MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. (June 11, 2025) – The 2025 “Courage In Action” Fundraiser Gala raised more than $30,000 to support two Hudson Valley children with complex medical needs, enhancing their safety, mobility and daily independence within their homes and communities.
The annual event, held June 4, 2025 at Villa Venezia in Middletown, N.Y., was hosted by Satin Fine Foods, Inc. in partnership with the Spring Lake Hope Foundation. The beneficiaries are 10-year-old Aubree of Middletown and 8-year-old Luke of the Town of Montgomery. Funds raised will go toward the purchase of a wheelchair-accessible van for Aubree and an accessible-bathroom renovation for Luke.
“The hardest thing about having a child with a disability isn’t the child. It’s the world that is built for people who can walk,” said Alison Henry, Luke’s mom. “His wheelchair doesn’t fit down the hallway to the bathroom and bedrooms in our home. We have to carry him wherever he needs to go. It is a challenge. But raising a child with a disability has allowed us to see the absolute best that humanity has to offer. With your help, we will make his home a safe and accessible environment.”
“As a wheelchair user, there is a lot that Aubree can’t do, but there is also a lot that she can do,” said Jennifer Spoor, Aubree’s mom. “We have pushed her as hard as our belief in her, even when we were told ‘she will never’ over and over again. Our lives aren’t easy. We often face challenges with nursing, insurance battles for the things she needs, physical limitations as she grows and concerns about her future as we continue to age. Even with the challenges, our lives are more blessed by her than anything else.”
“This was our third fundraiser event for children,” said Kevin O’Reilly, Board of Advisors and a volunteer member of the Spring Lake Hope Foundation. “After the last fundraiser, we were able to obtain a wheelchair-accessible vehicle for Sky. Days later, the family texted me pictures of Sky and her family at the Bronx Zoo. It was something they weren’t able to do before having the van. Now they can enjoy family outings and make memories together.”
Courage in Action attendees included family members, local business leaders, community supporters and event sponsors. The evening featured a silent and live auction, dinner, music by Jeremy Langdale and volunteer support from Satin Fine Foods, Spring Lake Hope Foundation and other local contributors. All services, including the venue, photography by Ania Nowak and entertainment, were donated.
Keynote speakers included O’Reilly; Jennifer Spoor, mother of Aubree; Alison Henry, mother of Luke; and Orlando and Maggie Mendoza, whose daughter Sky previously received support from the foundation.
Funds were raised through ticket sales, auctions and general donations. While the evening marked a strong start toward the campaign’s goals, additional support is still needed to complete the planned renovation for Luke. The foundation continues to seek capital donations, as well as contributions of skilled labor and building materials.
To learn more or contribute, contact Kevin O’Reilly at koreilly@satinfinefoods.com or Diane Reinitz at dreinitz@satinfinefoods.com. Donations can also be made at https://onecau.se/courageinaction
About Satin Fine Foods
Established in 2001, Satin Fine Foods has grown to become a leading manufacturer of icings and cake-decorating products. Using best quality ingredients and monitored by the highest-level food safety standards, Satin Fine Foods creates products and brands recognized the world over. Kevin O’Reilly, founder and CEO, is the visionary behind Satin Fine Foods. Raised in the family bakery, his experience, character and passion are instilled throughout the company and define its culture. Visit satinfinefoods.com.
About Spring Lake Hope Foundation
Spring Lake Hope Foundation, Inc. is a New Jersey nonprofit and 501(c)(3) corporation that raises funds to pay for the medical and medical-related expenses not covered by insurance for children with rare illnesses and special needs. Visit springlakehopefoundation.org.
