A special night to benefit Hudson Valley children, families and people in need raised more than $160,000 Tuesday night.

The Abbott House Loving Arms Awards Dinner was held in Tarrytown and emceed by News 12’s Blaise Gomez.

The Irvington-based nonprofit helps provide safety, healing and hope to more than 3,000 people each year in seven Hudson Valley counties, including Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties.

Their day and residential services include programs for foster children and those with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

Abbott House was established in 1963 and has helped more than 112,000 people since it began.

Their inaugural fundraising event was attended by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr who praised Abbott House for being at the forefront of family life. An audio recording of his full remarks, along with more information on Abbott House, is available on their website.