All for One Appreciation Day and All for One Mobile Health Fair Feb. 21st, 2025

Written by: Dr. Seema Rizvi and Rayyan Baloch

Dr. Seema Rizvi, President and founder of All for One – One for All, and board members hosted an All for One appreciation event for the volunteers, collaborators, and our diverse community. The event was held at Masjid Al- Noor in Wappinger Falls on Feb. 21st, 2025.

It was well attended by a diverse group of invitees who came together to mingle, share their thoughts, and converse while enjoying dinner.

Attendees included members of the Dutchess Interfaith Council, Mid-Hudson Islamic Association (MHIA), the Dutchess County Commission on Human Rights, Nuvance Internal Medicine Residents from Vassar Hospital, youth and general volunteers, and well-wishers.

The event began with President Rizvi speaking about the growth of her organization, which began in 2016 and continues to support the local community this day. Thereafter, board members introduced themselves and described what motivated them to join All for One. They acknowledged the contributions of the volunteers and collaborators who have contributed to the success of our many events and ongoing All for One Projects. The evening closed with the cake cutting ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of All for One and its collaborators.

All for One Humanitarian, Educational, and Health Care Missions

Food Drives: During the COVID pandemic, food drives were held in our local communities.

We support and help local refugee resettlement.

Free Mobile Health Fairs: x4 includes Golden Gathering, Medical/Education assistance

Older Adults Healthy Aging Coalition Proposal Project: collaboration 100 cups of Coffee

Host Community and Student Panel Discussion: promote mutual understanding and civic engagement.

Ramadan Solidarity Event: feeds deserving people locally as well as in underdeveloped

countries, sends gifts to orphanages, and Mobile Health Fair services for homeless and

deserving people.

Global Health Initiatives: include funds to children cancer hospitals and NGO’s

involved in medical care in dire need locally and globally.

Acknowledgements

All for One is very appreciative to our beautiful Community and Civic leaders standing together with All for One for solidarity, peace, tolerance, love, and kindness.

Thanks to Dutchess County Interfaith Council (DCIC) President Tailor Hall Brook, Executive Director John Mackenna, and former President Theresa Giovanelli and board members Frank Pepe, and a representative from Palpung Thubten Choling Buddhist monastery.

Thanks to Commission on Human Rights Members Derek Zimmerman, Jennifer Young, and Chairman Jody Miller, who was unable to attend but for whom we are very grateful for their consistent support of All for One.

Thanks to Mid-Hudson Islamic Association (MHIA) former President Shahed Javaid and Board Member Mohd Azhar.

Thanks to Nuvance Internal Medicine Residents Dr. Zayd Anwar, Dr. Aqib Jawaid, Dr. Nida Saleem, Dr. Zenab Muhammad Riaz, who attended the event and who volunteer their time to All for One Community Mobile Health Fair.

Thanks to Taconic Rehabilitation & Nursing at Hopewell social worker, Desa Parris, for attending the event.

Thanks All for One Board Members Secretary Shaheda Azhar MD and Treasurer Nadeem Qureshi and board member Mustafa Rahman, Umer Alam, Ali Duale, and Farah Adeel for attending the event and to Vice President Simala Qamar and Dr. Sadaf Ahsan, who were unable to attend but for whom we are grateful for their hard work and dedication.

Thanks to all volunteers, particularly our youth leaders who were led by Youth Leader Rayyan Baloch, for their kind effort and hard work in community support initiatives.

Thanks to all the community members who attended and provided their support

It was a truly wonderful experience socializing with such a diverse community, providing Mobile Health Fair services, and providing videos on community joint effort for deserving people.

All for One is thankful to everyone for their consistent support, generous contributions to help needy people locally and globally, involvement with All for One community services, and for holding the hand of solidarity with All for One and One for All.

Board members

President Rizvi with reps from DC Interfaith, DC Human Rights Commission, Palpung monastery

Board members with youth volunteers

All For One 2nd Annual Gala

Nov 3rd 2024

All for One celebrated its 2nd Annual Gala on Sunday November 3rd, 2024  at the Holiday Inn on South Road in Poughkeepsie, NY. The successful event where attendees exceeded 200 people, included diverse community members, public officials, representatives from Dutchess Interfaith Council, Dutchess Commission on Human Rights, the local health care community , and students.  The strong turnout was an affirmation of the wide support for All for One’s mission, its local and international philanthropic work, its humanitarian accomplishments, and collaboration with diverse communities to spread message of tolerance and inclusiveness.

Letter from Seema Rizvi, President and CEO of All For One

Thank you to All for One supporters and well-wishers for attending the Annual Gala, held on Sunday November 3rd, 2024 at Holiday Inn on South Road in Poughkeepsie.

Thank you for standing together with All for One in promoting its mission, for your generous contributions of time and money towards solidarity, peace and humanitarian causes.

My special thanks to all our diverse community members, some of who were not able to attend the event, but contributed to our funds. These donations at the gala, and at Ramadan helped feed the hungry, and enabled gifts to orphanages in underdeveloped countries. This is a great example of All for One’s circle of compassion, one humanity, one community.

Thanks to our elected officials for their ongoing support and honoring All for One. Thanks to NY State senator Rob Rolison and Councilwoman Nidra Thompson for attending the Gala and Ramadan solidarity event in the city of Poughkeepsie. Special  thanks to Senator Rob Rolison for the All for One proclamation and for giving Gala Honoree certificates. Congratulations to Senator Rolison for receiving  the 2024  Award from All for One in appreciation of his immense contributions to the public services. His beautiful thought provoking speech I quote “We are blessed what All for One is dong . That’s how we change the culture of our lives and culture of our Communities” . Thanks to Poughkeepsie Town Supervisor Rebecca Edward for  All for One Gala Proclamation

Thanks to our gala speakers (below) for their inspiring speeches on solidarity and for their consistent support.

Jody Miller (Executive Director Dutchess Commission on Human Rights)

Tayler Hallbrook (Dutchess Interfaith President)

Mahfooz ur Raman (President Mid Hudson Islamic Association),

Adil Ameer (MHIA member)

Balaji Jilla (Hindu community center member)

Reverend Susan Fortunatto

Thanks to Syed Shafi Ahmed (President Karachi Development Association) for working in collaboration with All for One  to support and raise funds for Indus cancer children Hospital in Karachi Pakistan

Thanks to Dr Mark Dema for singing a beautiful song and donating his paintings for sale


Thanks to All for One board members Simala Qamar, Dr Shaheda Azhar, Nadeem Quershi, Dr Sadaf Ahsan, Ali Duale, Farah Adeel, Mujtaba Ahmed , Umar Alam for their help and ongoing support. My special thanks to emcee Simala Qamar, for being with All for One since its inception in 2016.

Thanks to all the volunteers for their help, hard work, and collective action. Thanks to youth leader Rayaan Baloch and  youth volunteers for their dedication, participation
Thanks to my father late Syed Sami Ahmed  for donating his book " History of Pakistan and role of Army," entire sale proceeds goes to deserving people.

Thanks to all the sponsors Pulse MD, SPA, The Landing of Poughkeepsie Senior Living, Taconic Hopewell  and BrookMead  Nursing & Rehab,  Nesheiwat Medical Practise. Special thanks to Dr Ravi Hotchandani and Faisal Ashraf Pulse MD for sponsorship and generous contribution.Thanks to Mr Syed Sami a golden contributor, his generous donation helps us a lot helping deserving people Thanks to Akram, and Shazia, for catering the gala luncheon. Thanks to Dr.Kamran Haleem for his consistent overall support and working together on All for One free health Fair

Thanks to Dunya News for their comprehensive media coverage including photographs and videos of the Gala.


On behalf of the entire All For One organization, thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your support, and generosity in helping the under-served in our society.
May this year bring peace and solidarity in the world. God bless us all with health and happiness.

Sincerely, 

Seema Rizvi MD, President and Founder All for On

A short overview of the gala on YouTube - https://youtu.be/GSgYE_Znm5w?si=TXOvYNbtTp7_axhQ

Connecticut Fund Raiser for Indus children's Cancer Hospital

March 2nd 2024

 

 

All for One, collaborated with Pakistan-American Association of Connecticut  and Karachi Welfare Development Association of USA in hosting a benefit on March 2, 2024 for the Children’s Cancer Center in Indus Hospital & Health Network (Karachi, Pakistan)

The event was a huge success with an attendance of over 300 people , who braved heavy rain and fog to show their fervor for this cause.

A presentation by Dr Sarwat  detailed the many services offered free of charge by Indus Hospital to the needy all over Pakistan. There was a particular focus on the treatment of cancer in children.

There were rousing speeches given by speakers such as Mr. Shafi Ahmed, who spoke about Indus Children's cancer hospital in Karachi

Dr. Seema Rizvi, All for One  Board President highlighted  the charity work done recently for an orphanage in Karachi, as well as her most recent personal interaction with Dr. Bari, the Founder of Indus Hospital.

The audience responded to the call for generosity, the total amount collected $200,000 exceeded the original target.

The evening ended with entertainment by one of Pakistan’s first and legendary pop/rock singer Alamgir. He proceeded to enthrall the audience with his melodies and stirred up memories of the past.

An event like this would of course have not been possible without the hard work done by Dr. Seema Rizvi and the Board, as well as individuals like Aena Iqbal, that always selflessly volunteer.

Thanks to the following individuals :

Syed Shafi (Ahmed Karachi Welfare Development Association of USA) for his dedication, and efforts in providing education, water submersible projects, and healthcare

 Zaheer Sharaff (President  Pakistan-American Association of Connecticut) for his kind and hard effort.

 Volunteers from CT including the event emcee - Sania Zaheer 

CT Senator Saud Anwar for his participation

All for One Senior Mobile Health Clinic

Sept 21st, 2024

by Jena Ray

All For One hosted a mobile health clinic at the Golden Senior day in Poughkeepsie on Sept 21st, 2024

The seniors event hosted by Senator Rob Rollison, co hosted by county executive Sue Serino and the county office of aging saw a large number of seniors turn out for a fair with hundreds of vendors. All For One was proud to offer walk in health consultation services including blood pressure, blood sugar, weight checks in addition to cognitive checks and mental health screening.

Dr Rizvi and several other physicians were able to provide 60+ seniors with these services in an informal environment. Several of those who availed of these services expressed their appreciation.

Senator Rob Rollison who stopped in to greet the team, provided this letter of appreciation

All For One Appreciation Event

June 14th 2024

by Jena Ray

On June 14th, Dr Seema Rizvi, founder and CEO of All For One hosted an appreciation event for the volunteers and collaborators of All For One.

The event at Seema Rizvi’s residence, saw a large, diverse group of invitees who came together to mingle, share their thoughts, and converse while enjoying dinner.

Attendees included members of the Dutchess Interfaith Council, the Dutchess County Commission on Human Rights, the Buddhist monastery Palpung Thubten Choling in Wappingers, Hispanic community representatives, medical residents from the local hospitals, youth and general volunteers, and well wishers.

Seema Rizvi spoke to the start and growth of her organization from 2016 to the present day

The board members introduced themselves, how they came to join the organization, and what motivates them. All of them acknowledged the contributions of the volunteers and collaborators who have enabled the success of many events, including the food drives, the public Ramadan events of recent years, refugee outreach, and the 2 mobile health clinics organized this year in Dutchess.

Seema spoke about All For One’s monetary contributions to cancer hospitals in Pakistan and the distribution of food and toys to needy children in impoverished countries

Youth volunteers and medical residents (who had a strong presence at the health clinics) received certificates of recognition previously signed by NY state senator Rob Rollison.

The diverse ethnic, religious, racial backgrounds of the event attendees, and their amicable interaction was a symbol of solidarity, amid the current divisive atmosphere in the world.

The official photographer/videographer for the event, has been behind the camera all his life, capturing world phenomenon, and stated that his objective was to tell stories towards integration.

 

The evening closed with the cake cutting ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of All For One and its collaborators.

 

 

 

Sunday, November 19, 2023

All for One First Mobile Health Fair

By : Alia Shah

All for One in cooperation with the Gurudwara Mid Hudson Sikh Society held our very first mobile health fair on November 19th at the beautiful Gurudwara on Ketchamtown Road. More than 50 people attended this very successful event and we are so pleased to be able provide this crucial service to our community. 

We are so grateful to the Mid Hudson Sikh Society for hosting this event. They made everyone feel welcome and prepared a delicious meal and snacks for everyone in attendance. Our heartfelt thanks to the board and members of the Gurudwara for your kindness and hospitality. Special thanks to Hardeep Singh and Barinder Dhaliwal for helping us with the planning and coordination for this event!

We were truly blessed to have so many volunteers for this important event. With the help of both our medical and non-medical volunteers we were able to provide testing for blood pressure, diabetes, BMI (body mass Index), and dementia. Our health care volunteers were able to give advice on follow-up for any concerning results. Reshma Hussain, PA, was our professional blood glucose tester. She pricked about 50 fingers and Dr Kamran Haleem took an equal amount of blood pressures!

With the generous support of Pulse MD, we were also able to provide flu shots! Our thanks to Faisal Ashraf and Dr Ambreen Choudri for providing this service. 

In addition to medical information, Dr Uzma Qureshi, provided mental health information on depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.

Dr Seema Rizvi, the president of All for One, was on hand to provide information on geriatric issues.

Our youth volunteers created a very informative poster on the dangers of smoking and vaping.

A special thanks to the Dutchess County Department of Health, represented by Aena Rizvi and Doug. for providing education on diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, obesity, communicable diseases, and other issues.

To all our volunteers and board members, thank you for making this event a great success! Your support and efforts allow us to continue to help those in need. Big thanks to all the attendees for your interest in health and your participation in this event. We look forward to organizing more mobile health fairs in the future.

Sunday, April 2, 2023

All For One 2nd Ramadan Solidarity Event

By : Alia Shah

The All for One organization in co-operation with Masjid Al-Mutakabbir, the Mid-Hudson Islamic Association, and the Dutchess County Interfaith Council, was blessed to hold a Second Ramadan Solidarity Event at the Family Partnership Center in Poughkeepsie.

It was a beautifully diverse gathering of people from all faiths coming together to join the Muslim community in the celebration of Ramadan, our holy month of fasting. In addition to sharing our faith traditions with the broader community, we provided hundreds of meals to the homeless and sheltered people in Poughkeepsie. New this year, we will also, be feeding deserving people in Pakistan, India, Somalia, Syria, Haiti, and Bangladesh, and will be donating Eid gifts to orphanages in these countries.

Simala Qamar was our MC for the evening, and she did a wonderful job introducing all our honored speakers and keeping the program on track. The program began with a beautiful recitation of verses from the Quran, the holy book of Islam, by Adam Mah. This was followed by the inspiring welcome address by Dr. Seema Rizvi, the President of All for One. She shared how fasting in the month of Ramadan motivates Muslims to empathize with those who struggle to feed their families on a daily basis, and that is why in addition to fasting, it is also a month of increased charity. Imam Anwar Kearney of Masjid Al-Mutakabbir presented the Blessing of Ramadan, and emphasized how events like this gathering are important in helping to combat Islamophobia by allowing Muslims to share our faith traditions of peace, charity, and community with our neighbors and friends from other faiths.

Next up we heard from elected officials, Rob Rolison ( NYS Senator 39th District), Marc Nelson (Mayor of Poughkeepsie), and Nedra Patterson Thompson (Councilmember 7th Ward). Rob Rolison and Marc Nelson informed us about the wonderful youth programs they have spearheaded in the City of Poughkeepsie, including the upgrading of the gymnasium at the Family Partnership where this event was held. Nedra Patterson emphasized the importance of diversity in creating the beautiful fabric of our society.

The next set of speakers were leaders from the faith communities and non-profit organizations. Zubair Zoha represented the Mid Hudson Islamic Association (MHIA). Also speaking were, Jody Miller, the Dutchess Commission on Human Rights Chairperson and John McKenna, the Executive Director of the Dutchess Interfaith Council. Adil Ameer from MHIA spoke about charity in Ramadan. Deirdra Jen Brown a representative of the Bahai Faith, Betsy Kopstein-Stuts a representative Jewish Federation and Balaji Jilla a representative Hindu Samaj Temple all shared wisdom from their faith traditions.

Ali Duale represented the Mid-Hudson Quran Academy and encouraged the Muslim parents present to bring their children to the classes offered at the Academy.

The program concluded with a dua (prayer) led by Abdullah Wajid from Masjid Ar Rashid in Beacon.

Finally, after the Muslim call to prayer, Adhan, we broke the fast with traditional foods from various Muslim countries. Sharing the Iftar (fast breaking) meal with this diverse community made for a very special evening.

A heartfelt thank you to all that took the time from their busy schedules to share in this very meaningful event and to those who donated their time to make this event a success.

Sunday, September 18th, 2022

All For One 1st Annual Gala

By : Aena Iqbal & Jena Ray

.All for One celebrated a very successful annual gala, on Sunday, September 18th 2022 at the Holiday Inn in Poughkeepsie, NY.  A large turnout of 250 people, included area residents, public officials, academics and students, who came to show their support for the All For One mission.

Gala event speakers featured Simala Qamar EMCEE. All for One Founder and President Dr Seema Rizvi, in her speech, explained the All for One historical background and All for One accomplishments. Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison, a speaker at the event, talked about the importance of holding such events that bring the community together. Assembly woman Nidra Thompson, one the event speakers, talked about the importance of mental health, and suicide prevention. Bard College Dean Paul Mancenelli, talked about helping underprivileged Middle east students. Harv Hilowitz- Director Hudson Valley Afghan Circle Refugee Resettlement. All for One Youth Initiative speakers included Jena Ray, an All For One collaborator, who spoke to the Community Youth Enrichment Initiative. The latter aims to provide enrichment options for youth (aged 10-18) from disadvantaged family backgrounds, who cannot afford things beyond the necessities for their kids. This can take the form of access to music, sports lessons/equipment, vocational training, and working in community farms. The aim is also to provide positive role models, and mentorship. This initiative will support and bolster public programs, as well. No effort is too small, if it is backed by conviction and perseverance. Samirah Aziz, a youth leader, talked about recruiting students to address issues like racism and hatred. Mutual Aid Organizer Aena Iqbal presented her self-made video on Koohi Goth Women’s Hospital for women’s health and empowerment. Syed Shafi Ahmed, President of Karachi Welfare and Development Authority, who has raised 35,000 for flood victim in Connecticut, talked about global initiatives in Karachi, Pakistan 

All for One Gala honoree awards recipients highlighted Dr Irfan Moin and Qari Mohammad Asil Khan for their outstanding contributions to our community as educators, philanthropists, pioneers of Al Noor Sunday School.

All for One plaques were given to Former Legislature Rebeca Edwards, Marian Schwartz, and Simala Qamar EMCEE for Community Services. Najiba Jonagan and Gloria Lucas were awarded for volunteer services, Youth leader award was given to Samirah Aziz, and Media award for Malika Rao.

The following youth volunteers were honored, by receiving certificates from Senator Sue Serino: Alisha Mokal, Sahar Mokal, Samirah Aziz, Ayman Ali, Iman Ali, Ayaan Haleem, Shayaan Haleem, Ethan Borress, Jai Borress, Zuha Anwar, Zayd Anwar, Mariam Anwar, and Aena Iqbal.

Ayesha Sami, and Haris Sami (7 and 9 respectively) were given a special youngest donor award for contributing $350 from their piggy bank !

The special Hudson Valley Muslim Community award was given to Dr Seema Rizvi for her work in the community through the All for One platform she created.

Proclamation was sent to All for One from Senator Sue Serino and County Executive Marc Molinaro

 

All for One Gala Community and Student Panel Discussion promoted conversation on diversity and inclusion to promote mutual understanding and civic engagement 

Moderator-Sultaan Mokal, EMCEE Dr Sadaf Ahsan, Community Leaders panelist: Jody Miller- Chairperson Dutchess County Commission on human  Rights,  Ken Roman- former Deputy Commissioner, BOCES Superintendent Jason Shatlic Dutchess County Legislature Yvette Valdez Smith,  Rebecca Edward- History Professor Vassar College former Dutchess County Legislature, Students panelist: Emma Varghese, Chiamaka Okafor, Ayaan Baloch, and Jahnvi Mundra  

Proceeds from items sold at the gala (like candles, books, prints, and handicrafts) garnered funds for the organization’s initiatives.

Thanks to these efforts, and people’s generous donations, All For One was able to raise $30,000, these funds will go to support local and global humanitarian causes.

Friday, August 12

All for One kicks off first annual gala

By: Mallika Rao

All for one would like to invite you to our upcoming 1st Annual Gala, which is scheduled for September 18th, 2022 at the Holiday Inn on South Road in Poughkeepsie.

All for One started in 2016 as a seed of solidarity that grew into a plant that has now established roots as a 501 C (3) non-profit organization.

It only happened with the support and collective action of compassionate people standing together for solidarity, peace, tolerance, love and kindness. During the COVID-19 pandemic, All for One held food drives to combat food insecurity for two years, assisted with refugee resettlement, and aided local people in need. All for One also works on global health issues and humanitarian causes.

Our upcoming 1st Annual Gala is scheduled for September 18th, 2022. Please try your best to attend this Gala to stand for solidarity, peace, kindness, and helping humanity. Your ongoing support and collective action are highly appreciated. Any added donations / proceeds go to support All for One, One for All humanitarian programs.

To buy tickets now visit: https://allforoneunitedwestand.ticketspice.com/all-for-one-united-gala

Monday, April 25

All for One Ramadan Solidarity Event held at Mansion Square Park City of Poughkeepsie

By: Mallika Rao

All for one, with our beautiful and generous Muslim community, were very pleased to feed hundreds of homeless and sheltered people on Friday, April 8. in the City of Poughkeepsie. They all were our guests.

From left: Poughkeepsie City Councilwoman Nedra Patterson Thompson, Masjid Al-Mutakabbir Mosque (in Poughkeepsie) Imam Anwar Kearney, Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison, “All for One” President Dr. Seema Rizvi and John Penney, director of community engagement for the City of Poughkeepsie

Ramadan is a holy month for reflection, spiritual purification, reading the Quran, being charitable and doing good deeds. By refraining from food, experiencing hunger is a means of developing compassion for the poor and less fortunate who experience such feelings.

In attendance were elected officials, including Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison; the first African American and Muslim city councilwoman in Poughkeepsie Nedra Patterson Thompson; Poughkeepsie city councilwoman Yvonne Flowers; Dutchess County Commission on Human Rights Chairman Jody Miller and members; Dutchess Interfaith President John McKenna and members; Deputy Commissioner Emergency Medical Response Ken Roman; local law enforcement officers; the local school and college community; the local faith community; the local Muslim Community; our guests visiting from shelters; Afghan Refugees; and the Jewish Muslim Alliance.

This event demonstrated a great example of peace, solidarity, understanding and acceptance, which is what All for One is about.

We would like to thank all of our guests for attending and celebrating the blessing of holy month of Ramadan.

A special thanks to all of our "All for One” volunteers for their kind effort and hard work on this event. It's always a collective action, and we thank our youth, high school and college students for their help.

May Allah God help to bring us peace, solidarity and kindness for each other. May the world be as one.

Monday, April 25

All for One helps Afghan refugees in Capital District

By: Mallika Rao

Due to the huge influx of Afghan refugees in a short period of time, the Islamic Center of the Capital District in Schenectady, New York has been working with the U.S. government in refugee resettlement.

On the weekend of March 12, they requested the community to help in getting supplies and also to help restock the food pantry. We met with and interacted with a number of the 200 total refugee families currently residing in the area who shared their stories. In the past, "All for One" has helped refugees from Schenectady and Albany.

"All for One" donated winter coats, household items and other supplies to a total of over 50 families as well as over $2,000 in monetary donations for the food pantry.

Sunday, October 10

All for One Unites Against Hate

By: Mallika Rao

The Dutchess County Commission on Human Rights hosted the United Against Hate Rally on Oct. 3 in collaboration with All for One-One for All, the Dutchess County African American Clergy Association and the Jewish Federation of Dutchess County.

United Against Hate took place in Poughkeepsie last Sunday to address ongoing hate and bias-related incidents, both in Dutchess County and across the United States.

Nearly 200 protesters marched from the corners of Market Street and Main Street to Waryas Park, before convening at the park to presentations from speakers ranging from U.S. Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney to Dutchess County Acting Sheriff Kirk Imperati.

All for One-One for All founder Dr. Seema Rizvi spoke to how the country has changed in recent years, with hate crimes at the highest level in more than a decade, according to the latest data from the FBI.

"Our nation is increasingly polarized and divided. It used to be a nation that welcomed migrants with open arms," said Dr. Rizvi. "Hate crimes happen because of fear and ignorance. And which we can overcome with education, cultural exchange, understanding and cultural affinity."

New York State Senator Sue Serino spoke to how tone from public officials matters in this divisive social and political climate.

"We set the tone, people hold us to a higher standard," she said. "It is about kindness and respect, and treating each other equally."

It is a sentiment echoed by Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney, who referenced the late Congressman John Lewis's iconic walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge for civil rights.

He explained how this example should be a model of hope amidst a divided time in Congress.
“The great project of our generation is whether we can build a future that is better than the one we have had before," he said, "but we cannot be surprised that there are people waiting on the other side of this bridge trying to stop. And we have to be strong, and we have to stick together."

Dutchess County Acting Sheriff Kirk Imperati, who step in to fill the shoes of the late longtime county sheriff Butch Anderson, shared how the late sheriff's mantra reigns true as the police department looks to reform itself in the wake of ongoing racial justice movements.

"We live by the shares Butch Anderson's mantra, treat people the way you want to be treated," he said, "and we [used it to] develop our police modernization and reform plan."

Before the rally, civil servant Nicholas Kalogris spoke to how the social and political climate affects our mental health.

"The level of anger and rage has risen to levels that we have not seen in years," he said. "I do not see it as a healthy way to move forward in our community and also as a nation in general."

Kalogris said that he showed up to spread the message that Americans need to unite despite their differences.
"We need to send a message to the community that we have to look at what brings us together, not what brings us apart," he said.