COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP FRAMEWORK

Cornwall on Hudson Special Events is a high-value, high-impact, community-first organization with a mission to unite our neighbors and foster positivity. We are a non-political, non-partisan nonprofit fund under the Community Foundation of Orange County. Our work is supported by donors and occasional grants—not by tax dollars—and every decision is guided by our commitment to the community.

1. Community-First Partnerships

We welcome partnerships with organizations, businesses, and individuals who share our values and commitment to the greater Cornwall area.
Our partners have included:

  • The Icehouse Cornwall

  • The Independence Day Committee

  • Donahue Farm

  • Storm King Engine Co. 2

  • The Greater Cornwall Chamber of Commerce

  • The municipalities of Cornwall and Cornwall-on-Hudson

Vetting Process
The committee will vet all partnerships to ensure that each prospective partner:

  • Aligns with our community-first values

  • Places the community—not self-promotion—at the center of their initiatives

  • Acts in a way that strengthens unity and positivity

Decision Authority
Decisions about partnerships are made solely by the Cornwall on Hudson Special Events Committee and not by any elected officials—including the Village or Town Board, the Supervisor of Cornwall, or the Mayor of Cornwall-on-Hudson.

If you are interested in joining our portfolio of partners, please contact Elizabeth Yannone Bruschi at Elizabeth@cohspecialevents.com.

2. Role of Elected Officials

As a non-political and non-partisan organization, we do not offer our platform for electioneering or political agendas.

  • Elected officials may attend and greet the community as local figureheads and leaders, helping to enhance the event—but not to represent political interests, share policy positions, or promote campaigns.

  • Our events are for bringing people together, not advancing politics.

3. Events & New Event Consideration

The committee maintains full discretion over the portfolio of event offerings. Before accepting any new event, we carefully consider:

  • Budget and funding feasibility

  • Volunteer staffing and logistics

  • Purpose and community impact of the event

All decisions are made by the committee, weighing both feasibility and fit with our mission.

Event Chair Requirement

  • Any event proposed to be held under the Cornwall on Hudson Special Events umbrella must include a committed chairperson willing to organize and lead the event.

  • If you lose a chairperson for an existing event and hope to rehome it, you are welcome to approach a committee member to see if they are interested, but responsibility and ownership will never be assumed.

  • The same guidelines and vetting apply to existing events as they do to new proposals.

We strive to diversify our event offerings to serve the entire community. Some events are family-friendly or child-focused; others may be geared toward adults.

  • It is up to each individual to decide if an event is right for them and their circumstances.

  • If one event isn’t a good fit, we are confident there are many other opportunities that will be.

Movies and Programming
Our movie lineup is selected by committee consensus. You are always welcome to share feedback and suggest ideas for future events or movie showings.

4. Respect for All Applicants

We deeply value the effort it takes to propose an event or partnership and appreciate every individual or organization that reaches out.

  • Not a Reflection of Worth: If the committee decides not to move forward with a partnership or event, it is never a judgment of the individual or organization.

  • Capacity & Mission Driven: Our decisions are based on fit with our mission, available resources, timing, and community needs at that moment.

  • Future Opportunities: A “no” today does not preclude future collaboration. We welcome you to stay in touch and share new ideas as circumstances evolve.

5. Volunteering & Committee Roles

If you are interested in joining the committee or volunteering at events, we welcome your participation.

  • Committee openings will be posted publicly when available.

  • We are collecting a list of people interested in volunteering so we can reach out as opportunities arise.

  • If you are interested in joining our army of volunteers, please fill out the volunteer form here.

6. Event Sponsorships & Services

Unless we are an official sponsor or partner with an agreement in place, we are not obligated to provide services or cover costs for public events that do not fall under our ownership. As a donor-based nonprofit, we must manage our own operating expenses and allocate funds carefully.

7. Our Roots

Founded in 2016 by Dominic Cordisco and Michael Trainor, the Cornwall on Hudson Special Events Committee began as a grassroots effort to create memorable, unifying, free community events. Today we proudly serve the greater Cornwall and surrounding communities, always seeking opportunities to host or support gatherings that strengthen our shared sense of place.