84th annual Mercy Ball celebrates the season

Virtual celebration set for Dec. 5

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For the last eight decades the Friends of Mercy Medical Center have hosted the Mercy Ball, which has traditionally been the kick-off to the holiday season. This year will be no different as they host their first virtual celebration. The 84th annual Mercy Ball will take place on Saturday, Dec. 5. The event is switching to a virtual format out of an abundance of caution, but promises to remain the hallmark event of that is has been known for.

The virtual celebration will be a 30-minute presentation featuring “Through the Years” of past Mercy Balls highlighting prior honorees, honor guards, and special guests. A patient will also share a “miracle” story.

The proceeds of the Mercy Ball will support Mercy Medical Center’s battle with Covid-19.

“We are looking forward to a successful event as we celebrate our first virtual Mercy Ball and we hope all can join us in our efforts to raise funds to combat this national pandemic,” said Jeff Mulhall, President of the Friends of Mercy.

Every year, awards are presented to deserving honorees, and according to Mulhall, this year’s Theodore Roosevelt and Sister Mary Nadine Casey honorees “are a true testament to Mercy’s efforts in protecting our community members while fighting this pandemic on the front lines.”

Three major awards will be presented:

Employees of Mercy Medical Center during the global pandemic will receive the Theodore Roosevelt Award for Outstanding Service. The award is presented by the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council to an individual or group 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.

Nurses & Certified Nursing Assistants will receive the Sister Mary Nadine Casey, CIJ Award that honors a member or group from the Mercy family who best portrays the values of Mercy Medical Center and the Congregation of the Infant Jesus whose members founded the hospital in 1913.

Judge Leo F. McGinity, a senior long-time Friend of Mercy member who started as an Honor Guard member in 1943 and is still an active member, will receive the Bishop John R. McGann Lifetime Achievement Award, which is presented to a distinguished individual dedicated to volunteering time and effort in support of the Friends of Mercy.

There are multiple ways to help support this year’s first virtual event in our continuing efforts in fighting this pandemic battle. Consider making a donation to Mercy, take a sponsorship that offers a full or half page ad, or purchase a raffle ticket for a 1-carat diamond earrings and necklace set valued at $2,200.

To make a donation, purchase a sponsorship or jewelry raffle ticket visit  www.MercyBall.com, or call the Office of Development at 516-705-2618.

 

Courtesy Friends of Mercy; compiled by Jill Nossa