Holy Name Press Releases

Holy Name Medical Center Annual Founders Ball Honored  Lucia Palestroni and the Alfiero and Lucia Palestroni Foundation

November 21, 2011

The Holy Name Health Care Foundation recently held its annual Founders Ball at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.  With approximately 550 guests in attendance, the evening raised close to $650,000 to benefit patient care at Holy Name Medical Center.

This year's gala honored Lucia Palestroni and the Alfiero and Lucia Palestroni Foundation, Inc. with the Spirit of Healing Award for their continued dedication and generosity to Holy Name Medical Center and most recently, their generous gift to the Villa Marie Claire Hospice in Saddle River.  "The Museum of Modern Art was an ideal venue for a gala honoring such a unique and extraordinary individual and Foundation," said Michael Maron, President/CEO, Holy Name Medical Center.  "The support that Mrs. Palestroni and the Palestroni Foundation have extended to Holy Name and Villa Marie Claire is an excellent example of their commitment to the community."

Mr. Maron spoke about the dedication of Holy Name's medical staff who prompted a unique challenge for guests that evening.  Two Holy Name physicians anonymously committed to matching contributions pledged at the gala up to $10,000-an initiative that raised close to $50,000.  "These physicians and the matching donors truly exemplify the partnership between Holy Name, our physicians and the community we serve," said Mr. Maron.  "Holy Name has flourished this year and will continue to thrive in 2012.  This is due in great part to the steadfast support of our physicians and donors who are committed to our healing mission."

During the evening, guests viewed a video highlighting Lucia Palestroni and the work of the Palestroni Foundation and their commitment to Holy Name Medical Center.  Mr. Maron shared with guests a letter written by a Holy Name physician, Robert Rigolosi, MD, who although, unable to attend the affair, wanted to acknowledge the work and dedication of Lucia Palestroni and the Palestroni Foundation-specifically their investment in Holy Name's Dialysis Unit.

"Each year, we wonder how we can surpass the previous year's event," said Joseph Parisi, Jr., Chairman of the Holy Name Health Care Foundation.  "But every year we succeed.  We're grateful to all the supporters whose contributions allow Holy Name to remain at the forefront of the health care community."

The Alfiero and Lucia Palestroni Foundation was established to support organizations that aide the health and well-being of, as the late Alfiero Palestroni said "those who have a strike against them."  The goal of the Foundation is to provide support to individuals with or organizations that treat those afflicted by physical or mental disabilities or illnesses.

For more information about the Holy Name Health Care Foundation, please call 201-833-3187 or visit holyname.org/foundation.



Lucia Palestroni, Spirit of Healing Award Recipient, Michael Maron, President/CEO, Holy Name Medical Center and Kristine Sayrafe, Executive Director of the Palestroni Foundation