BETHEL – Sandra and Alan Gerry have long strived to make Sullivan County a better place to live, work and play.

From building Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, which opened on July 1, 2006, to inspiring thousands of volunteers to take pride in where they live through the 22-year history of Sullivan Renaissance, the Gerrys have invested time, energy and money in improving the quality of life of all Sullivan County residents and visitors.

That is just a short list of the philanthropic and community projects the Gerrys have completed over the years.

And now, after 22 years of success, Sandra Gerry announced Wednesday night that Sullivan Renaissance will be teaming with Sullivan 180 in 2023 with a new vision.

“Alan and I cannot thank you enough for rising to the challenge and answering the call with your talents and time,” Sandra told the 150 Sullivan Renaissance volunteers who attended last Wednesday’s end of year celebration at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. 

“We are now faced with another pressing need,” she said. “Brought to the forefront and magnified by COVID-19 and all that it entailed.

“We now turn our attention to the health and wellbeing of our children,” Sanda said.

Sullivan Renaissance – and its sister organization Sullivan 180 – will join forces to focus on the youth of Sullivan County, meeting them where they learn, live and play.

“Together, we will engage, inspire and empower our youth,” she said. “At school, at home and in their communities.”

The group’s new task will include a myriad of volunteers, much like Sullivan Renaissance, and Sandra called upon local residents to get involved.

“It really does take a village [to raise a child],” she said. “In our case, it takes a county. We need everyone, especially you. I am looking forward to working with you in 2023… we will continue to work together to ‘Empower a Healthier Generation!

“We will launch our program in early 2023,” she said. “I urge you to stay tuned.”