Calvary Hospital’s 40th Annual Awards Gala
Friends and Supporters Celebrate Calvary Hospital’s 40th Annual Gala at The Plaza Hotel.
Eight years before The Plaza — one of America’s most celebrated and iconic hotels – opened in the heart of the City, The Women of Calvary opened their heart to the City they loved by welcoming eight patients to the House of Calvary, the country’s first palliative care and hospice facility.
“It was 1899, and the core of their compassion, which was the heart of Calvary, is still the heart of Calvary today,” said President CEO and President, Dr. Christopher Comfort, as he welcomed over 300 guests to Calvary’s 40th Annual Gala inside the Plaza’s legendary Grand Ballroom on Thursday, November 30th.
“There is no other place like Calvary in the world, and as we approach our 125th Anniversary next year, we are grateful to all of you who help us maintain our independence and integrity as an institution of unwavering compassion,” Dr. Comfort said in opening remarks, before awards were bestowed upon three Calvary stalwarts, each leaders in our community and in their fields of expertise:
Joe Tarantino, CEO Of global consulting firm Protiviti and award-winning WABC-TV sports anchor Ryan Field – both recipients of the Calvary Medal; and pioneering Radiologist, Dr. Marc Prager, founder of University Diagnostic Medical Imaging, recipient of The Annie Blount Storrs Award (named for Calvary’s foundress).
“Twenty-five years I have been on the Board; Calvary is like a magnet that won’t let go because of the passion and compassion of the entire team and the care they provide. So, I’ve never left,” said Mr. Tarantino.
“We only have so much time on this earth to make an impact,” observed Mr. Field, “So let’s use our hearts to love and care for each other just a little more.”
Dr. Prager, in his remarks, said Calvary was an example of compassion to be followed everywhere.
“One day may the word display the humanity that Calvary Hospital shows every day.”
His Eminence, Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Honorary Chairman of the Calvary Hospital Board of Directors, thanked guests for supporting and sharing in Calvary’s sacred mission to love, honor, and care for people nearing the end-of-life:
“All of us, including me, have been sent to Calvary – to ensure that Calvary can carry on its wonderful work. For suffering with others and shouldering their burdens, what a community you are,” Cardinal Dolan said.
The event was emceed by WABC-TV news anchor Bill Ritter.