“I Am Overwhelmed By This Response”
By Doug La Rocque
Those were the words Peter Dubacher spoke to me when I asked him about the very large turnout on Sunday, September 29 for the Berkshire Bird Paradise Fundraiser. Several hundred people showed up at the former Grafton Elementary School, now the home of The Eastwick Press, among other businesses, to enjoy the all day music, the many food and craft vendors, and to take part in a large Chinese Auction, a 50/50 raffle and a day that was wrapped up by a spectacular fireworks display, courtesy of Alonzo’s Fireworks.
By now, most know about the August 22 fire at the Berkshire Bird Paradise in Grafton that claimed the lives of more than 100 birds, with the survivors here only through the heroic efforts of Pete and Liz Dubacher, Grafton and Petersburgh firefighters and two members of the NYS Police.
The money that was raised Sunday, which was in the thousands of dollars range, will all go toward the restoration of the Kiki Parrot Pavilion, which had to be gutted to its shell and everything removed following the fire.
Many area dignitaries stopped by as well, including State Senator Daphne Jordan, Assemblyman Jake Ashby, Rensselaer County Sheriff Pat Russo and 5th District Rensselaer County Legislator Jeff Wysocki. All praised Mr. Dubacher for the 40 plus years of work he has put into the Paradise, taking in many species of birds that had been injured, abused or abandoned. Sheriff Russo also commented about the educational component the Paradise has provided over this time, from college down to kindergarten students.
The area’s Congressional Representative Antonio Delgado was unable to attend because of governmental business in Washington, but sent a note that said in part, “Peter Dubacher has committed his life to rescuing hundreds of birds that needed a second chance. His compassion and dedication is nothing short of admirable and he has created a truly special institution to share his passion with the community.”
Peter’s daughter Liz told The Eastwick Press, “the turnout was nothing short of amazing, and I am thankful beyond words to my community and all those who gave so much of their time, effort and money to help us rebuild.” Among those who she wished to thank was Tom Withcuskey, for allowing the use of the building and the grounds, the Grafton Fire Department for its lights, the Grafton Rescue Squad for standing by all day, and the many vendors, in particular the Grafton Town Store, who gave back so much (or all) of the day’s proceeds.
Thanks as well to Greywacke Meadows and the Lansingburgh Lions Club for their large donations, WTEN News for helping to spread the word and their fine coverage, One Trick Pony for the Pony Rides and Boy Scout and Venturing Crew 222 of Grafton, to all those who donated prizes for the auction, all the volunteers who help organize, set up and tear down all the tents, collect the bottles and cans and trash, and most of all, to all those who took time out of their busy lives to stop by, donating a few dollars and just lending their support and prayers for a fast recovery, and most importantly, to get the birds home.
The Eastwick Press is both proud and humbled to have been part of such a successful endeavor, something that in conjunction with the community, many hope to see become an annual event. It just proves we are still both Grafton and Rensselaer County Proud.