The Sarah Neuman Center for Healthcare and Rehabilitation recently celebrated the 20th Anniversary of their Volunteer Program and honored their volunteers & friends in the community.
Here’s news from the center:
“Our volunteers plant the seeds of kindness,” said Amy Lionheart, Director of Volunteers at Sarah Neuman Center for Healthcare and Rehabilitation (SNC) in Mamaroneck during her welcoming remarks at SNC’s Volunteer Recognition Dinner on Thursday, April 19th, which recognized volunteers and community organizations. This annual event marked the 20th Anniversary of Sarah Neuman’s Volunteer program.
Former SNC Director of Volunteers Carol Saltzman, who started the department in 1992, beamed when she learned that over the past year, volunteers at all ages logged an astounding 12,726 hours! At $21.79 per hour, the estimated monetary value per volunteer per hour, an added value of $277,300 for SNC was directly attributable to these incredibly dedicated folks. SNC Board Chair Lisa Feiner and Pat Jacobs, both founders of the Friends of Sarah Neuman Auxiliary Group, shared loud hurrahs for the invaluable support of volunteers.
NYS Assemblyman George Latimer personally presented a citation recognizing the achievements of volunteers and a proclamation, from Senator Suzy Oppenheimer, honoring their exemplary service was proudly on display.
The evening was punctuated with a presentation from guest speaker Dr. Henri Roca, M.D., Medical Director, Greenwich Center for Integrative Medicine, who shared concepts to enhance audience members’ ability to live long and healthfully, despite the many challenges they may face along the way.
The 20th Anniversary Community Partner Award was presented to Trader Joe’s. Its Boston Post Road in Mamaroneck and White Plains Post Road in Scarsdale locations have supported Sarah Neuman for the past five years. A grateful Ms. Lionheart said, “Trader Joe’s donates flowers and other gifts on a continual basis to help brighten our resident’s lives. In fact, the day after Valentine’s Day, they donated breathtaking bouquets of flowers to each and every one of the three hundred residents at Sarah Neuman Center, as well as arrangements for our public areas!”
Mary DiAmario, a Trader Joe’s employee and former volunteer at Sarah Neuman Center, accepted the award on their behalf. She shared comments from Pam Reis, Captain (store manager) at Trader Joe’s, “I am glad to work with Sarah Neuman Center. We at Trader Joe’s are always very supportive of our local community, and I am happy to be able to contribute to such a wonderful organization.”
Other Community Partner awards went to the volunteer groups from: Holy Trinity Church, Larchmont Music Academy, Larchmont Temple, Mamaroneck High School Step Program, Mamaroneck Seventh Day Adventist Church, Saints John and Paul Church, Scarsdale High School’s Adopt a Grandparent Program, Strait Gate Church, Rye High School, Unique Life and Westchester ARC.
Larchmont resident, Grace Cosgrove, was the recipient of this year’s Ivy Voris Outstanding Volunteer Award for her 11+ years of service. The Bernard Wasko Memorial Award for Excellent Service was presented to Cathy Phelan of Port Chester, and the Oren Brandt-Rauf Youth Award was presented to New Rochelle student, Matthew Baffuto.
The evening’s final award provided the capacity filled room with something to bark about! The Golden Paw Award for Pet Therapy was presented to Stella Lenore and Davis Harris Levy, three-year-old, chocolate-colored Standard Poodles, who happen to be the family pets of mother/daughter Marissa and Lisa Levy. The twin dogs, dressed in full costume, were acknowledged for bringing countless smiles and joy to the residents.
Ms. Lionheart concluded the evening’s festivities by sharing, “I truly believe that the only way to experience the richness of life is to live with an attitude of gratitude—to appreciate what you have and what you can give. The best way to ensure your own happiness is to assist others in experiencing theirs. I am very proud of our volunteers’ accomplishments this evening.”
For more information about volunteer opportunities, please contact Amy Lionheart at alionheart@jewishhome.org or (914) 864-5140
