VNS Westchester Raises Critical Funds at Benefit Gala

Susan Fox, president and CEO of White Plains Hospital, vividly recalled the home healthcare rotation she completed as a nursing student at Columbia University 30 years ago when she was assigned to check on an elderly gentleman at his home for clues about his health: “I looked to see: Was the house orderly? Were there dishes in the sink? Was the refrigerator stocked, the cat fed? Why were the medication bottles knocked over? There was so much responsibility during my 30 minute visit,” said Fox, noting the vital importance of home health care services in ensuring the health of a community. Susan Fox, along with Brian Q. Severin, executive vice president of Mutual of America, were both honored on May 19, at the VNS Westchester 18th annual Spring Benefit Gala, held at the Willow Ridge Country Club in Harrison. Said Fox: “Hats off to VNS Westchester—your organization makes a difference!”

That difference—the positive impact VNS Westchester has on the health of the communities it serves—led appreciative donors to contribute close to $120,000 to the organization for its Gala. This annual tradition is critical for raising funds that enable VNSW to fulfill its mission, as many of the services it provides are not reimbursable by government or other sources.

Hosted by Westchester resident, Michael Gargiulo, anchor, NBC 4 New York, the Gala’s awards ceremony honored two long-time healthcare and business partners who play a critical role in supporting VNSW’s efforts and those of the wider community: White Plains Hospital received the Community Leadership Award, accepted by Susan Fox, president & CEO; Mutual of America received the Distinguished Leadership Award, accepted by Brian Q. Severin, executive vice president. The awards were presented by Timothy P. Leddy, president and CEO, VNS Westchester, and Dr. Amy Ansehl, chair of the Westchester Visiting Nurse Services Group Board. Karen Herrero, a VNSW Board Member, and her husband, Peter Herrero, Jr., co-owners of the NY Hospitality Group in White Plains, co-chaired the event.

In his remarks, Leddy gave special thanks to Mutual of America and White Plains Hospital for their partnership, and acknowledged the many individuals, local businesses, corporate sponsors, partner organizations, and other contributors from throughout the community who made the evening possible. “Collaboration is key to our success,” said Leddy. “We are all working together to reduce hospital readmissions, develop tools to maintain health at home, and achieve more than we ever have before. Thank you—we are touched by your overwhelming support.”

Honoree Brian Severin thanked VNSW for the award recognizing Mutual of America’s 55 years of service to the agency. “We thank you for this honor, and we also thank you for your commitment, and for the valuable work that you do. We are proud to be associated with VNS Westchester and look forward to continuing our relationship.”

In accepting the award for White Plains Hospital, Fox noted that both organizations had served the community for over 100 years. “We look forward to working on ensuring our patients receive the right care at the right place at the right time. We are so fortunate to have VNSW as our partners in care.”

Emcee Michael Gargiulo announced that, for the 14th year in a row, nursing was named as the most trusted profession in America, according to the latest Gallup poll, eliciting cheers and applause from the audience. “VNS Westchester is meeting the challenges of today’s healthcare landscape and the increased demand for home healthcare services, and its nurses exemplify commitment, compassion and care,” he said. In recognition of Gargiulo’s contributions as emcee for five consecutive years, Leddy presented him with a commemorative print of NBC through the years.

Proceeds from the Spring Benefit Gala directly support VNS Westchester’s efforts to provide new and enhanced programs and charitable care for its home healthcare patients in Westchester, the Bronx, Dutchess, Putnam and Rockland counties. Funds also support the wide range of free community health education programs and services that the agency provides to seniors and other populations in the five-county region it serves.

Photo Captions

Susan Fox, White Plains Hospital, Amy Ansehl, VNS Westchester Board of Directors

Brian Severin, Mutual of America; Susan Fox, White Plains Hospital; Timothy Leddy, VNS Westchester

Nora O’Brien, Grace Ferri, United Hebrew of New Rochelle

Nick D’Angelo, VNS Westchester Board of Directors; Holly Benedict, Hospice of Westchester

Arthur Fried, Epstein Becker & Green, PC; Jamie O’Connell, BNY Mellon; Ron Jendzjec Morgan Stanley

Mary Gadomski, VNS Westchester; Kathleen Byrne and Kristin Waller-Donovan, Montefiore Medical Center; Susan Yubas, Mary Franco, White Plains Hospital

Richard Sgaglio, Colleen Borrelli, Burke Rehabiliation Hospital

Karen and Peter Herrero, New York Hospitality Group

Jeff Menkes, Montefiore Medical Center; Susan Fox, White Plains Hospital; Joan Mooney; William Mooney, Jr., WCA

Mark Kosak, Dana Marnane, Tom Milucci, Greenwich Hospital