Goshen couple honored for contributions to children's welfare

New Windsor — Theo and Joe Matta of Goshen were honored on Wednesday for making a big difference in the lives of children and families. The Mattas have championed many causes in the region and beyond, according to McQuade Children’s Services, which presented the couple with an its Community Service Award at a benefit dinner in New Windsor. “We know that we each holds the key and are responsible for making our community and our world a better place,” Theo Matta said. A statement from McQuade said: “The active dedication of this husband and wife team has helped the Mental Health Association, the Junior League of Orange County, the American Cancer Society, Leadership Orange, the Orange County Citizens Foundation, the African Aids Trek and many more worthwhile missions.” James Taylor Jr. of Newburgh was also honored on Wednesday with McQuade’s Corporate Inspiration Award. He is a major contributor to the Orange County World Trade Center Memorial and to core community groups, Little Leagues, fire departments, volunteer ambulance corps, schools, and churches. According to a statement from McQuade, Taylor Recycling is committed to development of an environmentally friendly way to turn organic waste into fuel, a technology that could impact quality of life worldwide. “These community members exemplify the same tremendous spirit of caring and commitment that our benefactor Dr. McQuade did at the turn of the 20 century,” said board president Thomas Donate. “We are proud to honor their devotion.” A special tribute was given to mentor Alycia Smith Clark from Epicor/CRS and her McQuade student protégé Osvaldo, a duo that has made remarkable progress as a mentoring team. Dignitaries on the honorary dinner committee are Margaret Kirchner-Dillon, recently retired chief of the Orange County Department of Social Services, chairwoman; and members Graham Skea, Joe and Debbie Amato, and Alan and Debbie Marks. Provident Bank is Legacy Sponsor of the event. The Philanthropy Sponsor is Mutual of America, and Silver Sponsors are Central Hudson Gas and Electric, Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union, Nugent and Haeussler PC, Plaza LTC Pharmacy Services, and Stanley Marks and Company LLP. McQuade is a non-profit organization serving over 2,000 children annually with a therapeutic residential treatment center, group homes for children, emergency diagnostic assessment centers, and The Kaplan School for special education.