Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation donated $1,000 to the Autism Society Hudson Valley chapter of the National Autism Society of America, matching a $1,000 grant presented to chapter President and Central Hudson employee Karen Kosack, the 2010 Spirit of Dutchess County award winner.

“Karen is not only President of the Autism Society Hudson Valley chapter, but also Founder and Chairperson of the annual Autism Walk and Expo,” said James P. Laurito, President of Central Hudson. “She exemplifies our culture of volunteerism at Central Hudson, and we are proud to support her efforts to increase public awareness and raise funds that provide assistance to Hudson Valley families affected by autism. Through her leadership, Karen has raised more than $750,000 for this vital cause, all while raising two autistic children of her own and working full time at Central Hudson as a Customer Service Representative. Her achievements and compassion are outstanding.”    
Kosack is a recipient of the Spirit of Dutchess County Award, and was presented a grant for $1,000 by the United Way of Dutchess County, co-sponsor of the award together with Hands On! The Hudson Valley, at a ceremony at the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel today. The award honors Dutchess residents who make their community a better place in which to live through volunteerism. Central Hudson also made a donation as a matching gift.

For more information on the Spirit of Dutchess Award, log onto www.UnitedWayDutchess.org;
and to learn more about Autism Society Hudson Valley subchapter, log onto
www.Autism-Society.org/Chapter512.

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Spirit of Dutchess Awardee and Central Hudson employee Karen Kosack (center) is surrounded by her co-workers and United Way volunteers, from left, Sephir Hamilton, 2010 Central Hudson United Way Employee Campaign Manager; Robin Harbold, United Way volunteer; Denise D. VanBuren, United Way of Dutchess County board member and past United Way of Dutchess County Campaign Chair; and Joseph J. DeVirgilio, 2010 Spirit of Dutchess County nominee.