The Humane Society of Walden, a nonprofit animal sanctuary located in Montgomery, raised over $67,000 during the 11th annual Hudson Valley Gives last Wednesday, May 20. All proceeds made from this campaign will go toward the shelter’s general fund, maintaining medical care and rehabilitation for its animals.
Hudson Valley Gives is a 24-hour online fundraising event established in 2016 by the Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan, and Rockland. Every year, hundreds of nonprofit organizations from across the region participate in the event, raising money for their funds and missions. Residents can donate to these organizations through the event’s website, supporting their local animal shelters, art groups, food pantries, health agencies, historical societies, and more. Since 2016, Hudson Valley Gives has raised over $5.5 million for the aforementioned nonprofits.
The Humane Society of Walden has participated in HVG since 2023; the shelter raised $12,000 in 2023, $22,300 in 2024, and $37,795 in 2025. The shelter’s staff also enjoy dressing up for the occasion, such as wearing inflatable animal costumes during HVG 2025. For this year, HSW staff dressed up as characters from the show Bridgerton and enjoyed tea and sweets on the morning of the event.
“As a wise man once said, the sky’s the limit, and we’re shooting for the sky,” said Ryan Boniface, the shelter manager, on May 20. “I hope that our community comes in clutch.”
HSW was just one of 276 organizations that participated in HVG 2026 on May 20; many of them gathered at the Newburgh Brewing Company during the late afternoon. By the end of the day, these nonprofits raised over $1,170,812 within 24 hours, and will continue raising money until May 31. HSW in particular raised $67,125, crushing its initial goal of $40,000 and surpassing last year’s amount by nearly $30,000. The shelter also received $1,000 for winning first place in the “Best in Show” award and $750 for winning second place in “The Podium” award.
This money will replenish the shelter’s general fund and allow the staff members to continue providing the best care possible for their animals.
Interested in supporting the Humane Society of Walden but missed HVG? The animal sanctuary recently launched a capital campaign for its 50-year facility, with all proceeds going towards the building’s repairs and renovations. The nonprofit has already completed its furnace and HVAC upgrades, dog isolation rooms, and cat isolation rooms, and is currently working on the facility’s new roof and facade refresh. To donate or learn more about the project, visit waldenhumane.org/capital-campaign/.
To donate or learn more about Hudson Valley Gives, visit the event’s website at hvgives.org/prizes. Residents can still donate to participating organizations until the event closes on Sunday, May 31.