CALLICOON – With every parking space taken and cars overflowing onto the grass, the Villa Roma Clubhouse was full of fancy button downs, suit jackets, and flowing dresses for the Sullivan County Republican Committee’s Annual Gala.

Town officials, guest speakers, coworkers, friends and family chatted and laughed with drinks and hors d’oeuvres beginning at 6 p.m. before taking their seats around 7 p.m. as the program began.

Although the night is an annual fundraiser for the committee, this year the gala was also a celebration of longtime County Treasurer, Nancy Buck, and her retirement.

Sheriff Mike Schiff stated, “When you think about integrity, confidence, and hard work, that’s Nancy Buck.”

Nancy began her civic journey in her late 20s as the Treasurer for the Sullivan County Republican Committee, which set the tone for the rest of her career. After decades in county government she eventually became County Treasurer and in 2021, was elected President of the New York State County Treasurers and Finance Officers Association. In 2024 she was honored with Finance Officer of the Year.

“Nancy raised the bar through her commitment to transparency and accountability,” said Republican Committee Chairman Greg Goldstein. “And she didn’t even hesitate to donate one of her kidneys to former Sullivan County Treasurer Ira Cohen when Ira was in need.”

Goldstein went on to say that Nancy’s depth of character has defined her both in and out of the office.

As guests ate their dinners, and the night began to wind down, speakers from near and far–former Congressman Chris Gibson and 51st District New York State Senate Peter Oberacker, among others–graced the podium to speak on issues, victories, and the road ahead for the red.

Assemblyman Brian Maher said with a quiet but firm voice, “Be a good person, have faith in God, and just be the absolute best versions of yourselves.”