Friends of Mercy Hospital to host 87th annual ball

For over eight decades, the Friends of Mercy Hospital has kicked off the holiday season with their cherished annual Mercy Ball, a festive celebration dedicated to acknowledging the exceptional care offered by Catholic Health's Mercy Hospital to its neighbors.

The Friends of Mercy Hospital, which has been in existence for nearly 90 years, consists of a group of dedicated men who generously volunteered their time to support projects aimed at advancing the medical and surgical care provided to Mercy Hospital.

More than 400 people are expected to attend the 87th annual Mercy Ball at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury on Saturday, Dec. 2. The event, which marks a longstanding tradition, serves as a way to express gratitude and contribute to the ongoing success of Mercy Hospital.

John Joyce of Rockville Centre will receive the prestigious Theodore Roosevelt Award for Outstanding Achievement this year, which is presented by the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council to individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of Long Island’s community hospitals, embodying the spirit of Roosevelt’s lifelong dedication to public service.

His role in the accomplishments of the Friends of Mercy Hospital clearly reflects his support to health care. A resident for more than 50 years, Joyce’s dedication and commitment to the community are truly commendable.

Since 1992, he has played a vital role in the community by driving the St. Agnes Mass Transit bus every Sunday morning, ensuring that parishioners from Rockville Centre and the surrounding communities have reliable transportation to and from their homes.

Two other awards will also be presented during the event. The first, the Bishop John R. McGann Lifetime Achievement Award, will be presented to Francis Keating of Rockville Centre, for his distinguished volunteer work and for his help raising funds through the Friends of Mercy to advance the level of care at the hospital.

Joseph Lanzetta of Malverne will receive the Sister Mary Nadine Casey CIJ Award, which recognizes a member of the Mercy staff who best personifies the values of the hospital and the Congregation of the Infant Jesus, whose members founded Mercy Hospital in 1913.

The funds generated from the Mercy Ball will contribute to the scheduled renovation of Mercy Hospital's primary cafeteria. This space will feature new furniture and decor, equipped with suitable technology and will be specifically designed to improve the overall experience for our team members.

“We are thrilled and eagerly looking forward to a successful Mercy Ball as we celebrate over 110 years of quality health care from Mercy Hospital to the community,” Michael Boranian, president of the Friends of Mercy, said in a statement.

Rockville Centre Mayor Fran Murray will serve as one of the chairs of the event, along with Gloria DiSciullo, of Muttontown.

One of the ball’s annual traditions is the presentation of the Mercy Honor Guard, which is composed of high school students, who escort the Grand March of dignitaries into the ballroom, preceded by a color guard from the U.S. Marine Corps, and are then presented to the bishop. Following the program, guests enjoy dinner and dancing.

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities and complete event information go to MercyBall.com, call (516)-705-2618 or email Gloria.DiSciullo@CHSLI.org.