Peconic Bay Medical Center's Annual Spring Gala Unveils New Era Of Health Care

RIVERHEAD, NY — More than 300 turned out for Peconic Bay Medical Center’s Annual Spring Gala this weekend, as PBMC unveiled a New Era Capital Campaign, the largest philanthropy initiative in the hospital’s history.

Intended to establish Peconic Bay as the East End’s regional medical center, the campaign supports the development of an advanced heart center, a major critical care tower, and expanded emergency medical services for the East End, a release said.

The campaign is already more than 70 percent of the way toward its stated goal of $28 million, having raised more than $20 million in pledged donations from a roster of donors, PBMC said.

“For too long, the East End has been isolated from the kinds of life-saving medical resources that are available to other residents of the tri-state area,” said Andrew J. Mitchell, president and CEO of Peconic Bay Medical Center. “This truly is the beginning of a ‘New Era’ of health care for our region.”

“Establishing a comprehensive cardiac program is a game changer for our region,” added John A. Kanas, of the John and Elaine Kanas Family Foundation and chairman, BankUnited. “During a heart attack, time is life. If cardiac care can be performed here in a timely way, we will save lives and strengthen the communities we serve.”

In recognition of the Kanas’ $5 million gift to the campaign, the new cardiac center will be designated as The Kanas Heart Center.

The New York State Department of Health approved two cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology suites, as well as a rooftop helipad, in March. The Kanas Regional Heart Center will be housed in PBMC’s new $60-million critical care tower.

“Peconic Bay Medical Center is one of the newest hospitals to join Northwell Health. The cornerstone of our partnership with Peconic Bay Medical Center is to bring much needed advanced cardiac and trauma services to the residents of the East End,” said Michael J. Dowling, president and CEO of Northwell Health. “We thank the donors that have supported this effort to date and encourage others to help us reach our goal. By partnering with us, our donors play an integral part in providing the level of health care our community needs and deserves.”

The event was held at the Royalton Farms Equestrian Center in Mattituck.

The New Era Capital Campaign has already surpassed achievement of Peconic Bay Medical Center’s last campaign, which raised just over $13 million; PBMC set out to acknowledge the principle donors who have generously provided the following gifts to date: The John and Elaine Kanas Family Foundation, whose $5 million gift will support the Kanas Regional Heart Center; Joseph & Annette Irom, $3.6 million, Emilie Roy and Michael Corey, $3 million; and Peggy and Stanley Zinberg, MD, $1 million.

In addition, the family of the late Robert Entenmann and its advisory committee will make a recommendation to the New York Community Trust for a $5 million gift to Peconic Bay Medical Center for the effort.

Photo courtesy of PBMC.