Daymond John at Pattern's 50th anniversary event

Daymond John at Pattern’s 50th anniversary event

Donation will provide for paid internships

NEWBURGH – December 15, 2015 – During the 50th anniversary celebration of Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, special guest Daymond John, one of the “Sharks” on ABC TV’s Emmy Award winning reality show “Shark Tank” and Poughkeepsie area homeowner, in conjunction with Pattern, delivered a $10,000 donation to the Poughkeepsie City School District. The money is earmarked for the Poughkeepsie High School’s Career Action Center, in collaboration with the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce, and will allow for the program to offer students paid internships.  Poughkeepsie City School District Superintendent Dr. Nicole Williams was on hand to accept the donation.

Pattern is closing in on its $1 million fundraising goal to support two initiatives: Pattern’s “Urban Action Agenda,” which focuses on revitalizing urban areas, and “The Center for New Models in Education,” to fund research to support innovation in the public education system.

“We are thrilled with the outpouring of support both throughout the year and at the 50th celebration,” said Pattern President and CEO Jonathan Drapkin. “What it says is our areas of research resonated with the public.”

About 600 people attended the 50th anniversary celebration December 10 at Anthony’s Pier 9 in New Windsor where they mingled among stilt walkers and roving magician Adam Cardone. Lara Hope and Matt “The Knife” Goldpaugh from Lara Hope & the Ark-Tones performed in one of the rooms while electronic violinist Emily Holden played in the local craft beer and spirits tasting room. Woodstock-based singer Lindsey Webster serenaded guests in the main room, ahead of a question-and-answer session with Mr. John about entrepreneurship led by Pattern’s Mr. Drapkin and former Pattern President Linda Dickerson.