$13,000 Raised for People to People in Memory of Tim O’Donohue

In the September 11th issue of the Rockland County Times, an article was published regarding a fundraiser held in the memory of Tim O’Donohue. The article contained several inaccuracies, including Tim O’Donohue’s last name, age, genre of musicianship, cause of death, and manner of fundraising for People to People. The RCT strives for accuracy in all we do, and this was a failing on our part. With our sincerest apologies to O’Donohue’s family and friends, we now print this retraction and reprint reflecting the corrections to these inaccuracies.

Sincerely, Sierra Lidén Managing Editor

Cloudy weather could not put a damper on the joy of the family and friends of the late, great Tim O’Donohue as they gathered on September 6th for the first annual TIM O’D FEST. Although O’Donohue passed away a little over a year ago at the age of 69 following a brief but intense battle with cancer, his memory continues to positively affect the community he loved so much. This inaugural music festival was hosted by Joe D’Urso, a board member of People to People and a band member of the internationally recognized band Stone Caravan.

TIM O’D FEST featured 14 performances that provided more than six hours of music from some of Rockland’s most talented musicians and singers. Held at the German Masonic Lodge in Tappan, this festival was the perfect fit for a man who self-described his musical stylings as “Juke Joint, Blue Grass, Country and Honky-tonk music, tossed into a blender and turned on high.”  The event not only honored the memory of a talented, dynamic Rockland musician but continued O’Donohue’s legacy by doing good in his name.

Though the event was free, donations to People to People Feeding Rockland were highly recommended, as O’Donohue had volunteered, held food collections at his gigs, and more for the organization. As a result, more than $13,000 was raised through online contributions, cash donations and sponsorships. Bailey’s Smokehouse donated a portion of funds raised from the sale of food and beverages as well. “We’ll be able to purchase more than $65,000 worth of food from the Regional Food Bank New York with the money raised at TIM O’D FEST that will help put food on the tables of our neighbors in need,” said Diane Serratore, People to People Executive Director.

The event was a “true love fest,” said Serratore. She remembered O’Donohue as a man who committed his time and talents to making Rockland a better place for everyone, and who encouraged her to try to put a little more fun in her life.

One look at O’Donohue’s grin as he holds his guitar and one swiftly understands why the People to People Instagram dubbed O’Donohue as the “King of Shenanigans,” “Rockland’s Troubadour’ and, “Well, our friend.”

Donations to TIM O’D FEST can still be made to People to People by using this dedicated donation link: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/timfest/

Next up for People to People is another event featuring Rockland’s music community. Goodstock 2025 will be held on October 5th at 4 p.m. at the Gaelic Athletic Association in Orangeburg. For more information, go to peopletopeopleinc.org

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