Community Corner

Local Philanthropists Open Hearts, Home To Help Homeless Kids At Christmas

The holiday home tour will raise funds to give needy children a special Christmas.

Every child deserves to have a magical Christmas.

That's what local philanthropists Dhonna and Bobby Goodale believe. For the past 19 years, the couple have taken homeless children on Christmas shopping sprees.

This year, they plan to open their home on Saturday, Dec. 15, from noon to 6 p.m. with ‘The Goodale Holiday House Tour," to help fund the annual shopping spree for needy children.

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Over the past 19 years the Goodales say they have clothed and outfitted over 1000 children and their families, also providing them with a Christmas dinner. 

The house tour will feature the Goodale's Flanders holiday-bedecked home, including 12 themed and decorated trees.

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The event will include live music, holiday cocktails, a stream of holiday movies in the cinema room, a free raffle entry,  gourmet lunch and caroling around the fireplace.

The Goodale estate also features a fully equipped gym, a library, three pianos; two baby grand pianos and a Steinway upright, two bars, a game room and a steam room.

“Bobby and I do not exchange Christmas gifts; instead we do this, and we’ve been at it for 19 years together. I personally have been doing this kind of Holiday Give Back for more than 30 years. Christmas is about taking care of the community in which you live," Dhonna Goodale said.

Goodale, an actress and reality star, may live a glamorous life today — but she remembers what it was like to struggle.

That's why Goodale, a philanthropist who gives back every year and awards scholarships to local teens, helps others. Last year, she took 20 Riverhead kids, who are homeless or in foster care, on a Christmas Eve shopping spree. 

The children, she said, are able to pick out new toys and clothes. 

"Earlier in life I was that kid -- the one that went without," Goodale said. "And I am living proof that with perseverance you can go from welfare to philanthropy."

Goodale said she hopes to instill the tradition of giving back in her sons. "We were taught to serve others," she said. "The thought behind this activity is that when much is given, much is expected -- and the reason for the season is that a child was born and died for us."

The Goodales have long been known in Riverhead for their philanthropy. Each year, Goodale, who has been seen on the TLC reality show special, "Four Houses: Deck the Halls," has taken kids on holiday shopping trips. Through their company, Goodale Productions, the Goodales support safe houses for battered women and their children in memory of Goodale's sister, Tara L. Stevens, who was murdered in 2003 by an abusive husband.

In addition, the Goodales  to raise funds to support scholarships for local students. Currently, the Goodales support approximately 80 college students with scholarships, book stipends, and/or clothing grants. 

The couple also partners with the Ecumenical Missionaries to provide prenatal care, parenting skills and supplies to unwed mothers and aid to the children of prostitutes.

Goodale, an actress and singer, has performed in a jazz play at Birdland in New York City and appeared in a European touring company of "The Wiz." She also appeared in an Off-Broadway production, "Outpost of Progress," and was assistant director and actor in "Clean Sheets Can't Soil."

Reservations are required: Up to 15 minutes upon arrival. Tours will be scheduled every hour and the last tour will begin  at 4:30 p.m. No one will be refused as long as they make a phone call to the reservation hot line. For reservations, call the hot line number (631) 727-7229. The Goodale home is located at 186 Point Road, Flanders, NY 11901. 

 


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