building hope, restoring lives
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St. Mary’s
N E W S L E T T E R O F S T. M A R Y ’ S H E A LT H C A R E S Y S T E M F O R C H I L D R E N • FA L L 2 0 1 1
St. Mary’s Topping Off Celebration
President’s Message
With hard hats in place and smiles on their faces, St. Mary’s Kids
watched as the final – and largest – piece of steel was placed on
the new Patient Pavilion at a “Topping Off” Celebration at
St. Mary’s Hospital for Children. Typically celebrated in the
construction world, St. Mary’s Topping Off held on September 7
included children, staff, construction workers, and friends who
helped mark this important milestone in St. Mary’s 140-year
history. Supporters and well-wishers from throughout New York
autographed the 50-foot beam that became a symbol of
progress and a marker for the future of St. Mary’s Kids. The
public was invited to watch a live broadcast on St. Mary’s
website as the beam was hoisted to its new home.
Like most, St. Mary’s
has felt the effects
of the challenging
economic climate;
and as the State
struggles to
achieve a balanced
budget by implementing costs savings in the healthcare
sector, we remain steadfast to make sure
all children with special needs receive
the services they require and deserve.
Of grave concern is the fact that
Medicaid has been singled out for
across the board cuts – a fact that
weighs heavily on St. Mary’s and those
in our care.
Panel of guests L-R: Dr. Edwin Simpser, Executive Vice
President and Chief Medical Officer; Jeffrey Frerichs, St. Mary’s
President and CEO; moderator Stefan Friedman; Stephen Brent
Wells, Board Chairman; and Thomas Kissane, Board Director
and Campaign Co-Chair.
The Topping Off Celebration also marked a significant
milestone in St. Mary’s Building Hope, Restoring Lives
Campaign – a comprehensive campaign to build a new Patient
Pavilion for St. Mary’s Kids, modernize St. Mary’s existing
1950’s-era building, and sustain vital programs and services.
The 30-minute live broadcast featured St. Mary’s Kids along
with a panel of guests including Jeffrey Frerichs, St. Mary’s
President and CEO; Stephen Brent Wells, Board Chairman;
Dr. Edwin Simpser, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical
Officer; Thomas Kissane, Board Director and Campaign
Co-Chair; and moderator Stefan Friedman. The panelists
discussed the dire need for a state-of-the-art facility to care for
the growing needs of New York’s medically complex children
and thanked the community for its generous and ongoing
support of the project.
“We are humbled by the generosity of donors who have made
this day possible,” remarked Jeff Frerichs, President and CEO.
“This new building will allow us to take advantage of all the
technological advances available to us today and into the future.
It is both a thrill and a privilege to be able to care for these
remarkable children.”
St. Mary’s Kids and staff all excitedly gathered to watch the
historic moment.
The last piece of steel autographed by St. Mary’s Kids, staff,
patient families, donors, and crew, was placed on the new
Patient Pavilion.
Following the remarks, the eagerly-awaiting children led the countdown and watched as the beam was placed
on the building. Thanks to the philanthropic support of loyal supporters, St. Mary’s is in the homestretch of our
fundraising efforts. Learn more in the Campaign Progress Report on page 2.
For those who missed the live event, the Topping Off rebroadcast can be seen at www.stmaryskids.org.
Shadat: St. Mary’s Miracle Child
Baby Shadat. It’s hard to
believe this once fragile
little boy who graces the
pages of our website has
graduated from St. Mary’s
Preschool Program and his
stay at St. Mary’s is over.
Shadat came to St. Mary’s at
just two months old with a
tracheotomy in his throat to help him breathe and a
feeding tube to help him eat. Born with a congenital
heart condition and paralyzed vocal cords, Shadat
underwent surgery at just 11 days old. His complex
medical conditions required advanced pediatric care far
more involved than his parents could provide at home.
Day by day, Shadat became stronger and healthier
and even took his first steps at St. Mary’s surrounded
by his extended family of nurses, therapists, and
his parents all proudly watching. As he continued to
grow and heal, Shadat achieved a monumental goal –
his trach and feeding tube
were removed – and after
four years as an inpatient at
St. Mary’s, he was strong
enough to return home to his
family. But his journey with
St. Mary’s wasn’t over just yet.
When it was time to attend
school, Shadat’s parents
chose St. Mary’s Preschool Program for children with
special needs. He came back to St. Mary’s each day
to receive early education and specialized medical
and rehabilitative care.
Today, Shadat has blossomed into a playful,
energetic and resilient little boy who recently
graduated from preschool and has begun the next
stage of his life. Shadat will be dearly missed but
always remembered as the miracle boy who became
the face of St. Mary’s, and the perfect example how
the impossible really is possible.
[1]
Over 85% of St. Mary’s children are
enrolled in Medicaid-funded programs
to meet their complex medical needs.
Across the board cuts fail to take this
vulnerable and growing population
into account.
As the largest provider of long-term care
to children in New York, we know we have
a lot of people counting on us. We want
you to know that St. Mary’s is fighting so
that our families are not affected by
potential cuts to in-home services, critical
therapies, and other expenditures that are
particularly important for our children.
To face this head on, St. Mary’s has been
working with policymakers, colleagues,
and decision-makers to educate them
about the population of children who
require higher levels of services to
rehabilitate and thrive. We have also
launched a public awareness campaign,
Raise Your Voice and Be Heard, to let
policymakers know that children with
special needs have a voice. Our hope is to
have the participation of every patient
family in this important endeavor.
St. Mary’s is a vital link to securing the
future for children with complex
conditions by ensuring that sustainable
and affordable quality programming
prevails and a comprehensive care model
is in place to provide life-long services
for the emerging population of children,
adolescents, and young adults with
special needs.
We are confident with the help of our
supporters, patient families, and
advocates, we will be the catalyst that
affects change.
Jeffrey K. Frerichs
President and Chief Executive Officer
building hope, restoring lives –
Chairman’s Message
Campaign Progress Report
Building a new
children’s hospital is
far from an every day
occurrence. It is a
monumental undertaking that happens
only once in the
history of most
healthcare organizations. At St. Mary’s,
we celebrate this very special moment
in time as a reaffirmation of the
commitment the Sisters of St. Mary made
to the children of New York nearly
140 years ago.
We are delighted to announce yet another milestone for St. Mary’s Kids and the Building Hope, Restoring Lives
Campaign. Thanks to the outpouring of community support, we have reached our $30 million campaign goal
more than one year ahead of schedule! And, the ongoing commitment of our loyal supporters has enabled St.
Mary’s to increase our goal to $35 million. We are especially grateful for our philanthropic success during these
uncertain times when additional cuts to healthcare, particularly to programs and services for children with special needs, are imminent.
Throughout the years as St. Mary’s has
experienced growth and change, our
mission has remained grounded in the
same unwavering heritage of excellence
in caring for children with special needs
and life-limiting conditions, whether at
home or in our hospital. Our goal is
to help every child realize his or her
unlimited possibilities, and with this new
building – and renewed beginning for
St. Mary’s – we are well on our way to
accomplishing this.
To know St. Mary’s is to realize that this
project is much more than just bricks
and mortar. A vital St. Mary’s is a symbol
of our perseverance and will serve as
the springboard that propels our lifeenhancing medical and rehabilitative
programs and services to organizations
and children throughout the country and
throughout the world.
Known for our pioneering spirit, St. Mary’s
talented healthcare professionals have
revolutionized the way our nation cares
for medically complex children. We are
credited with a long history of “firsts”
in pediatric care, including the first
long-term home healthcare program for
children and the first traumatic brain
injury program for children. St. Mary’s
literally wrote the book on pediatric
palliative care, developing a compassionate and comprehensive method for
helping children and families cope with
life-threatening illness. This program has
been replicated in facilities as far away as
Singapore. And the lessons we have
learned from caring for children with
terminal illnesses, we have applied to
the care of our children throughout all
our programs at home. It is only fitting
that our new Patient Pavilion will help
us herald in a new era of discovery
and innovation.
We have reached this pivotal point in
time through the steadfast support of our
friends. I am honored to have played a
part in St. Mary’s past. I am energized for
what lies ahead. On behalf of St. Mary’s
and the children and families in our care,
thank you for taking this journey with us.
Support and enthusiasm have come from a wide range of individuals, community leaders, and philanthropists
— even school children are working hard to help make the impossible possible for St. Mary’s Kids.
And the excitement is contagious. With each visit to the campus, we are astounded by the amazing progress
completed on the Patient Pavilion. You can see the excitement and anticipation in the eyes of the children,
their families, and their caregivers
The Building Hope, Restoring Lives Campaign is all about securing a brighter future for children with special
needs and their families. Launched in 2008, the goal of this comprehensive 5-year campaign is to build a new
Patient Pavilion and modernize the medical campus of St. Mary’s Hospital for Children, as well as sustain and
enhance vital programs and services that improve the health and quality of life for our children.
There is still one year left in our campaign and much work to do. Let's keep up our momentum in 2012 when
we will celebrate the opening of our Pavilion and St. Mary’s 140th year of providing care to New York’s children.
Samuel (Skip) Karetsky
Campaign Chair
Thomas Kissane
Campaign Chair
Making a Difference
Sophie and Vincent Riso
For over 30 years, Sophie and Vincent (Vinnie) Riso have kept the St. Mary’s
mission a part of their lives.
Advocating for families in the community is second nature for Vinnie as
the Managing Member of The Briarwood Organization, LLC, a family
owned business. For more than 50 years, Vinnie and Briarwood have been
committed to providing safe housing developments and communities
where families can flourish. Vinnie first became acquainted with St. Mary’s
in the 1960s as a young member of the Bayside Lions Club, who visited
the hospital twice a month to give the children haircuts. Although he has
long since retired his scissors, Vinnie returned to St. Mary’s in 2004 and joined St. Mary’s Healthcare System for
Children’s Board of Directors where he has been actively involved in various projects and committees to help
further the mission of St. Mary’s.
Both Sophie and Vinnie have opened their hearts and homes to St. Mary’s, hosting various fundraising efforts to
help raise awareness for St. Mary’s Kids. They never miss an opportunity to support a St. Mary’s event and are
always encouraging friends and family to learn more about St. Mary’s extraordinary care.
“There is a palpable culture at St. Mary’s that assures you that anything is possible when it comes
to caring for kids. You see it in the faces of the children and in the dedication of the staff. St. Mary’s
is responsible for creating miracles and I am proud to support their mission,” remarked Vinnie.
Sophie and Vinnie are leading supporters of the Building Hope, Restoring Lives Campaign for St. Mary’s Kids
and together with The Briarwood Organization, have named an Interactive Zone in the new Patient Pavilion. “The
Pavilion will give children and their families improved space for rehabilitation, patient care, education, and family
visitation. It’s our pleasure to help make it happen,” said Vinnie. “They deserve it.”
Stephen Brent Wells
Chairman, Board of Directors
[2]
a campaign for St. Mary’s
Campaign Cabinet
Norman M. Feinberg, Honorary Chair
Gateside Corporation
Cindy S. Johnson, Honorary Chair
Samuel R. Karetsky, Campaign Chair
The Karetsky Group, LLC
Thomas Kissane, Campaign Chair
Community Counselling Services (CCS)
Rebecca Aslin
Huron Consulting Group
Ruth Colp-Haber
Wharton Property Advisors, Inc.
Anthony Coniglio
Jeffrey K. Frerichs
St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children
Richard H. Gilden, Esq.
Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel, LLP
What do you get when you combine the resources of New York’s leading radio stations, the talent of two top-rated DJs, and the energy of St.
Mary’s Kids? You get an incredible program called We Believe in Music.
A collaborative effort between St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children
and Clear Channel and iHeartRadio’s Z100 and 106.7 LiteFM, We Believe
in Music is an interactive campaign to help raise funds and awareness
to create a music environment in St. Mary’s new Patient Pavilion.
Music has an uncanny ability to lift the spirit. But for children with special needs, it can do so much more. Research has shown that music
therapy can help improve a patient’s quality of life and promote physical and emotional wellness by reducing stress, alleviating pain, and
stimulating expression and communication. Music therapy plays an
important role in every child’s treatment plan at St. Mary’s.
DJ Ambassadors Danielle Monaro of Z100 and Christine Nagy of 106.7
LiteFM kicked off the campaign with a visit to St. Mary’s to brainstorm
with the children and their clinicians on effective ways to incorporate
music. What resulted was a highly spirited, no-holds-barred wish list of
ideas that Clear Channel is helping to make a reality.
Plans are already underway to transform the Children’s Activity Center
into a music-themed space with a recording studio/radio station, DJ
booth, iPod download station, musical instruments, performance area,
karaoke, and lots of music memorabilia – all to help children with special needs heal and thrive.
We Believe in Music is reaching Clear Channel listeners on air and online
via microsites on Z100.com and 106.7 LiteFM.com that include a virtual
tour of the soon-to-be-built Children’s Activity Center. Viewers can vote
on playlists for St. Mary’s Kids, view webisodes, learn about St. Mary’s
Kids, and support the campaign. The stations are also holding special
online auctions to benefit St. Mary’s with amazing, once in a lifetime
experiences including VIP access to the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting
and a meet and greet with recording star Michael Buble and an incredible VIP package to Z100’s always sold out Jingle Ball.
Community support is quickly growing for the music project, attracting
the immediate support of several individuals and corporate partners
including Beach Bum Tanning, European Wax, Red Mango, and the
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Queens.
We Believe in Music is part of St. Mary’s Building Hope Restoring Lives
Campaign. Visit our website to learn how you can get involved.
[3]
Kimberly Hatchett
Morgan Stanley Private Wealth
Thomas Jarck
Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.
Ark Latt
Turner Construction Company
Henry T. Lievre
Independent Wealth Advisory Group, Inc.
Robert Meltzer
SupplyOne
Raymond M. Planell, Esq.
Bleakley Platt & Schmidt, LLP
Peter E. Roth
KBW Asset Management
Christopher Savino
Morgan Stanley
Edwin Simpser, MD
St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children
William Sinclair
JP Morgan
Michael Weinbaum
United Capital Corp.
Stephen Brent Wells
The Solaris Group, LLC
Gerard M. Wrynn, Esq.
Ferguson, Cohen, LLP
Millions
BELIEVE IN MUSIC
WE
Mark M. Goldberg
Carey Financial, LLC
$35 30 Our Goal
25 $30 Million
20 15 10 50
Thanks for helping us
reach our goal for the
Building Hope, Restoring Lives
Campaign – and enabling us
to increase it to $35 million.
the scoop: what’s happening at St. Mary’s
[
Camping Out at St. Mary’s
]
If you can’t bring the kids to camp, why not bring the camp to the kids? Thanks to an
innovative program hosted by Camp TLC (Together Living the Challenge), St. Mary’s Kids
were given a unique opportunity to experience camp while patients in the Hospital. Camp
TLC selected St. Mary’s Hospital for Children as part of its national kick off tour to bring camp
to children who are unable to attend traditional camp due to a disability or complex medical
condition. The week long camp experience featured recreational activities, Olympics, arts &
crafts, drama, singing and dancing, and culminated with a grand finale presentation hosted
by St. Mary’s Kids showcasing all they learned. St. Mary’s Kids of all ages sang and performed
hot dance numbers all self-choreographed with the help of Camp TLC members.
[
St. Mary’s Sheds Light on Medicaid Reform
]
St. Mary’s opened some eyes on how older children with special needs have been left out of
the discussion when it comes to Medicaid redesign. In October, Rocco Vertuccio reported
that policymakers eager to rein in Medicaid costs may have overlooked one very important
and growing population – adolescents and young adults with special needs. NY1 spent time
at St. Mary’s Hospital for Children and visited the homes of patients, including the Krohn
family, who voiced concerns about what the road ahead may look like.
The video is available on St. Mary’s website. www.stmaryskids.org
[
Training the Next Generation of Physicians: NYCOM Clinical Clerkships
St. Mary’s continues to mentor students from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine
(NYCOM) at the New York Institute of Technology as part of a clinical clerkship affiliation. Fourth year
students are booked year-round for elective pediatric rotations and experience the techniques of
providing sub-acute care for children with chronic illness. Students are immersed in daily patient
care, including rehabilitation and therapy, and learn about the challenges of caring for and
communicating with children with special needs. Students also have the opportunity to accompany
nurses on Home Care and Early Intervention visits and participate in clinical rounds. The clinical
rotation improves students’ understanding of the special needs community and prepares them for
the challenges ahead in pediatric post-acute care. NYCOM students continue to give St. Mary’s
doctors, therapists and nurses the highest review ratings and are always eager to come back.
[ Sensory Feeding Group at St. Mary’s Helps Children Eat Better ]
Recognizing that children with speech deficits coupled with sensory issues often also
experience troubles eating, the therapists at St. Mary’s got to work on a cross-discipline
approach to feeding. The Speech and Occupational Therapy Departments have created a
Sensory Feeding Group to help children work through their feeding development, aversion,
and mealtime socialization issues by introducing sensory experiences during mealtimes.
Patients from St. Mary’s Nursery and Toddler units socialize, play and “experience” food by
looking at the food, touching, smelling, making a mess, using utensils and taking small tastes.
The increased exposure to mealtime helps children achieve their individual feeding goals that
can otherwise be overwhelming.
[
Superflex: A Superhero Social Skills Program
]
St. Mary’s Kids at Roslyn is hosting a special series of workshops designed to teach appropriate
social thinking skills and flexible thinking to children with ADHD, Anxiety, High Functioning Autism,
and Asperger Syndrome. Children will be given strategies to help them map out social behaviors
including flexibility, being part of a group, perspective taking, cognitive flexibility,
learning to understand expected and unexpected behaviors, and empathy.
For more information on Superflex or any of the programs at our Roslyn location,
please call 516-621-2681.
[ St. Mary’s Toddlers Graduate Preschool! ]
Toddlers of St. Mary’s celebrated a tremendous accomplishment as they graduated from
St. Mary’s Early Education Preschool program. Thirty students marched down the aisle while
their parents and families watched with pride as they received graduation sashes. The pint-sized
graduates performed renditions of “Wheels on the Bus,” “Down on Grandpa’s Farm,” and “If Your
Happy and You Know It.” St. Mary’s Preschool Program is committed to helping children with
special needs make incredible gains, while fostering development and growth. The program
gives children, both from the community and St. Mary’s inpatient program, the opportunity to
interact, share ideas, and learn with each other in a healing and educational environment.
[4]
]
the scoop: what’s happening at St. Mary’s
Raise Your Voice and Be Heard:
Patient Advocacy Campaign
As policymakers struggle to contain costs, all eyes are focused on Medicaid to help bridge the gap.
While St. Mary’s supports responsible reform, we are reluctant to believe that across the board cuts
could be good for anyone, particularly for the growing population of children and young adults
with special needs.
Today 1 out of every 5 children has a special need – in New York, that equates to 800,000
children and growing. Due to advances in technology and medicine, children are surviving
illness and injury thought impossible just a decade or so ago. And many of these children are
requiring ongoing specialized care throughout their lifetimes. These are St. Mary’s Kids.
St. Mary’s has been working with lawmakers, colleagues, and decision-makers to educate them
on our very special population of children who require higher levels of services to rehabilitate
and thrive. But we need your support.
RAISE YOUR VOICE
AND BE HEARD
To g e t h e r , W e C a n F i g h t
for Our Children
WHO’S YOUR 1 IN 5 CHILD
3-year old Taloni rules the world with her
“can do” attitude and big bright eyes. Taloni
loves playing on the playground and making
new friends during her stay at St. Mary’s
Hospital for Children. Despite a congenital
disorder, multiple surgeries, and intensive
rehabilitation, she never lets anything get in
her way.
We are asking our patient families to join us in our public awareness campaign, “Raise Your
Voice and Be Heard,” to let policymakers know that children and families with special needs
have a voice. While your child may be a 1 in 5 child, he or she no longer has to be a statistic.
You can now put a name and face to your 1 in 5 child.
We are encouraging parents to share their child’s story with us as we advocate on a State,
Federal and local level to change or improve Medicaid reform policies. Tell us about your child,
the services he or she receives, and how they have made a difference in your lives.
We will then share your stories with policymakers to show them these are real kids and real
families with real issues. Any changes to Medicaid must take our children into consideration.
Please visit www.stmaryskids.org/patientadvocacy to submit your child’s story or write to us
at 5 Dakota Drive, Suite 200, New Hyde Park, NY 11042, Attention: Communications. Send us
pictures, videos, artwork, or anything that represents your 1 in 5 child.
At St. Mary’s, we believe in possible and we know it’s possible for us, as a team, to create
change. Raise Your Voice and Be Heard!
St. Mary’s honors and awards
Samuel R. Karetsky Honored by United Hospital Fund
Samuel (Skip) Karetsky, St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children’s Board Member and Campaign
Co-Chair, was honored at the 21st Annual United Hospital Fund Tribute luncheon on Friday, June
10th at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. The annual tribute recognizes Hospital Trustees for
their ongoing dedication and leadership of non-profit hospitals. Skip has played a fundamental
role in building the future for New York’s children and families with special needs.
Congratulations Skip!
St. Mary’s a Winner at NACHRI
St. Mary’s was recognized by the National Association of Children’s Hospitals and Related
Institutions for our stellar work in infection control when caring for medically complex children.
The poster presentation by Dr. Eddie Simpser, Chief Medical Officer; Heather Painter, RN, CPN,
Resource Nurse; and Marianne Pavia, Infection Control Practitioner demonstrated how St. Mary’s
clinicians were able to significantly reduce central line infections by adopting a three part protocol.
Way to go!
St. Mary’s Kids Honor Jeff Frerichs
on 1st Anniversary
St. Mary’s Kids couldn’t let Jeff’s first anniversary as St. Mary’s President and CEO go by without a
little celebration and some very special gifts. The kids presented Jeff with a plaque, pictures, and
banner they created to commemorate the special occasion and applaud him for the great work he
continues to do for children and families with special needs. Congratulations Jeff and here’s to
many more anniversaries to come!
[5]
25th Anniversary Golf & Tennis Outing
Honoring Michael Weinbaum
St. Mary’s 25th Annual Golf & Tennis Outing on Monday, July 25th at Fresh Meadow Country Club
and Deepdale Golf Club honoring Michael Weinbaum, VP, United Capital Corp, raised $300,000 to
support St. Mary’s programs and services. This year’s event included something for everyone golf, tennis and mahjong.
Dinner guests were kept busy at the live and silent auctions with extravagant prizes including a
Thanksgiving getaway in Aspen, Colorado, a weekend of fun at the Shoreham Hotel in NYC, dinner
at the exclusive Rao’s Restaurant, and the ultimate prize – Picowso!, a hand painted life-size cow by
renowned international artist, Billy the Artist, which sold for a whopping $15,000.
During dinner, Michael Weinbaum was presented with the William S. Straight Humanitarian Award,
which is given each year to an individual who exemplifies outstanding leadership and dedication
to improving the health and quality of life for children with special needs.
A special thank you to our Event Chairman, Stuart Lempert, Honorary Chairs, Amos Brotter and
Derek McGovern, and Committee: Anthony Agliata, Miguel Cobbs, Jeffrey Frerichs, Joseph Gallitto,
Ivan Goodstein, Joseph Goubeaud, Howard Hershenhorn, Jill Lamoretti, Michael Lamoretti,
Deborah Lempert, Henry E. Lievre, Henry T. Lievre, Robin Portnoy, Robert Raphael, Steven Squitieri,
Edward Streim, Richard Tanenbaum, Melissa Weinbaum, Michael Weinbaum, and Mark Weinberger.
Thank you to our Event Sponsors
United Capital Corp.
Susan & Amos Brotter
Lynn & Ed Streim
DJ Ambulette Service
Adco Electrical Corporation
Carr Business Systems
Charles Schwab & Co.
Cord Meyer Development LLC
Counsel Abstract, Inc.
Deutsche Bank Private
Wealth Management
Duffy & Duffy
Jeffrey K. Frerichs
Gilman Management Corp.
Hunter Roberts Interiors
KPMG
M & T Bank
Robert Mann
Monster Mini Golf - Carle Place
Rod Nathan, MD
Olshan Grundman
Patriot National Bank
Sanitation Salvage
Turner Construction Company
United Air Conditioning Corp.
Utopia Home Care, Inc.
Vector Group
Virtuit Systems, Inc.
Joe Feshbach
Municipal Credit Union
1st Annual Jockey & Horseman’s Ball
Honoring Ramon A. Dominguez
On Sunday, May 1st, top jockey Ramon A. Dominguez was honored at St. Mary’s 1st Annual Jockey &
Horseman’s Ball, which garnered the support of local philanthropists, community leaders and members of
the thoroughbred community.
The inaugural ball celebrated the unique continued partnership between St. Mary’s and The New York
Racing Association (NYRA), which has been bringing the region’s leading provider of post-acute care for
children together with the region’s most famous racetracks to support vital programs and services for some
of New York’s most seriously ill and injured children.
Special thanks to our Honorary Chair, Charles Hayward, NYRA President and CEO, and our Committee:
Joanne Adams, NYRA.; Alice and Anthony Calabrese, Simplex of Middle Village, Inc.; Jennifer and Gary
Contessa; Sharon Dominguez; Jeffrey Frerichs, St. Mary’s President and CEO; Anthony Ficara, Ficara &
Associates, P.C.; Michael Genovese, Holy Cross High School; Carol Hunt; Letty McLaughlin; Elise Merhige,
Constellation NY; Tracy Pletcher; Linda Rice, Linda Rice Racing Stable; Rudy Rodriguez; Terry Whalen,
Sterling Sign Company; and Richard A. Violette, Jr., New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association.
Event Sponsors
Michael & Maria Repole
The New York Racing Association, Inc.
New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s
Association, Inc.
Mike Sapraicone and Squad Security
Jennifer & Gary Contessa
Kiaran & Letty McLaughlin,
Kiaran McLaughlin Racing Stables
Cocktails with a Cause
Over 200 members of the Financial Services Industry met at the
Empire Hotel Rooftop on Wednesday, June 22nd to enjoy “Cocktails
with a Cause,” a benefit fundraiser that raised over $80,000 to
support children and families at St. Mary’s Healthcare System for
Children. The event was spearheaded by financial leaders and
committee members Chris Savino, Morgan Stanley; Rebecca Aslin,
Huron Consulting Group; Anthony Coniglio, Tom Jarck, Deutsche Bank
Securities, Inc; and William Sinclair, JP Morgan.
The sold-out event included an open bar, networking and a live
auction, and took on a light-hearted note as industry professionals
celebrated the warm weather with drinks and light fare.
The live auction kept guests entertained with an array of prizes
including a private dinner for 12 guests hosted by renowned chef
Dino Gatto from the exclusive Rao’s Restaurant of Harlem, NYC and
dinner for 6 guests with New York Ranger Sean Avery at the trendy
Tiny’s & The Bar Upstairs in NYC owned by Rangers Sean Avery and
Henrik Lundqvist.
[6]
Todd & Tracy Pletcher,
Todd A. Pletcher Racing Stable
Cathedral of St. Paul
Mr. Michael Marden
7th Annual Walk for St. Mary’s Kids
& Family Fun Day
Overcast clouds and scattered showers didn’t stop New Yorkers from supporting the 7th Annual
Walk for St. Mary’s Kids & Family Fun Day on Sunday, May 22nd at Belmont Park, a grassroots event
to raise funds and awareness for children with special needs.
Hosting the event for the third year in a row, the historic Belmont Park in Elmont, NY was filled with
children, staff, patient families, business leaders, politicians, community members, and jockeys who
all walked to support the vital programs and services of St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children.
St. Mary’s Grand Marshals – 13 patients who were chosen to represent the 4000 children St. Mary’s
cares for each day – led the Walk around Belmont Park, followed by participants and Walk teams
cheering them on.
Director of Service Learning at Holy Cross High School, Michael Genovese, was named the
Honorary Grand Marshal for his ongoing dedication to St. Mary’s Kids.
To showcase St. Mary’s ongoing partnership with The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA), the
first race of the day was once again named the Race for St. Mary’s Kids.
The day also included The New York AutoFest Car Show featuring hot rods, classics, and customs
and Rick Caran & Team Jilli Dog, the world’s only poker playing dog as featured on Animal Planet.
Free Family Fun Day activities included games, face painting, arts & crafts, live music, and fun for
the entire family. Belmont Park hosted Pirate Day featuring pirate-themed inflatables, henna tattoo
artists, pony rides, a petting zoo and much more.
Special thanks to our Committee: Freddie Jost, Knights of Columbus - General Sherman – Fr. Shine
Council #569; Lou Buglione, East Coast Car Association, Inc.; Jeffrey Spiro, ARES Operations, LLC; Sal
Bacarella, Garden Works; Leo Cerruti, New York AutoFest; and Rick Caran, Team JilliDog.
Thank you to our Event Sponsors
New York Racing Association
New York AutoFest
Gen. Sherman - Fr. Shine Council #569
Melrose Credit Union
Triboro Postal FCU
supporting St. Marys
Thank you to our supporters for your incredible efforts, talents, and creativity to
make a difference for St. Mary’s Kids. You are truly our heroes.
FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRY “CHARITY DAYS”
Former Major League
baseball outfielder,
Darryl Strawberry, was
St. Mary’s celebrity guest
trader on April 27th at
BTIG's ninth annual
“Commissions for
Charity Day.” BTIG LLC,
is a global financial
services firm specializing
in institutional trading
and related brokerage
services.
For the 2nd year in a row, St. Mary's was the benefiting
charity of Hamilton Executions annual charity day and
received gifts totaling $24,000 in support of the Building
Hope, Restoring Lives Campaign. We are grateful to
Hamilton Executions for endorsing our efforts to provide
a total-healing environment for children with special
needs and their families. L-R: Paul Mende, Angel
Martinez, Janet Dieckmann, Joe Funaro, Kathy Ruotolo,
Mike Keller, Sean Lynn, Zach Carr, Phil Fracassini, Kristen
Delisi, Andrew Vento, David Rush (standing), Alex Goss,
Artie Paladino, and Andrew Longaro.
The Board of the Sexauer Foundation presented a
$100,000 check in support of the Building Hope,
Restoring Lives Campaign in honor of their founders and
their 50th Anniversary. L-R: Gil Silva, Tom Abbomont,
Jeff Frerichs, St. Mary’s President & CEO, Jamie Walsh,
Eileen Hoffman and Wes Cawley, President.
JetBlue Pilots for Kids have supported St. Mary’s
Kids for over 10 years with a most recent gift of
$4,000 to support St. Mary’s programs and services, along with some cuddly pillow pets for St.
Mary’s Kids. L-R: Captain Kevin Carr & Captain
Rob Haller
St. Mary's was chosen as the benefiting charity of ICAP
Charity Day and received a generous gift of $25,000. L-R
Douglas Rhoten, CEO, ICAP Americas; Lisa Nelson,
Managing Director; John Nixon, President; Thomas Jarck,
St. Mary’s parent and Campaign Co-Chair; and Matt
Maguire, Equity Derivatives Broker (not pictured).
The 4th Annual JP Morgan Private Banking International
Associates Community Day was held on September 20th at
St. Mary’s Hospital for Children where young associates took
a little time away from the office to host activities, arts &
crafts, face painting and much more for St. Mary’s Kids.
St. John’s University volunteers and employees,
patient family, Arlene Coscia and Katie’s Angels
hosted a special day for St. Mary’s Kids on
Saturday, September 24th featuring vocalists,
Dakota and Ray from Brooklyn Soul Train and famed
plate twirler Reid Vorbach. The group also donated
clothing, crocheted blankets, Wii Gaming systems
and assorted gifts baskets.
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Neil, Carolyn and David Levinbook
hosted the 2nd Annual St. Mary’s summer party at their home in Sag Harbor
and raised $5,000 for “We Believe
in Music.” Attended by over 150
supporters, the event was featured on
Hamptons Television and features
St. Mary’s patient families talking about
their support for St. Mary’s.
St. Mary’s Junior Committee hosted, “Savoring the
Summer,” an art and beer tasting fundraiser on
Thursday, August 4th at Mixed Greens Art Gallery in
the heart of Chelsea in New York City. Attended by
100 young professionals, the night featured beer
and wine tasting, works of art and a silent auction
raising $5,000.
2 9 - 0 1 2 1 6 T H S T R E E T | B AYS I D E , N E W YO R K 1 1 3 6 0
news
St. Mary’s
Inside This Issue
St. Mary’s Topping Off Celebration . . . . . . . . . 1
Building Hope, Restoring Lives
Campaign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
We Believe in Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Raise Your Voice and Be Heard: Patient
Advocacy Campaign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Supporting St. Mary’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
If you would like your name removed from the mailing list, please write to St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children, 29-01 216th Street, Bayside, New York 11360
St. Mary’s
news
Helping Dreams Come True for St. Mary’s Kids
Aidan
Aidan has an electrifying personality that is larger than life—which is quite a feat for a little boy who was
born 4 months early at just over one pound. Aidan came to St. Mary’s where he began receiving speech,
physical and occupational therapy services - first through Early Intervention and then through the Care at
Home program. Today, 7-year old Aidan is growing by leaps and bounds. Walking around with an iPod
loaded with his favorite tunes from Disney’s Imagination Movers to pop star Katy Perry, it’s amazing to think
how far Aidan has come.
Sophia
Sophia has a rare congenital disorder that affects her joints and muscles and much of her childhood was
spent in a hospital. But Sophia's disability, by no means, has stopped her from being a happy little girl who
strives to meet all of her milestones. Sophia receives physical, occupational, and speech-language therapies
at St. Mary's and works hard to achieve her medical goals. Sophia recently learned to maneuver her wheelchair by herself, and she is quickly becoming an expert. Sophia's spirits are always high and her smile is
purely intoxicating.
Douglas
21-year old Douglas never lets anything stand in his way of achieving his goals, despite his disability. Douglas
attends St. Mary’s Pediatric Day Healthcare Program and over the years, has grown into an exceptional,
personable, and outgoing young man. His “can do” attitude and great sense of humor have helped him
achieve therapeutic milestones and the respect of his peers. Douglas takes pride in mentoring other patients
at St. Mary’s who look up to him for guidance.
2011-12 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Amos Brotter
Ruth Colp-Haber
Norman M. Feinberg
Jeffrey K. Frerichs, President and Chief Executive Officer
Bernard Haber
Cindy S. Johnson
Samuel R. Karetsky
Thomas Kissane
Ark M. Latt
Henry T. Lievre
Raymond Planell, Esq., Vice Chairman
Vincent L. Riso
Peter E. Roth, Secretary and Treasurer
MaryAnn Sackman
The Honorable Claire Shulman, Honorary Director
Richard E. Tanenbaum, Esq.
Stephen Brent Wells, Chairman
To learn how you can make a difference, please
contact St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children
718-281-8890 • www.stmaryskids.org
St. Mary’s
Salutes
Pat A. Di Filippo,
Turner Construction Company
Honoree of the 2011 Tribute Dinner
St. Mary’s is proud to salute Pat A. Di Filippo on a record-breaking Tribute Dinner
that raised $1.2 million for the children of St. Mary’s.
Held at Cipriani Wall Street on November 21, the sold-out event attracted a
who’s who in the construction, real-estate, and development industries.
Learn more about the event and view photos online at www.stmaryskids.org
and watch for a feature article in our next edition of St. Mary’s Kids News.
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