Jim Brady, president of RotaCare, presented an award to past president Eileen Gentilcore in recognition of her service. RotaCare celebrated its 15 th anniversary with a ball held at the Tam O'Shanter Club in Brookville on Friday, November 7. Almost 200 guests enjoyed dinner and dancing in an elegant setting with a crystal theme.

George L. Engelke, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Astoria Financial Corporation and Astoria Federal Savings & Loan Association, was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

RotaCare also recognized the INN (Interfaith Nutrition Network), which was represented by its executive director, Jean Kelly. Through their generosity, RotaCare had it first "home" at the Mary Brennan Inn in Hempstead 15 years ago. Jean Kelly accepted the Community Service award on behalf of The INN.

Both honorees were presented with Waterford crystal world globes by RotaCare for making a difference in the world. They also were honored with the prestigious Rotary Paul Harris Awards. James Reed, deputy commissioner of Consumer Affairs, gave the honorees citations from Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi. A gentleman from Nigeria, Stanley Kwachuku, told his very moving RotaCAre story and touched the hearts of all in attendance.

Maureen Clancy, event co-chair and RotaCare volunteer, and Cummin Clancy RotaCare continues its mission to facilitate free health care for those who have the most need and the least access to medical care. The mission is accomplished by a dedicated volunteer staff and the financial contributions of organizations and individuals committed to making health care available to all in need. RotaCare is a project of Rotary District 7250 and is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. (Photos by John Ellis Kordes)

Jane Schwarts, board member of RotaCare and The INN presenting award for community service to Jean Kelly, representing the INN RotaCare Ball Committee, from left: Jim Brady, Maria Glorioso, Margaret Muluarkey, Carmen Armstrong, Maureen Clancy, Eileen Gentilcore, Pat Giordano, Jane Schwartz and Gary Fishberg. Missing: Bob Schoelle, Dick Gibson and Sheldon Thaler 2008 RotaCare Honorees George Engelke, Astoria Federal Savings CEO and Jean Kelly, executive director of the INN Gary Fishberg, past president of RotaCare, and Eileen Fishberg Peter Marshall, RotaCare board member; and Carmen Armstrong, RotaCare board member and past president RotaCare Maria Glorioso and Al Devendorf, RotaCare volunteer translators Althea Robinson, executive director, Garden City Chamber of Commerce, and Jack Robinson Eileen Gentilcore, event co-chair; Jean Kelly, executive director of The INN; George Engelke, CEO of Astoria Federal; and maureen Clancy, event co-chair; with Paul Harris Rotary Awards Honorees Jean Kelly and George Engelke with Jim Reed, deputy commissioner of consumer affairs (center), presenting citations from Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi Dr. Roman Urbanczyk, RotaCare medical director, with his daughter Katherine, and wife Sharon. Seated: Ron and Marge Clayton and Bob and Pat Giordano. Standing: Henry and Betty Pupke and Jean and Tom Rollauer.