Peconic Bay Medical Center Foundation to Honor Annual Gala Organizer

RIVERHEAD, NY — Peconic Bay Medical Center (PBMC) recently announced that the 2023 Annual Gala hosted by the PBMC Foundation will honor longtime board member Joan Levan, who started the Benefit in Black and White Gala in 2006 and spearheaded the annual event until its last year in 2019. In that time, Ms. Levan and her team of supporters successfully raised more than $5,000,000 to help advance PBMC’s Emergency Department. These funds played a pivotal role in the growth and modernization of PBMC, providing critical resources to enhance patient care, expand facilities and deliver quality medical services to the community.

“Ms. Levan has been an extraordinary supporter of Peconic Bay Medical Center, and we are incredibly excited to pay tribute to her and all that her efforts have made possible,” said Amy Loeb, EdD, MBA, R.N, PBMC executive director. “Her passion for community well-being and healthcare excellence has inspired us all, and it is only fitting that we gather to celebrate her remarkable impact while continuing the work she holds dear."

The gala will be held at the Westhampton Country Club on Friday, September 8, and all proceeds will benefit the expansion of the PBMC’s emergency department. This year’s event holds special significance as it comes on the heels of PBMC unveiling its $92 million expansion plans, which includes adding 6,600 square feet to the newly named Poole Family Trauma and Emergency Center. In addition to increasing patient capacity, this will also offer more space to implement life-saving technology, a dual bay trauma unit, additional cardiac response technology, comprehensive radiology capabilities and enhanced patient privacy. This expansion will save lives and make high-level care more accessible to all.

“Joan is a true visionary, a beacon of philanthropy in our community and a wonderful friend,” said Thomas and Mary Jane Poole, co-chairs of this year’s event and for whom the expanded Emergency Department will be named. “Her dedication to the Peconic Bay Medical Center Foundation Gala over the years has showcased her unwavering commitment to healthcare excellence and has transformed the lives of countless individuals. This year’s gala acknowledges all her past contributions by directing proceeds toward the expansion of the hospital's Emergency Department. We celebrate Joan's extraordinary work and eagerly anticipate the positive impact it will have on our community for generations to come.”

Ms. Levan had a successful career in the fashion and retail industry as a buyer, department head and marketing executive. She began her career as an executive trainee for the Higbee Company in Cleveland, Ohio and was quickly promoted to assistant buyer, branch manager and division buyer—serving as a mentor and paving the way for women to navigate the male-dominated industry. Ms. Levan then joined Associated Dry Goods, where she became president and CEO of the marketing division and vice president of the $2 billion dollar corporation -the only woman to serve at that level. Ms. Levan retired to Westhampton Beach with her late husband, Marvin in 1999.

Her relationship with PBMC began in 2005, as she and Marvin firmly believed that nearby emergency care was a necessity. In addition, Marvin suffered from heart issues and required cardiac care and monitoring. Ms. Levan used her persistence and business acumen, and led a team of six highly skilled friends to organize galas that would help make PBMC what it is today. The initial target was raising money and awareness for emergency room capabilities, and a new emergency room was built in the first five years.

Today, as the eastern hub of Northwell Health and Eastern Suffolk County’s largest health care provider, PBMC brings over 250,000 Eastern Suffolk residents with the closest access to advanced cardiac catheterization suites, a New York State-designated stroke center, Level III trauma services, and Eastern Suffolk County’s largest - and busiest -emergency department. It has also been celebrated by the American Heart Association and several other medical review boards for its patient care.

The Peconic Bay Medical Center Foundation Gala 2023 promises to be a night of reflection, gratitude and inspiration as the community comes together to honor Joan Levan and continue the mission she initiated. Peconic Bay Medical Center encourages anyone looking to support the gala in honor of Ms. Levan to donate by visiting pbmcfoundation.thankyou4caring.org or calling the Foundation Office at (631) 548-6080.

About Peconic Bay Medical Center

Located in Riverhead, NY, Peconic Bay Medical Center is a 144-bed nonprofit hospital committed to providing exceptional care and improving the health of the communities it serves. Peconic Bay Medical Center offers wide-ranging, full-scope services and programs, including advanced surgical, cardiac, orthopedic and women’s health care, comprehensive inpatient medical care, palliative care and an extensive range of outpatient services, along with state-of-the-art technology. Peconic Bay Medical Center joined Northwell Health in 2016. For more information, visit PBMCHealth.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.