Thousands attend NYHQ’s Spring Gala - raise $4.5 million

New York Hospital Queens, one of the largest medical institutions in the borough, raised $4.5 million, $300,000 of which came from their own medical staff, with its 11th annual A Spring Night Gala, held at the State Theater at Lincoln Center. This total was said to be the largest amount ever raised in one night for a non-profit organization in the tri-state area. The evening included a private performance by Grammy Award winner Lionel Richie.
“It was a big night. We’ve stepped it up,” said New York Hospital Queens’s CEO and President Stephen S. Mills regarding the fundraiser that began 11 years ago, raising just $300,000. They eventually moved it to Lincoln Center, which has helped up the ante. “We’ve been progressively raising more and more money every year,” he said.
More than 2,600 of New York Hospital Queens’ employees, family, and friends joined together to celebrate the extraordinary efforts of Alice Coles, President of the Bayview Citizens for Social Justice in Bayview, Virginia. Coles was the recipient of the hospital’s highest honor, the Pacesetter Award, for her humanitarian advocacy and devotion to promoting the well-being and self-sufficiency of the poor.
Responsible for rallying local residents and lobbying her county and state officials to prevent the development of a prison in her hometown, Coles wanted to improve the way of life for Bayview residents who were living in squalor. In 2003, on CBS’s 60 Minutes, correspondent Ed Bradley nationally exposed the rudimentary living conditions in Bayview and the challenges of its rebuilding efforts. Coles has since triumphed and successfully rebuilt her community.
Mr. Bradley joined New York Hospital Queens for the presentation of the Pacesetter honor. He spoke fondly of the woman whose inspirational story touched millions. “Some see things as they are and say why, Alice Coles dreams things that never were and says, why not?” he said.
All proceeds from the event went to capital improvement projects and continuing research and education at New York Hospital Queens.