Mount Saint Mary College will honor two of the Hudson Valley’s most dynamic business and community leaders, Sims Foster and Kirsten Harlow Foster, co-founders of Foster Supply Hospitality, at the College’s 17th Annual Gala on Thursday, October 1, at West Hills Country Club in Middletown.
The Fosters will receive the Joseph A. Bonura Award for Leadership Excellence, one of the College’s highest honors for leadership and commitment to community.
This year’s honor comes at an especially exciting moment for the Fosters and the City of Newburgh. Foster Supply Hospitality is making a historic $45.9 million investment in downtown Newburgh, transforming three historic buildings on Grand Street into a 74-room boutique hotel, restaurants, retail, and gathering spaces. The project will bring the first new upscale hotel to downtown Newburgh in 133 years.
For Mount Saint Mary College, a longstanding anchor institution in Newburgh, the Fosters’ investment and belief in the city’s future make this year’s honor particularly meaningful.
“We are thrilled to honor Sims and Kirsten at such an exciting moment for Newburgh,” said Dr. Robert Gervasi, president of Mount Saint Mary College. “They see the tremendous potential of this city and are investing boldly in its future. Their commitment to building strong businesses and strong communities reflects values that are deeply shared by the Mount.”
The Gala is one of Mount Saint Mary College’s signature fundraising events, bringing together business, civic, and community leaders from throughout the Hudson Valley for an evening of celebration in support of Mount students.
Beginning at 6 p.m., guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, dinner, dessert, and a live auction featuring exceptional experiences and packages.
Proceeds from the Gala directly benefit the Mount Saint Mary College Donor Scholarship Fund, helping provide the financial support that makes a transformative Mount education possible for deserving students.
Tickets are $300 per person. Businesses and organizations can also participate through sponsorship opportunities that provide meaningful visibility while demonstrating their support for Mount students and the College’s mission.
To purchase tickets, become a sponsor, or learn more, visit e.givesmart.com/events/PwE
About the Honorees
Sims and Kirsten Foster are the co-founders of Foster Supply Hospitality, a collection of hotels and restaurants rooted in the Sullivan Catskills and built around a commitment to hospitality, local partnerships, and community.
A native of Livingston Manor whose family roots in the Catskills span more than a century, Sims began working in hospitality as a dishwasher at age 13 and went on to hold senior leadership positions with hospitality groups across the country. Over his career, he has opened more than 40 restaurants, bars, and hotels before bringing that experience home through Foster Supply Hospitality.
Before co-founding Foster Supply Hospitality with Sims in 2014, Kirsten spent a decade as a Senior Policy Advisor at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Her background in international policy and economic development included designing rural micro-lending programs and advising foreign officials and the U.S. Treasury Department. Today, she leads design, purchasing, marketing, revenue, and sales initiatives for Foster Supply Hospitality.
Together, Sims and Kirsten also co-founded A Single Bite, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing food insecurity and educating young people about real, local food. Their commitment to hospitality, community investment, and the future of the Hudson Valley makes them fitting recipients of this year’s Joseph A. Bonura Award for Leadership Excellence.