Holy Name Press Releases

Holy Name Medical Center Foundation Honors Bogota Savings Bank and The Winifred M. and George P. Pitkin Foundation

Largest Awards Reception in MS Center's history raises funds for patient care, research and education

November 14, 2016

The Holy Name Medical Center Foundation hosted the 2016 MS Center Awards Reception at Il Villaggio in Carlstadt, NJ, to raise funds for multiple sclerosis research, patient assessments and treatments. More than 275 friends, family members, benefactors, community officials, and physicians attended the annual event, which raised $115,000 to support the MS Center - the largest event in the center's history, both in attendance and financial support. During the evening's tribute, Joseph Coccaro, President & CEO of Bogota Savings Bank and Dr. Frances Hoffman, President of The Winifred M. and George P. Pitkin Foundation were presented with the Lawrence R. Inserra Leadership Award.

Michael Maron, President and CEO at Holy Name Medical Center, acknowledged the many dignitaries in attendance at the reception, noting, "The MS Center Awards Reception provides an opportunity to recognize those who have exhibited patient advocacy, leadership, and commitment in the fight against multiple sclerosis." He described the unparalleled work of the MS Center, the regional leader in MS care, which, since 1985, has been providing integrated, comprehensive and personalized care to patients of all ages living with multiple sclerosis. The MS Center serves approximately 1800 patients from the greater New York metropolitan region.

Larry Inserra presented the Lawrence R. Inserra Leadership Award to the honorees in memory of his late father, Lawrence R. Inserra, Sr. He recalled his father's positive experiences as a patient at the MS Center and his family's deep commitment to its continued success. Both honorees spoke movingly of their own interactions with physicians and staff of the MS Center and expressed their gratitude at receiving the Lawrence R. Inserra Leadership Award. Mr. Inserra’s generosity served as a catalyst for the MS Center's growth and present status as a premiere provider of MS patient care in northern New Jersey.

The event is made possible by a number of major sponsors, including Inserra Supermarkets, Inc., Teva Neuroscience, Inc., Joseph M. Sanzari, Inc., Bogota Savings Bank, Biogen, TD Bank, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp., Mayrich Construction Corp., the Robert & Mary Jane Hekemian Foundation, Otterstedt Insurance Agency, and Genzyme.

All proceeds from the Awards reception go directly to patient care and research at the MS Center. To learn more about the MS Center's services, call 201-837-0727.

To view/download high-res photos, visit 2016-MS-Awards-Dinner