Hospital Volunteers Honored at Annual Reception

NEWBURGH – Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall (MSLC) recently hosted its Volunteer Reception at the Storm King Tavern in Cornwall, NY. This annual event recognizes the dedicated support of volunteers who contribute their time to MSLC and the St. Luke’s Cornwall Health System Foundation throughout the year.

In the first nine months of 2019 alone, 153 MSLC and Foundation volunteers have contributed just shy of 6,000 hours to the hospital and its various initiatives. Volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds and contribute their special talents to many roles, ranging from greeting visitors at the hospital’s information desk, visiting with patients, and assisting in community education and engagement, along with the Foundation’s various philanthropic efforts throughout the year.

“I’d like to personally thank every MSLC volunteer for their time and generous contributions, as well as their dedication to our community hospital,” said Joan Cusack-McGuirk, MSLC President and CEO. “Our outstanding volunteers and staff help make our mission a reality and enhance the services we are privileged to provide to the community we serve.”

Also honored at the event were 14 volunteer members of the Auxiliary, who work directly with the St. Luke’s Cornwall Health System Foundation on a variety of fundraising initiatives including the MSLC Gala and silent auction, the Hat’s for Health spring luncheon, the annual NICU Graduate Birthday Party, and sponsoring scholarships for graduating high-school seniors. In 2019, the Gala Committee helped the Foundation raise more than $260,000, while the Golf & Tennis Committee raised $128,000 in net profits for MSLC.

“Thank you to our Auxiliary, Gala, and Golf committees for your continued support to the Foundation throughout the years,” said Anne Marie Schoonhoven, Executive Director of the St. Luke’s Cornwall Health System Foundation. “Our staff could not achieve all that we do without the support of our volunteer committees who focus on fundraising for MSLC, and we are truly grateful for your contributions.”

The Volunteer Celebration event culminated with the Robert J. Rizzuto Volunteer Appreciation Award, which was presented to the Newburgh Free Academy Key Club and the Newburgh Kiwanis Club for their service to the MSLC Birthing Center & NICU. Over the past four years, both clubs have worked with community organizations to collect and donate thousands of infant and baby items that help mothers-in-need with essential items to keep their new babies warm and safe. The Rizzuto Award was established in 1990 to recognize volunteers to MSLC who are not a member of the Hospital Auxiliary or an “official volunteer” of the hospital. The award was named in honor of the late Bob Rizzuto, a former MSLC fundraiser. This year’s award was presented by Bob’s widow Margaret Rizzuto and daughter Fran Rizzuto Carton.