More and more patients are coming to Burke Rehabilitation Hospital after experiencing a life-changing neurological condition like stroke, traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury. In light of this shift in patient population, Burke is renovating 5,200 square feet of space within the hospital and creating a state-of-the art gym that will help these patients reach their maximum level of independence.
The annual dinner is Burke’s largest fundraiser, raising more than $500,000 overall for the hospital this year. The award is the highest bestowed by Burke’s Board of Trustees. It is given to individuals or groups who contributed to the field of rehabilitation through personal achievements, research development or by establishing programs and initiatives that improve quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
This year’s Burke Award honorees were:
- Tom and Bonnie Grace: The Graces have lived their lives devoted to their central guideposts of faith, family and each other. When Bonnie suffered a stroke that left her unable to walk, or even speak, Tom insisted on only the very best for her recovery, and that was Burke. Tom, along with their 4 children and families, brought tireless energy and passion to her recovery. Their experience has made them champions of Burke. Today, Bonnie is back home in Rye playing ping pong, building her strength with boxing classes, and giving back as the family always has over a lifetime of philanthropy.
- Cuddy & Feder LLP: A Westchester-based law firm that puts a priority on community stewardship and philanthropy, Cuddy & Feder LLP has a rich history of contributing to the community through pro bono work, volunteer activity and financial support. Members of the firm serve on the boards of educational, healthcare, social service and cultural institutions. Partner Anthony Gioffre has served on Burke’s Board of Trustees since 2006. As a prominent firm in the community and Burke supporter, Cuddy & Feder is a leader in supporting the programs and services that patients need to regain their independence.
- Mary Beth Walsh, MD: Dr. Walsh was Executive Medical Director and CEO of Burke Rehabilitation Hospital for 22 years. When Dr. Walsh was named CEO in 1995, she became the first female CEO of a hospital in Westchester County. A well-known leader in the field, Dr. Walsh is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Rheumatology. She is also a member of the Board of Directors for the American Medical Rehabilitation Providers Association. Dr. Walsh retired from her position in April of 2017 after dedicating 37 years of service to Burke – leading up to this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
“The Graces remind us every day of what is possible when high quality rehabilitative medicine is paired with a loving and caring support system,” said Jeffrey Menkes, President and CEO of Burke Rehabilitation Hospital. “Cuddy & Feder show us the importance of good citizenry and giving back to the community.”
“We are also forever indebted to Dr. Walsh,” Menkes concluded. “Her steady-handed leadership and medical expertise have left a mark on Burke that will never be erased.”
Burke would like to thank all the sponsors who helped to make the Burke Award Dinner a success: Diamond Sponsor: Bonnie and Tom Grace; Platinum Sponsor: Country Bank; Gold Sponsors: The Bristal Assisted Living, Cuddy & Feder LLP, Cashie and Tom Egan, Patricia J. Figge, Michael Joyce, Keating Electric & Technologies, Vera and Gregory Kiernan, Montefiore Health System, White Plains Hospital; Silver Sponsor: Kelley Drye & Warren LLP; Bronze Sponsors: Ahearn Holtzman, Inc., Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., Cabrini of Westchester, Celtic General Contractors, Inc., Anne and Wilfred Finnegan, Mary McCooey, Mary El and Tony O'Callaghan, PepsiCo EnAble, Mary and John Power, Simone Development, Lauren and Robert Steers , United Hebrew of New Rochelle, Carrie and Michael Walsh; Patron Sponsors: American Hospital Association, Bleakely Platt & Schmidt, LLP, Patricia Burns, EwingCole, The Grove at Valhalla, Hanger, Inc., Timothy Sant, VNS Westchester.
Pictured: Burke Award Honoree Cuddy & Feder. Left to right: Lawrence Otis Graham, William S. Null, Ashley C. Steinberger, Anthony B. Gioffre, III, Neil T. Rimsky, Christopher B. Fisher
