Mercy Ball to Support Hurricane Relief

The Friends of Mercy Medical Center will donate a portion of the proceeds from the 76th Annual Mercy Ball to benefit local Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.

The Dec. 1 event at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City begins the hospital’s 2013 Centennial Celebration.

“As we support the hospital as it begins its second century, we feel it is equally important to support the community’s recovery from the catastrophic impact of the storm and its aftermath,” Friends of Mercy president Christopher Kearns said. “And all are welcome to join us in that effort by attending or supporting the event.”

The chairman for the event this year is three-decade Rockville Centre resident Tom Alexanderson, who is well-known for his leadership in community activities.

Three major awards will be presented:

• John F. Coghlan of Rockville Centre, retired from a distinguished career in investment banking and a founder of the Dorothy Rodbell Cohen Foundation for Sarcoma Research, 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.

• Marc DiSciullo, MD of Muttontown, the outgoing president of the Mercy Medical Staff, will receive the Theodore Roosevelt Award for Outstanding Service. The award is presented by the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council to an individual 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.

• Nancy Carr of Merrick, long-time executive assistant to Mercy’s Chief Administrative Officers and Board of Trustees liaison, will receive the Sister Mary Nadine Casey, CIJ Award that honors a member of the Mercy family who best personifies the values of Mercy Medical Center and the Congregation of the Infant Jesus whose members founded the hospital in 1913.

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities and complete event information, please visit on line at www.MercyBall.com, or call the Development Department at 516-705-2622.