Set in the heart of Poughkeepsie, NY, The Grandview is proud to host the 2025 Bridge to the Future Gala – an event that promises to be as transformative as it is memorable. On Saturday, March 29, 2025, our venue will transform into a hub of celebration, community spirit, and delicious cuisine. With every detail meticulously planned in both our newly renovated indoor Grand Ballroom and our stylish outdoor tented ballroom—the evening is poised to honor visionary leaders, raise essential funds for education, and offer an experience that is sure to be remembered.
Follow along tomorrow night on our instagram page @grandviewevents
A Night of Celebration and Community
Bowne Hall at Dutchess Community College – DCC Foundation
Supporting a Worthy Cause
At its core, the Bridge to the Future Gala is more than just an elegant evening—it is a celebration of the transformative power of education. The Dutchess Community College Foundation plays a pivotal role in the region by awarding over $1,000,000 in scholarships, grants, and programming annually. We proudly support their mission of nurturing future leaders and fostering community collaboration. Every aspect of the evening is designed to amplify this commitment, ensuring that the funds raised help continue the legacy of educational empowerment and community development.
Honoring Visionary Leaders
The gala will spotlight several remarkable individuals whose contributions have made a lasting impact on our community. This year’s honorees reflect a legacy of leadership, innovation, and community service.
Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees
Yvonne D. Flowers ’90
A lifelong resident of Poughkeepsie and a trailblazer in community leadership, Yvonne Flowers has left an indelible mark on the region. Her historic tenure as the city’s first African American mayor, combined with her distinguished service at Dutchess Community College, epitomizes the spirit of resilience and progress. From her time as a Grants and Contracts Finance Officer to earning the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence, Yvonne’s career has been a testament to dedication and transformative leadership. Beyond her professional accolades, her commitment to community engagement—championing improved city finances, enhanced park facilities, and expanded youth programs—continues to inspire a sense of unity and hope among residents.
Kirk A. Imperati ’89
With a career spanning over three decades, Kirk Imperati has dedicated his life to public service in Dutchess County. As the current sheriff and a former undersheriff, Kirk has been instrumental in implementing initiatives that prioritize community safety and reform. His leadership in various proactive policing initiatives has not only brought statewide recognition but has also strengthened the bonds within the community. Kirk’s commitment to training, community outreach, and modernizing the police force is evident in the numerous awards he has received, making him a well-respected figure in local law enforcement.
Award Recipients and Community Champions
Bridge to the Future Award Recipients
This year, the gala will honor three educational institutions that have played a significant role in shaping the future of the region:
Dutchess BOCES: Serving over 1,200 students across 60 school districts, Dutchess BOCES has been a beacon of innovative educational programming and resource sharing since its inception in 1957. Its growth over the years, now consolidated into a single campus, reflects its commitment to offering diverse learning opportunities that cater to both youth and adults.
Poughkeepsie City School District: Established in 1843, the district continues to evolve, meeting the changing needs of its diverse student body. Through its transformation into community schools, the district has successfully integrated school, home, and community resources, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Wappingers Central School District: Covering 120 square miles and serving approximately 10,500 students, this district has a rich history of expansion and innovation. Its evolution—from a collection of small schools to a centralized system—is a testament to its adaptability and commitment to providing quality education.
Bernard Handel Community Leadership Award Recipient: Eleanor (“Ellie”) Charwat
Ellie Charwat’s lifelong dedication to community service has earned her a place among the most respected leaders in the region. From her roles as a college administrator and teacher to her extensive volunteer work, Ellie’s contributions have enriched Poughkeepsie in countless ways. Her work on various boards and committees, along with her published works on local history and governance, highlights her commitment to education and community development. Ellie’s story is one of passion, resilience, and a deep-seated commitment to the betterment of her community.
Our Team Is Preparing An Exciting Evening For All
We are honored to be part of this incredible evening, supporting the Dutchess Community College Foundation. Tomorrow’s gala will feature a thoughtfully curated selection of food stations, each crafted to complement the significance of this special event. It’s our privilege to contribute to a night that celebrates education, leadership, and community.
Photo Courtesy of Nicole Puckette
Butlers and Bites
As guests arrive, they will be ushered into our outdoor tented ballroom where they will be greeted with an assortment of butler-pass hors d’oeuvres that we hope will set the tone for the evening. Our culinary team will be serving:
- Pulled Pork Empanadas with Chimichurri Sauce
- Scallops in Bacon Blankets with Honey Teriyaki Glaze
- Asparagus, Crab & Fontina Tartlets
- Bang Bang Cauliflower with Bleu Cheese
- Cheese Steak Wontons
Staff-Attended Action Stations
Guests will enjoy a series of interactive action stations, each designed to elevate the experience of the evening.
Pasta Station
A vibrant pasta station where guests can indulge in:
- Bow Tie Pasta Pomidori
- Penne alla Puttanesca
- Imported Prosciutto and Cacio e Pepe: (one of our favorites) A classic Italian taste, complete with a giant cheese bowl for mixing the pasta.
The Craft Butchery
This station is a meat lover’s dream, featuring:
- Cracked Peppercorn-Rubbed Leg of Lamb
- Whole Poached Salmon
- Lemon-Scented Risotto
Chilled Seafood Display
Seafood enthusiasts will be treated to a display that includes:
- Colossal Poached Shrimp
- Freshly Shucked Littleneck Clams
- Seafood Martinis: A unique twist with calamari, mussels, and scallops
- Oysters on the Half Shell
Bubbles & Cheese Station
A custom station that pairs bubbly with savory treats:
- Assorted Cheese Boards and Flatbreads
- Variety of Crepes and Berries: A nod to both sweet and savory indulgences, complemented by champagne and prosecco.
Dinner is Served
After the cocktail hour, the event will transition indoors where guests will enjoy a sit-down dinner reception.
Photo Courtesy of Nicole Puckette
Salad Course
- Burrata with Heirloom Tomato, Arugula, and White Truffle Oil
Signature Entrees:
- Chianti Short Ribs with Tomato–Chianti Demi
- Garden Herb Chicken
- Crab & Scallop-Stuffed Shrimp in Lobster Sauce
- Grilled Cauliflower Steak
Dessert Station Extravaganza
Perhaps the most breathtaking moment of the evening is the reveal of our “I Want It All” Viennese Spectacular. More than just a dessert station, it’s a grand finale—a dazzling display of confections unveiled in a dramatic, show-stopping presentation.
Photo Courtesy of Nicole Puckette
The Big Reveal:
As the dinner reception winds down, a giant curtain will slowly rise, unveiling an array of decadent sweets, including:
An assortment of desserts ranging from a Made-to-Order Sweet Crepes Bar evoking an Evening in Paris to an Italian Feast featuring freshly filled cannoli.
- The-Sundae-of-Your-Dreams
- Butler-Passed Warm Zeppoles
- An International Coffee, Cappuccino, Espresso, and Cordial Bar to perfectly round off the evening.
However the main attraction is a dramatic flambe performance by our Maitre d—where flames shoot up into the air, adding a theatrical and unforgettable touch to the experience.
Proud to Support our Community
At The Grandview, we are not just a venue—we are a part of the Poughkeepsie community. Every event we host is designed to bring people together, celebrate love and achievements, and pave the way for a brighter future.
The success of the gala is a testament to the power of community collaboration. As we honor outstanding leaders and institutions, we also celebrate the collective effort of local businesses, volunteers, and community members who contribute to the success of such events. The funds raised through the gala are not only an investment in education but also in the future of our community—empowering students, supporting faculty, and enhancing innovative programs at Dutchess Community College.
Looking Ahead to an Extraordinary Evening
The 2025 Bridge to the Future Gala is more than an event—it’s a night that encapsulates the vision of a community united by education and driven by the promise of tomorrow. With each carefully orchestrated detail, from the gourmet stations to the distinguished honorees, the gala serves as a reminder that our collective future is bright when we invest in learning, leadership, and collaboration.
Photo Courtesy of Nicole Puckette
The Bridge to the Future Gala is a celebration of what our community can achieve when we come together. It stands as a beacon of hope, progress, and unity—an evening where every conversation, every bite, and every moment is a step toward a brighter future for our students and our community at large.
Let’s celebrate visionary leadership, indulge in an extraordinary culinary journey, and support a cause that continues to transform lives. Join us as we create memories, celebrate achievements, and build bridges to a future filled with promise and possibility.
