Announcements

Thursday, May 8, 2025
5:30pm - 10:00pm
Attend one of our most celebratory events to support the children and animals of Green Chimneys. The annual gala raises funds for innovative education and nature-based programs and therapies for children with special needs as well as for the care of our animal partners.
PRESENTING SPONSOR – $50,000
GARDEN PARTNER – $25,000
MEADOW PARTNER – $15,000
BARNYARD PARTNER – $10,000
WILDFLOWER PARTNER – $7,500
PASTURE PARTNER – $5,000
SEEDLING PARTNER – $3,000
Green Chimneys is proud to honor Donald Ross with the 2025 Leadership in Service Award. It is fitting that the inaugural presentation of this award be made to Don Ross. As a child, Don grew up on the campus founded by his late parents, Dr. Samuel “Rollo” and Myra Ross. It was a natural part of his day to help on the farm or in the school, working side by side with his parents, siblings, and grandparents.
As an adult, he has chosen to volunteer his time—often from across the country—to ensure his parents’ legacy and the vital work of Green Chimneys continue, for the children and families we serve, and the animals in our care, well into the future.
Don has served as a Green Chimneys Board Member since 2013, and has held nearly every Board position. He currently serves as Chair of the Development and Marketing Committee, and sits on the Samuel Ross Memorial Golf Tournament Committee while also actively participating in fundraising for the annual Gala. His deep personal connection to the organization is the cornerstone of his commitment and leadership, which has resulted in millions of dollars of philanthropic support for Green Chimneys from foundations, corporations, and individuals all over the world—something that no one outside of his own father, has achieved.
“As a young person, I didn’t understand that a place I considered my home was emerging as a renowned leader in the concept of human-animal interaction,” recalls Don. “I’ve seen first-hand how my father’s idea of animals as teachers and therapists has grown into programs that have changed thousands of people’s lives. This is what drives me to help Green Chimneys continue to evolve and thrive as the premier organization in the field in therapeutic education and mental health treatment for children.”
Congratulations, Don, on being selected for the Green Chimneys Leadership in Service Award. We are thankful that you still proudly call Green Chimneys home!
Celebrate with Don at the 2025 Gala—please consider joining us in Tarrytown on May 8th! If you’re unable to attend, you can still support the event with a congratulatory virtual journal ad.
Green Chimneys pleased to honor The Engelstad Foundation with the 2025 Impact Award. Since 2020, the Foundation has been a powerful partner in helping Green Chimneys to provide vital academic and therapeutic programming for students with special needs, joining our mission at a time when students and families needed us most. The Foundation’s understanding of the issues faced by children with mental health challenges, and its commitment to supporting innovative nature-based therapies through generous general operating support, has directly benefited the youth and families that rely on our special education school and clinical treatment program.
Upon their initial visit to the Green Chimneys campus, Foundation leadership saw first-hand the impact of innovative nature-based programming for children facing emotional, behavioral and developmental challenges. It was the start of an invaluable relationship with a true advocate for human services, whose multiple years of support has facilitated depth and breadth in the services Green Chimneys provides.
The Engelstad Foundation was founded in 2002 by Ralph and Betty Engelstad, with the purpose of partnering to create solutions in medical research, improving day-to-day living for people with disabilities, and raising the possibilities for high-risk individuals. Since its inception, the Foundation has provided grants nationwide to groups focused on animal compassion, at-risk individuals, education, historical preservation, medical research and support, people with disabilities, and veterans.
We are grateful to The Engelstad Foundation for steadfast support that has helped our students to thrive, grow, and reach their full potential. We are proud to be a partner, and thrilled to recognize the efforts of the Foundation with the Green Chimneys Impact Award.
To learn more about The Engelstad Foundation, visit www.engelstadfoundation.com.
Please consider joining us in Tarrytown on May 8th! If you’re unable to attend, you can still support the event with a bid in our online auction.
Crowned the best for falconry in medieval times, gyrfalcons were once reserved for kings. As the largest falcon in the world, with exquisite plumage ranging from bright white to deep charcoal, gyrs are revered for their powerful skill of flight. Their long wings make hunting waterfowl from 3,000-feet-high a feasible and fantastical feat. This falcon was flown in the sport of falconry for several years.