Most Reverend Paul Walsh, DD, Auxiliary Bishop, Diocese of Rockville Centre is pictured with Janet Starr, LCSW, CASAC, recipient of the Sister Mary Nadine Casey, CIJ, Award (right of center) and members of the Congregation of the Infant Jesus. The 71st annual Mercy Ball, held on Saturday, December 1, 2007 at the

Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, raised more than $140,000 for Mercy Medical Center. Over 400 people attended the glittering black-tie event sponsored by the Friends of Mercy, a 72-year-old organization of men who volunteer their time and efforts to support projects that advance the medical and surgical care provided to Mercy's patients.

The proceeds from this year's event, chaired by Jan Albert Koenig, MD, of Dix Hills, Mercy's Director of Orthopedic Surgery, will support the medical center's Emergency, Trauma and Express Care facilities, which provide around-the-clock urgent care for both adults and children.

In ceremonies that included remarks by Most Reverend Paul Walsh, DD, Auxiliary Bishop, Diocese of Rockville Centre, Robert A. Brancato, Sr. of Rockville Centre received the Bishop John R. McGann Lifetime Achievement Award, which is presented at the Ball to a distinguished individual dedicated to volunteering time and effort in support of the Medical Center. Mr. Brancato is a past president of the Friends of Mercy and has been a member of its Board of Sponsors since 1982.

Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd Leder, Mr. & Mrs. Francis X, Murray, a past president of The Friends of Mercy Medical Center, Mr. & Mrs. John Joyce. and Rockville Centre Councilman Anthony Santino and guest. The Sister Mary Nadine Casey, CIJ, Award was presented to Janet Starr, LCSW, CASAC, of Malverne, Program Supervisor of Mercy's Outpatient Mental Health Clinic. The award honors a member of the Mercy family who best personifies the values of the Medical Center and the Congregation of the Infant Jesus whose members founded the hospital nearly a century ago.

John E. Ryan, Esq., of Floral Park, received the Theodore Roosevelt Award For Outstanding Service, 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. Mr. Ryan is a principal of the law firm Ryan Brennan & Donnelly, LLP and served on Mercy's Board of Trustees from 1999 through 2006.

Most Reverend Paul Walsh, DD, Auxiliary Bishop, Diocese of Rockville Centre flanked by Alan D. Guerci, MD, President and CEO of Mercy Medical Center, and Nancy B. Simmons, Executive Vice President.

Mercy Ball award recipients Janet Starr, LCSW, CASAC, Robert A. Brancato, Sr. and John E. Ryan, Esq. The Mercy Honor Guard, comprised of high school students, escorted the Grand March of dignitaries into the ballroom and were presented to the Bishop. The tradition of the teenaged Honor Guard dates back to World War II when high school seniors substituted for their older brothers who were away in the military. Stephen McLoughlin (2nd from left), 2007 President of The Friends of Mercy Medical Center with wife, family and table mates Mr. & Mrs. James Ryan and Mr. & Mrs. Frank O'Connell. Dr. & Mrs. Robert Curran Sr., Dr. & Mrs. Robert Curran Jr., Dr. Perry Stein, Mercy Medical Center Director of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, with guest, and Dr. and Mrs. Xenophon Xenophontos, President of the Mercy Medical Center Medical Staff. Stephen McLoughlin (left), 2007 President of The Friends of Mercy Medical Center with Mercy Ball chairman Jan Albert Koenig, MD, Mercy's Director of Orthopedic Surgery.