Local Family's Great Party for Scholarship Fund

By T.J. Clemente

Dhonna Goodale and sons Jesse and Jared, with Hillary and Bill

On August 22 in Flanders, Dhonna and Jesse "Bobby" Robinson Goodale III will open their home once again for a fundraiser to support the good deeds done by Goodale Productions.

Twice a year, the Goodales hold public fundraisers to help support their personal philanthropy efforts. The list of celebrities at the benefit includes Grammy nomimated Freddie Jackson, who will perform, actor Cathy Moriarty, acclaimed film director Albert Maysles, Flo Anthony and Irene Gandy. When asked about the fundraiser Dhonna Goodale chuckled, "It begins on Saturday at 4 p.m. and probably won't end until Monday morning!"

Dhonna Goodale has made community work her life's work -especially for those who are born into a community that promises very little chance of a successful life. Although her fundraising has been used in programs around the world, most of her efforts are focused in the Riverhead area. A former soap opera star under the stage name Donna Harris, Goodale credits her husband for being her "earthbound angel," and he credits his wife. "It's really her doing," he said. "My job is to be supportive so she can make a difference in children's lives."

The difference comes largely in the form of education scholarships. The daughter of a single mother who had three jobs, Dhonna Goodale witnessed the tragedy of life when her sister Tara Stephens was murdered by her husband at the age of 25, just as she was graduating nursing school. The effort her sister put forth in hopes of a better life wasn't for naught-it lives on with the Tara Stephens Scholarship Fund.

The Goodales award scholarships to members of the Riverhead Building Supply Choir who graduate from high school. This year, recipients included five singers in the 30-member ensemble (named after Bobby Goodale's business, Riverhead Building Supply). The Goodales also funded 78 scholarships to students at the Riverhead Alternative School, in order to, as Goodale said, "create opportunities for young adults who don't usually get the opportunities to develop their minds and disciplines to have a fruitful life." Goodale explained it was as if the Alternative School's students were funneled there to have no chance at a future. The odds are high, but Goodale told the students that if they graduate, she would give them secondary education money for college, trade school, nursing-whatever they choose.

Freddie Jackson

Goodale knows the names, the faces and the family histories of the students she touches not only with her generosity but her involvement. The Goodales are on the front lines of social change by "being there" as well as opening up their checkbook to help fund results. "This is not all about tax deductions," she said. "In fact a lot of the costs are not tax deductible. But I believe when much is given much is required."

The Goodales have two sons-Jesse, 11, and Jared, 9-both in the Riverhead school system. Her generosity through Goodale Productions has touched Peconic Bay Medical Centeras well as Riley Ave. School. She spoke of Riley School principal David Enos with the highest regards because "he really cares," and has assisted her efforts to educate student and parents about the importance of nutrition and exercise.

Born in Harlem and raised there and in Riverhead, Dhonna Goodale has learned the pain and trials life can present to those not equipped to overcome obstacles. She's a faith based woman who's not afraid to tell it like it is-about drugs, single motherhood, and the dark future ahead for those who can't get it together and become productive. "You must love yourself first, be able to say 'I deserve the best' even if that means leaving an abusive situation and living alone," she said.

The Goodales are helping those who can make that statement to have a fighting chance. To the scholarship recipients, she gives a singular message.

"I always tell them the same thing," she said. "When you go to college, stay grounded, surround yourself with grounded people."

Although Goodale herself attended schools like Stony Brook, Hunter College and NYU, she left college in 1981 for her first acting job for big money on the soap "Another World." It's a decision she regrets. "I didn't know then what I know now-go to school, have something solid to fall back on," she said. "Your talent will always be there, but the chance for education is too important. It shouldn't be passed up."

Goodale Productions Benefit for the Tara Stephens Scholarship Fund. Saturday, August 22, 4-9 p.m. For information, goodale-productions.com or 631-548-8555.