Debra Swee to Co-Chair VNSW Spring Benefit Gala May 10

Notable Mahopac resident, Debra Swee, communications consultant and WVNS Group Board Member, and Karen Herrero, a VNS Westchester Group Board Member, and co-owner of the NY Hospitality Group, will co-chair the VNSW Foundation Spring Benefit Gala on May 10.

This year's honorees have undertaken initiatives that provide greater access to high quality, affordable care; bring lasting improvement to population health; and help to prepare the next generation of healthcare leaders to tackle pressing issues.

For her outstanding healthcare leadership, legislative achievements, and advocacy for a healthy society, Congresswoman Nita Lowey will receive the organization’s Distinguished Service Award. VNSW will also honor healthcare innovator Dr. Amy Ansehl with its Community Leadership Award, for her tremendous contributions in advancing public health and for her dedicated service to the organization over the past several years. They will receive the awards at the organization’s 19th Annual Spring Benefit Gala, to be held Wednesday, May 10 at the Willow Ridge Country Club in Harrison. Michael Gargiulo, Anchor at NBC 4 New York, will serve as emcee for the sixth year in a row.

“With so much uncertainty about healthcare, one thing is for sure: the demand for our services has never been greater,” says Timothy P. Leddy, president and CEO, Westchester Visiting Nurse Services Group, Inc. (WVNS Group), the nonprofit organization that oversees VNS Westchester, the VNSW Foundation and Westchester Care at Home. “This year’s honorees exemplify the leadership that is needed to improve the health and well-being of the patients, families, and communities we serve. It is our tremendous honor to salute their vision and commitment, and to thank them for spurring our success in serving a growing population of those in need of our care.”

The festive evening will showcase the important work of VNS Westchester, and inspire giving to its newly launched VNSW Foundation, created to support the home healthcare agency that has provided vital care services in the region for over 116 years. Proceeds from the Gala will support an array of programs for residents of Westchester, the Bronx, Dutchess, Putnam and Rockland counties, including free community health screenings, health education programs focusing on preventative care and chronic disease management, and home care services for underinsured patients.

“Charitable support is absolutely critical because many of our services, including our Telehealth remote patient monitoring program, are not reimbursed by government agencies,” says Leddy. “Through the VNSW Foundation we are stepping up our charitable outreach efforts to meet the growing needs of those we serve and ensure our financial sustainability in the future. To help us meet the challenge of caring for an aging population with more chronic diseases, we invite the Lower Hudson Valley community to support us on May 10, and to join us in thanking Nita Lowey and Amy Ansehl for their extraordinary contributions.”

Wells Fargo Private Bank and Commercial Bank is the Presenting Sponsor. In addition to the awards ceremony, the event will feature a sensational silent auction, including gift certificates for dining out event tickets, luxury items, international wines and more. The evening also features a cocktail networking reception, gourmet dinner specialties and a sumptuous ‘sweet treats’ dessert and ice cream bar. Tickets for the event, which takes place on May 10 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Willow Ridge Country Club in Harrison, may be purchased for $350 each at www.vns.org. For information on Sponsorship Opportunities, Journal Ads or contributions to the Silent Auction, please contact Joyce Infante, Director of Development, at JInfante@vns.org or (914) 682-1480, ext. 649.