Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation Gala Scheduled
August 15, 2006The annual Helen Hayes Hospital Gala, a benefit for the physical rehabilitation hospital in West Haverstraw, will be held on Sunday, October 15, 2006 at the Pearl River Hilton in Pearl River, New York. Sponsored by the Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation, the theme of this year’s Gala is “Starlight Ballroom.” Two individuals will be honored with the Helen Hayes MacArthur Award at the event, which begins with a cocktail reception at 4:00 p.m., followed by dinner at 5:00 p.m.
Receiving the 2006 Helen Hayes MacArthur Award at this year’s Gala will be Sister Mary Eileen O’Brien, President of Dominican College and retired Port Authority Police Department Lieutenant John McLoughlin. Past recipients include Montel Williams, Governor George Pataki, Christopher Reeve, Rosie O’Donnell, Dikembe Mutombo, Lily Tomlin, Arthur Ashe, John Hockenberry, and Edward James Olmos.
Sister O’Brien is being honored for her commitment to expanding educational opportunities in the healthcare professions. Through her dedication and leadership, the College is at the forefront in the training of nurses, therapists and other healthcare providers, who are in tremendous need nationwide.
A former hospital patient, Lt. McLoughlin is being honored for his unselfish, heroic actions on September 11, 2001 and for his philanthropic community efforts. Over his years of inpatient and outpatient therapy at HHH, Lt. McLoughlin, played by the actor Nicolas Cage in the recently released World Trade Center movie, was an inspiration for numerous other patients dealing with adversity in their lives.
The Gala is held annually to honor the achievements of individuals who help and inspire other people to live their lives to their fullest potential. This commitment is shared by the staff of Helen Hayes Hospital, who work each day toward the singular goal of helping patients achieve maximum independence. The presentation of the Helen Hayes MacArthur Award is a highlight of the Gala evening. The Award was established by the Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation to honor the hospital’s namesake, First Lady of the American Theater Helen Hayes MacArthur.
The Gala is the Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation’s major fund-raising event. Tickets are $275 and opportunities for sponsorships and advertising space in the Journal are still available. In addition, donations are being accepted for silent auction prizes. For additional information about the Gala, contact the Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation Office at 845-786-4365.
