Rockville Centre's Mercy Medical Center has annual ball set for Dec. 4

The Friends of Mercy Medical Center, the support organization that has raised $1.5 million for the Medical Center over the past five years, will hold the 74th annual Mercy Ball on Dec .4 at 6:30 p.m. at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury.

The black-tie gala fundraiser will support the acquisition of new state-of-the-art cardiology equipment and will include the presentation of three major awards for service to the Medical Center and Long Island’s community hospital.

The chairman for the event this year is Christopher Kearns, of Rockville Centre, a co-founder and managing partner of Capstone Advisory Group, LLC, a nationally known leader in providing multidisciplinary services and solutions to companies, lenders and investors.

Three major awards will be presented:

Donald Regan of Rockville Centre, a long-time member of The Friends of Mercy Board of Sponsors, will receive The Bishop John R. McGann Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to an individual dedicated to volunteering time and effort in support of the Medical Center.

Dr. Gregory Zito, the hospital’s Director of Surgery will receive the Theodore Roosevelt Award for Outstanding Service. The award is presented by the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council to an individual contributing to the development of Long Island’s community hospitals in the spirit of the renowned former president and Long Island resident’s lifelong devotion to public service.

Eileen Obanhein will receive the Sister Mary Nadine Casey, CIJ Award in recognition of her many years of service in the respiratory services department. The award honors members of the Mercy family who best personifies the values of Mercy Medical Center and the Congregation of the Infant Jesus whose members founded the hospital nearly a

century ago.

One of the annual traditions at the ball is the Mercy Honor Guard, comprised of high school students who escort the Grand March of dignitaries into the ballroom preceded by a Color Guard from the United State Marine Corps, and are then presented to the bishop. Following the program, guests enjoy a meal and dancing into the night.

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities and complete event information, visit www.MercyBall.com, or call Mercy’s Development Department at (516) 705-2622.