(The newly formed Dwyer Honor Guard presents the colors with dignity and pride, marking the commencement of the 7th annual Dwyer Gala with honor and respect.)
CELORON, NY – This year’s Dwyer Gala, transcended its role as a mere social event. More than just an evening of festivities, it served as a profound symbol of unity and anticipation for veterans and their families, embodying the essence of camaraderie and support.
Hosted at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron, NY on April 13th, the 7th annual event was attended by a record 225 esteemed veterans and their guests. This Gala was a testament to the enduring bond shared by those who have served.
Adorned in decorative masks under the theme "Mystery at the Masquerade Ball," attendees eagerly embraced the opportunity to come together, cherishing the chance to revel in the warmth of companionship within a supportive environment.
The event commenced with a dignified presentation of colors by the newly formed Dwyer Honor Guard, followed by a heartfelt toast delivered by retired US Army General Arthur Austin.
(retired General Arthur Austin presiding over the dignified presentation of colors)
As guests indulged in a sumptuous plated dinner, the ambiance was further enlivened by the captivating performances of the Spire Theater group, weaving an enthralling mystery theater narrative in: “The Caper of the Copped Key”.
(Justin Gould, Ylsa Giuffre, Greg Carlson, and Angelo Valentino-Giuffre captivate the audience with their enthralling performance in “The Caper of the Copped Key” during the Gala, adding an element of intrigue and excitement to the evening.)
County Executive PJ Wendel and Assemblyman Andy Goodell, alongside esteemed Dwyer members Wanda Cooper, Mike Johnson, and Veteran’s Services Director Greg Carlson, enthusiastically embraced their roles in the theatrical production, embodying the spirit of camaraderie and community support.
(Dwyer member Mike Johnson, Assemblyman Andy Goodell and County Executive PJ Wendel take part in the performance as “suspects.”)
Reflecting on the evening, Cindy Reidy, organizer of the Dwyer Gala, remarked, “We implemented a fresh format this year to ensure a dynamic and engaging experience for our veterans. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with guests already inquiring about next year's Gala and its theme.”
“For our veterans, the Dwyer Gala represents more than just a single evening—it embodies a sense of belonging and security. It's a sanctuary where they can forge lasting connections with fellow veterans,” Reidy contintued.
Since its inception in 2017, the Dwyer Veteran’s Program has been dedicated to serving the veteran community of Chautauqua County, offering a diverse array of events and activities tailored to their needs. From the weekly coffee hour at Christ First United Methodist Church to larger-scale gatherings like the Dwyer Gala, every initiative is designed to foster camaraderie and support.
The Dwyer program extends an invitation to businesses and organizations to participate in sponsorship opportunities, enabling the realization of impactful events for veterans and their families. Contributions of any size are deeply appreciated and can be directed towards enhancing the program's offerings.
For further information on the Dwyer Chautauqua program, including sponsorship opportunities and event updates, please visit dwyerchautauqua.com, the Dwyer Chautauqua Facebook page or contact Cindy Reidy at reidyc@chqgov.com to join the mailing list. Participation in the program is open to all veterans, with no fees or paperwork required.
