$325,000 Raised at Good Samaritan Hospital Foundations 19th Annual Spring Polynesian Paradise Ball

The 19th Annual Good Samaritan Hospital Spring Ball, held on Sunday, March 28, 2004 at the Hilton Woodcliff Lake, in Woodcliff Lake, N.J. raised in excess of $325,000 to support the Suffern, N.Y. hospitals programs

March 31, 2004 -- The 19th Annual Good Samaritan Hospital Spring Ball, held on Sunday, March 28, 2004 at the Hilton Woodcliff Lake, in Woodcliff Lake, N.J. raised in excess of $325,000 to support the Suffern, N.Y. hospitals programs, announced Christine Palmer Maraia, Executive Vice President of the Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation.

Long known as the communitys premier black tie event, this years ball featured a Polynesian Paradise theme, and recognized the fine work of the Rockland Paramedic Services/Regional EMS with the Good Samaritan Hospital Medal of Honor, while Dr. James B. Israel, M.D. was this years recipient of the Sister Joseph Rita Award for Medical Excellence.

We are thrilled with the tremendous outpouring of support for this event, and for Good Samaritan Hospital in general, noted Event Chairperson Janetlee Pillitteri. In the past, weve been able to raise significant sums of money to support the mission of the hospital. The proceeds from this years Spring Ball, over $325,000, are earmarked for the purchase of new IV infusion pumps for the entire hospital. The generosity and support of the community have made this Spring Ball another milestone for Good Samaritan.

Rockland Paramedics and Dr. James B. Israel Honored
A highlight of the Spring Ball is the presentation of special awards honoring community leaders for their service and dedication.

This year, The Rockland Paramedics/Regional EMS were the recipients of the Good Samaritan Hospital Medal of Honor for their service to the community. This group of dedicated individuals is a mainstay in the social and health fabric of the community. Collectively, they serve the emergency medical needs of over 300,000 people in over 25 villages and municipalities. The award was presented by Chief Michael Murphy, and was received on behalf of the Rockland Paramedics/Regional EMS by Ray Florida.

The selfless devotion to the health and well being of the community that these incredible individuals show day in and day out is unbelievable. I am pleased and proud to present the Good Samaritan Hospital Medal of Honor to the Rockland Paramedics/Regional EMS, noted Murphy.

Dr. James Israel was named as this years recipient of the Sister Joseph Rita Award for medical excellence. Dr. Israel has been practicing in this community for over 28 years, during which time he has made significant contributions not only to the lives of his patients, but to the Rockland healthcare community in general. The award is named after Sister Joseph Rita, a nurse and administrator at Good Samaritan Hospital, who was known as an "angel of mercy" for ministering to those in crisis, and was presented to Dr. Israel by one of his colleagues, Dr. Earl Zeitlin, M.D.

Dr. Israel embodies the spirit of Sister Joseph Rita in the compassionate care he has extended within this community for well over a quarter century, noted Zeitlin in presenting the award. Dr. Israel serves as an example and a beacon for all of us in the medical community.

We are indeed blessed to have the caring medical hand of Dr. Israel and the dedication of the Rockland Paramedics/Regional EMS right here in our community, said Foundation Executive Vice President Christine Maraia. This years honorees have demonstrated exceptional commitment and service to the community. It is our distinct honor to pay tribute to them at the Spring Ball.

Proceeds to fund purchase of IV infusion pumps throughout the hospital
As always, the proceeds from the Spring Ball will help Good Samaritan to fulfill its mission of providing good help to those in need. Improving patient care and safety are top priorities for the hospitals leadership. This years proceeds are earmarked for the purchase of IV infusion therapy pumps for the entire hospital. With the vast array of IV drugs that are now available, as well as the continual technological enhancements in medicine, infusion pump technology becomes all the more critical in ensuring that these drugs are delivered safely and effectively.

The Polynesian Paradise theme was carried through to virtually every aspect of the evening, from decorations and cuisine, to the Grand Prize drawing in the Foundations annual raffle a trip for two to either Hawaii, Fiji, or Tahiti. Second prize, was a 20 flat screen Aquos LCD television, complements of Sharp Electronics.

"We are thrilled at the turnout at the Spring Ball, but are most energized by the excellent response of the community in raising $325,000 for the continued work of Good Samaritan, said Event Chairperson Pillitteri. As people walked through our Polynesian Paradise, they experienced an exotic evening of Polynesian warmth and hospitality, but more than that, they knew that each and every one was doing their part for the health of the greater Rockland County community.

Good Samaritan Hospital is part of the Bon Secours Charity Health System, which also includes St. Anthony Community Hospital in Warwick, NY and Bon Secours Community Hospital in Port Jervis, NY. Additionally, Bon Secours Charity Health System provides the services of a Certified Home Health Agency, two long-term care facilities, an assisted living and adult home facility and several other medical programs. For more information about this event or any hospital program, contact Good Samaritan Hospital at 845-368-5000.

Press contact: John Lonsdorf, R&J Group (973) 331-1070
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