NUHEALTH’S 2009 HEROES IN HEALTH GALA RAISES OVER $300,000, BENEFITING THE LONG ISLAND MEDICAL FOUNDATION, THE PHILANTHROPIC ARM OF THE NUHEALTH SYSTEM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 3, 2009
PRESS CONTACT:
Shelley Lotenberg
shelley@numc.edu
516-572-6055
NUHEALTH’S 2009 HEROES IN HEALTH GALA RAISES OVER $300,000, BENEFITING THE LONG ISLAND MEDICAL FOUNDATION, THE PHILANTHROPIC ARM OF THE NUHEALTH SYSTEM
2009 HONOREES, PAT WANG, PRESIDENT & CEO OF HEALTHFIRST AND GILBANE BUILDING COMPANY, JOIN 450 GUESTS AT OHEKA CASTLE, DESPITE CHALLENGING ECONOMIC TIMES —
East Meadow, New York…..Arthur A. Gianelli, President/CEO of the NuHealth System, announced that the 2009 Heroes in Health Gala, chaired by Bradley and Cheryl Gertsman and attended by 450 guests at Oheka Castle, raised over $300,000 for the Long Island Medical Foundation, despite the severe recession still gripping Long Island and the rest of the country.
“It is in the spirit of caring for our patients – and investing in our communities – that the Long Island Medical Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the NuHealth System, honors Patricia Wang, President and CEO of Healthfirst, and the Gilbane Building Company. Both exemplify corporate social responsibility at its very best. Both believe in philanthropy and its importance in addressing vital needs at the grassroots level and beyond. Both are an inspiration to others in the corporate community and to us here at the NuHealth System, as we strive to bring essential health care to all members of our community at every stage of their lives,” observed Mr. Gianelli about the evening’s honorees.
John O’Connell, Executive Director of the Long Island Medical Foundation, noted that “Martin Payson, Chairman of the Foundation and NuHealth System Boards, understands that successful philanthropy relies on good relationships, a compelling mission, and the ability to attract support from a variety of constituents and sources.” He went on to note that 2009 has been a real turning point for the Long Island Medical Foundation. “We’ve been able to recruit other highly impressive individuals to serve along Marty, which has helped advance the role philanthropy can and must play in the future of NuHealth.” Mr. O’Connell also offered enthusiastic praise for the gala committee, saying, “The committee did a superb job making this year’s event a beautiful and memorable one. I am grateful for all their time and hard work.”
Mr. Gianelli concluded by thanking everyone who attended the evening’s celebration. “Hosting our third annual gala in this extraordinary space is immensely appropriate. It speaks to a future that is full of promise and possibility. I want to thank everyone for their continuing support of the NuHealth System. Tonight’s celebration is every bit as much about how far we’ve come as it is about where we want to go.”
ABOUT NUHEALTH:
NuHealth is a Long Island health care organization delivering essential medical care and disease and lifestyle management to everyone at every stage of life. Also known as Nassau Health Care Corporation, NuHealth is a public benefit corporation managing the operations of Nassau University Medical Center, A. Holly Patterson Extended Care and a network of Family Health Centers that bring primary and specialty care out into the community. By emphasizing wellness, cultural sensitivity and collaborative efforts with the North Shore-LIJ Health System, NuHealth is working to make good care more affordable and easier to access.
For more information about NuHealth or its Centers of Care, visit www.nuhealth.net.