St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children raised $600,000 to support life-changing programs and services for St. Mary’s Hospital for Children in Bayside, as well as its other facilities, at its annual Tribute Dinner on Monday, Dec. 11 at Gotham Hall in Midtown Manhattan.
The funds raised at this event will go towards ensuring that St. Mary’s is able to continue to support the most critically ill and injured children in New York State. The programs and services the $600,000 will be used on will aid St. Mary’s in this venture.
“This holiday season, St. Mary’s is thrilled to be able to bring our community together to celebrate a special night for New York’s children,” said Dr. Edwin Simpser, President and CEO of St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children. “We are grateful to everyone who came out to show their philanthropic support and ongoing dedication to ensuring St. Mary’s can continue to change the lives of our young patients and their families.”
During the Tribute Dinner, Elizabeth Velez, vice president and principal of the Velez Organization construction company, was recognized for over 50 years of service in New York City. During that time, she has overseen many diverse projects, spanning affordable housing, education, healthcare and large-scale real estate developments. Additionally, she has served in various levels of government, including the Traffic Mobility Review Board for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. She contributed to COVID-19 pandemic responses for then-New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and then-New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Other attendees at the Tribute Dinner included top executives from the construction, financial services and real estate industries, business leaders and philanthropists. All these people have shown dedication to supporting children with special needs and advancing pediatric healthcare.
Located at 29-01 216th St. in Bayside, the St. Mary’s in-patient hospital facility provides a continuum of care to children with medically complex conditions. Home care services and community programs are also offered. Over 90% of St. Mary’s patients need a level of care exceeding what their families are able to afford and what Medicaid can cover. The funds raised from philanthropic events like the Tribute Dinner are vital in helping St. Mary’s change the lives of children and their families.
