Herm “Woman Warrior” Scholarship Fund Clarkstown Senior HS South Alumni Memorial Fund The Periwinkle Fund for the Arts Mel Mednick Memorial Scholarship Fund Monticello NY Kiwanis Foundation, Inc. Fund Edward F. X. Hughes Scholarship Fund E.

J. Szulwach Environmental Fund Christopher Page Memorial Scholarship Fund Eileen Haworth Weil Memorial Scholarship Fund Jodi Davis Performing Arts Scholarship Fund Center for Prayer and Meditation Scholarship Fund Forever Dance Scholarship Fund in Memory of Lia Berardinelli Dr. Nathan L.

Rosenblum Scholarship Foundation John Bull Memorial Scholarship for Athletes Fund Bekah Memorial Foundation Blustein, Shapiro, Frank & Barone Scholarship Fund The Mary Ellen Albarino Memorial Scholarship Fund Kevin C. Gordon Memorial Scholarship Fund The Coach Peter Rickard Scholarship Fund Devin Michael Housman Memorial Scholarship Fund Lloyd F.

Sweet, Sr. Music Education Scholarship Fund Jackson Truett Memorial Scholarship Fund Orange County Bar Foundation of New York Scholarship Fund Danny Prial Scholarship & Charity Fund Alice Privitera Nursing Scholarship Fund Daniel Thalmann Scholarship Fund Bear’s Cars Memorial Fund Fallsburg High School Class of 1974 Scholarship Fund Alice H. & John Callaghan Scholarship Fund Austin Andolsek Memorial Scholarship Fund Dr. Timothy E.

Hale Memorial Scholarship Fund Steven and Stephanie Weisbroth Walden Scholarship Fund Coach Mike Weiner Scholarship Fund Marc DeLuca Scholarship Fund Albert M. Pavese, Jr. Scholarship Fund Joshua David Glantz Trade School Scholarship Fund John and Deb Rath Health Services Scholarship Fund Roland H. Ward Scholarship Fund Gail Culver Scholarship Fund ROBERT A.

ADLER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND Bobbi Ercoline, RN Memorial Scholarship Fund Elizabeth Karnas Memorial Scholarship Fund Orange County Chamber of Commerce Foundation Charlotte & Michael Sherman Memorial Scholarship Fund GARBAGE, GANGSTERS & GREED FUND Sharon Delmonico Memorial Scholarship Fund Frederick “Rick” Metzger Memorial Scholarship Fund Servant’s Heart Scholarship Fund Sullivan County Bar Association Fund Junior League of Orange County, NY Scholarship Fund Bob Santo JROTC Scholarship Fund James “Jimmy” Gould Scholarship Fund Sue Anderson Memorial Music Scholarship (SAMMS) Fund Max Moreno SUNY Orange Bridges Scholarship Fund Illuminate Goshen, Inc. Fund Newburgh Basketball Program Project Fund Warwick Playground Dreams Village of Chester Community Association PULSES (Parents United Learning the Special Education System) Fund Warwick Skatepark Initiative An activist with over two decades of experience in social justice, Elizabeth is recognized for her expertise in domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and strategies to end gender-based violence.

She is sought after nationally as an adviser and consultant, collaborating with federal, state and local agencies, businesses, policymakers and political leaders to develop legislation, service coordination and best practices. She is also a sought-after trainer and public speaker, featured in media such as PIX11 News, ABC7NY and Univision, discussing critical issues like domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.

Elizabeth is actively engaged in shaping policy and community responses by her service on several prominent boards and councils, including: New York State Domestic Violence Task Force and Council New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team Rockland County Citizen Advisory Council Co-chair of Rockland County’s Coordinated Community Response Stop F. E. A.

R. Coalition Elizabeth has previously served on the New York State Office of Victim Services Advisory Council, the board of the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NYSCADV), the board of Rockland County CASAs (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for children and the board of the Legal Aid Society of Rockland County. Elizabeth?

exemplifies leadership, innovation and community impact. From expanding her organization’s scale and securing multi-year strategic direction, to earning numerous prestigious awards—her professional story reflects a powerful combination of results-driven advocacy, respected expertise and transformative vision.

Elizabeth’s leadership has been recognized with several awards, including her induction into the NYS Women in Human Services Hall of Fame, the Rockland Bar Association’s Liberty Bell Award, the Nyack Center’s Woman of Leadership & Vision, the NYS Senate’s Woman of Distinction, the Rockland County Police Hispanic Society’s Hispanic Leader, the United Way of Rockland County’s Community Builder and Leader and most recently as an Advocate for Social Justice and Gender-Based Violence Prevention by the Nyack NAACP.

Elizabeth is a dual citizen of the Dominican Republic and United States. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Boston College and a Certificate in Non-Profit Sustainability from Cornell University. Elizabeth co-founded the Boston College Archbishop Oscar Romero Scholarship for students of Latinidad descent demonstrating a balance in academics and social justice community service.

She is an alumna of Leadership Rockland’s class of 2007. She is a proud mother of three adult children. Patricia Zugibe, CEO, and Jack Holt, Chairman, bring decades of construction, legal, development, and executive leadership to Holt Construction.

Patricia joined Holt in 2014 as in-house counsel and has since led the company’s strategic growth, corporate governance, risk management, safety culture, and commitment to technology and innovation. With more than 30 years of experience, including service as Rockland County Attorney and Acting County Executive, she brings a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to leading Holt into its next chapter.

As a third-generation owner with more than four decades of leadership at Holt, Jack Holt has helped transform the company into one of the nation’s leading construction firms. He remains deeply committed to excellence, employee development, mentorship, and the long-standing relationships Holt has built with clients, trade partners, and the communities it serves.

Together, Patricia and Jack provide strong, complementary leadership that honors Holt’s 107-year legacy while positioning the company for continued growth and innovation. After receiving a lifesaving heart transplant as a child, Lauren made a decision that would shape the rest of her life: she would use her second chance to help give others theirs.

What began as a young girl sharing her story grew into more than 15 years of advocacy, volunteerism, public service, and community outreach. Lauren began speaking at Rockland County naturalization ceremonies, encouraging new citizens to register as organ and tissue donors.

She later joined fellow advocates at schools, community events, hospitals, government programs, and donor registration drives throughout the region, helping to personally enroll thousands of people in the New York State Donate Life Registry.

At just 12 years old, Lauren’s advocacy helped inspire the passage of Lauren’s Law, New York State legislation requiring everyone applying for or renewing a driver’s license to answer the organ donor question. The law significantly increased donor registrations in New York.

By age 14, Lauren was already a keynote speaker at Philanthropy Day, sharing a message of gratitude, giving, and responsibility to others that would continue throughout her life. Her service extended far beyond legislative advocacy. For years, Lauren volunteered with LiveOnNY, the New York Blood Center, and the American Heart Association.

She organized and participated in blood drives, spoke publicly about the lifesaving importance of blood donation, visited patients in the hospital, educated families and communities about transplantation, and supported donor families as they honored loved ones whose gifts had saved others. Eventually, advocacy became part of Lauren’s profession.

After graduating from Dominican College, she joined LiveOnNY as a Community and Government Affairs Liaison, allowing her to turn a mission she had pursued since childhood into her life’s work.

She represented LiveOnNY throughout the Hudson Valley, worked with elected officials and community organizations, participated in Donate Life Month programs and proclamations, coordinated donor-registration and awareness initiatives, and built meaningful relationships with transplant recipients and donor families. Lauren also believed that community service meant responding to needs beyond her own experience.

Through LiveOnNY, she helped organize the organization’s first Community Baby Shower in Rockland County, bringing together more than 20 community partners and donated necessities for expectant and new mothers in Spring Valley. She participated in community blood drives, memorial events honoring organ donors, and countless local programs where her goal was simply to connect people with resources, support and hope.

One of Lauren’s greatest gifts was her ability to make advocacy personal. She did not simply speak about organ donation, she spoke with people, listened to their stories, comforted transplant patients and donor families, and showed by example what gratitude could look like when transformed into service.

She faced challenges throughout her life that most people could never imagine, yet Lauren remained vibrant, funny, fiercely loyal, compassionate and extraordinarily generous. She never wanted to be defined by what happened to her. She wanted to be defined by what she could do for someone else.

Even while Lauren herself was once again waiting for a lifesaving kidney transplant, she continued encouraging others to become donors and advocating on behalf of the thousands of people still waiting. And in her death, she remained true to the mission she had championed for most of her life, becoming a tissue donor and giving to others one final time. Lauren’s life was far too short, but her service was remarkable.

Lauren leaves behind a legacy that will continue to save and change lives for generations. PayServ Payroll Solutions is a trusted provider of payroll and Human Capital Management solutions, proudly serving businesses throughout the Hudson Valley, New York metropolitan region, and across more than 40 states.

Founded in 1985 and headquartered in Rockland County, PayServ has built its reputation on combining innovative technology with personalized service and a commitment to helping businesses manage their most important asset, their people.

For more than four decades, PayServ has remained committed to the values on which the company was founded: integrity, exceptional service, innovation and a genuine commitment to its clients, employees and community. Its comprehensive payroll and HCM solutions help businesses streamline operations, maintain compliance and provide better experience for their employees.

PayServ’s commitment to service extends beyond its clients and into the community. As a longtime member of the Rockland County business community, the company actively supports nonprofit organizations and community initiatives through charitable giving, sponsorships, employee volunteerism and leadership.

Its philanthropic efforts span a broad range of causes, including seniors, hunger and food insecurity, healthcare, mental health, support for individuals and families in need, animal welfare, arts and culture, education and workforce development.

PayServ also supports initiatives that strengthen the local workforce and create opportunities for individuals and businesses, including its ongoing involvement with the Workforce Development Board of Rockland County. Through these efforts, PayServ seeks to make a meaningful, lasting contribution to the communities where its employees, clients, and partners live and work.

PayServ believes that business success and community responsibility go hand in hand. The company’s longstanding commitment to both is reflected in its continued growth, its relationships with clients and employees, and its dedication to making a positive difference throughout Rockland County and the surrounding region.

Michael Seidenfrau is a dedicated Financial Advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors who believes that successful investment planning begins with trust, strong relationships, and putting people first. As a concierge financial services professional, Michael collaborates closely with individuals and families to help them achieve their financial goals and navigate life’s important decisions with confidence.

Drawing on the extensive resources of Wells Fargo Advisors, he provides personalized guidance tailored to each client’s unique needs, values, and aspirations. At the heart of Michael’s practice is a commitment to listening, understanding, and serving.

He believes that sustainable financial success is achieved not through short-term results alone, but through thoughtful planning, proactive communication, and a long-term strategy designed to support each client’s evolving goals. Michael takes pride in helping clients feel informed, secure, and empowered as they work toward their financial future.

Michael understands that trust is earned through transparency, consistency, and genuine care. He approaches every client relationship with integrity and diligence, taking the time to ensure that each individual feels heard, valued, and supported. His goal is to provide not only financial guidance, but also confidence.

His areas of expertise include Wealth Management, Investments, Portfolio Management, Retirement Planning, and Asset Allocation. Through a disciplined and personalized approach, Michael helps clients develop comprehensive financial strategies designed to preserve and grow their wealth across generations. Beyond his professional work, Michael is deeply committed to serving his community.

Over the years, he has dedicated his time and leadership to numerous organizations, including Leadership Rockland, the Pearl River Rotary Club, the Congers-Valley Cottage Rotary Club, Rockland Road Runners, and the Center for Safety & Change, among others. Michael’s commitment to helping others was further strengthened by a profound personal loss.

Following the tragic passing of his daughter, Jordyn, Michael transformed grief into purpose by establishing the Jordyn Seiden Memorial Fund through the Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan and Rockland.

Through this initiative, he launched the inaugural 2 Infinity & Beyond Halloween 5K Run/Walk , an event dedicated to raising awareness and support for organizations serving individuals facing mental health challenges and intellectual and developmental disabilities. One of the fund’s first major philanthropic commitments will be a gift to Jawonio in support of its new facility in Valley Cottage.

The contribution will help create the Jordyn Seiden Art Therapy Room , a dedicated space that honors Jordyn’s memory while providing people in mental health recovery opportunities for healing, self-expression, and hope. The room stands as a lasting tribute to the belief that every person seeking support deserves compassion, understanding, and the opportunity to thrive.

Investment and Insurance Products are: • Not Insured by the FDIC or Any Federal Government Agency • Not a Deposit or Other Obligation of, or Guaranteed by, the Bank or Any Bank Affiliate • Subject to Investment Risks, Including Possible Loss of the Principal Amount Invested Throughout both his professional work and community service, Michael remains driven: “Success isn’t measured solely by what we achieve for ourselves, but by the lives we touch, the people we help, and the positive impact we leave behind,” Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.