At the Ashokan Center, we often talk about the power of community. Behind every field trip, music camp, scholarship, historic preservation project, and new initiative is a network of people who believe in our mission and help make it possible.

One of the people at the heart of that work is our Chief Development Officer, Sara Trapani, and we’re thrilled to celebrate her recent recognition as the recipient of the Joan Gambeski Award for Outstanding Fundraiser at the 2026 Philanthropy Awards, presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Hudson Valley Chapter.

Held at Arrow Park, the annual awards ceremony honors individuals and organizations whose dedication to philanthropy strengthens communities throughout the Hudson Valley. Sara’s selection for this award reflects not only her professional excellence but also the passion, creativity, and heart she brings to her work every day.

Making an Impact Across Ashokan

While awards often recognize an individual, Sara would likely be the first person to point out that fundraising is about relationships, community, and shared vision. Still, her leadership has helped create extraordinary momentum for the Ashokan Center.

Just within the past few months, Sara has helped secure and advance significant investments that will shape Ashokan’s future for years to come, including:

  • A $145,000 New York State Council on the Arts Capital Design Match Award to support planning and design work for Ashokan’s future Arts & Education Lodge.
  • A record-breaking Hudson Valley Gives campaign, which raised more than $80,000 from 179 supporters including lead funding of $25,000 from Marianne Kearney, making it one of the most successful community fundraising efforts in Ashokan’s history.
  • The launch of our $100,000 Summer Match Campaign, made possible through the inspiring generosity of Eileen Amy Ryan.
  • A $10,000 grant from Central Hudson and a $5,000 grant from the JM McDonald Foundation to support summer camp programming.
  • Renewed support of $25,000 from Wendy Dolber to continue the Howie Brown Memorial Fund that helps keep Music & Dance Camps accessible through tired pricing and Pay it Forward Scholarships.
  • Continued stewardship of major funding opportunities, including the $100,000 Market New York / I LOVE NY award and nearly $689,940 in pending institutional grant requests from foundations and community partners.

These accomplishments represent more than numbers on a spreadsheet. They translate directly into educational opportunities for students, scholarships for campers, improvements to facilities, preservation of historic resources, and meaningful experiences in nature, history, music, and art.

Building Community Through Philanthropy

Those who know Sara understand that her approach to fundraising goes far beyond securing grants and donations. She excels at helping people connect their values with meaningful opportunities to make a difference.

Whether she’s working with longtime supporters, first-time donors, foundation partners, volunteers, or community leaders, Sara brings genuine enthusiasm and care to every relationship. Her work helps ensure that Ashokan remains a place where children can discover the natural world, musicians can share traditions, families can connect, and communities can gather.

That spirit was reflected in a message Sara shared with the Ashokan team following the awards ceremony:

“I am so grateful that you all showed up to support me at the AFP event. I want to emphasize how much that meant to me to have such an amazing crew of outstanding humans there from a magical organization. Ever grateful to be a part of Ashokan.”

The gratitude goes both ways.

Congratulations, Sara!

This recognition is a testament to Sara’s dedication, professionalism, and belief in the power of philanthropy to create positive change.

We are incredibly fortunate to have Sara as part of the Ashokan Center family, and we couldn’t be prouder to see her receive this well-deserved honor.

Please join us in congratulating Sara Trapani on receiving the 2026 Joan Gambeski Award for Outstanding Fundraiser and thanking her for the remarkable work she continues to do on behalf of the Ashokan Center and the communities we serve.

Congratulations, Sara — and thank you for helping make Ashokan’s mission possible every day.