Sister Seton Agovino, RSM and Sister Olivia Clifford, RSM, former Executive Director of St. Mary’s/MercyFirst On Thursday, November 5, almost 300 guests gathered for MercyFirst’s Annual Harvest Ball held at The Garden City Hotel in Garden City, NY. With the generosity of all the sponsors and supporters, this years event raised over $275,000 to help fund MercyFirst’s programs.

The 2009 Honorees and friends of MercyFirst were Anthony and Gina Core. A special tribute was also made to longtime MercyFirst Board Member the Honorable Bernard McCaffrey, who stepped down from President of the Board in June 2009 after 42 years of service and dedication to the growth of MercyFirst. The evening also featured the music of Powerhouse Funk Band, from Spencer’s Music Company.

Anthony and Gina Core are residents of Syosset. Mr. Core is the senior member of Anthony E. Core, P.C.; a law firm based in Westbury, New York.

MercyFirst Board of Directors President, Kevin Shine, Honorees Gina and Anthony Core with MercyFirst CEO Gerard McCaffery He is also the founder and Chief Executive Officer of several of Long Island’s largest recycling and waste management firms. Mr. Core is also active in his community as a coach for youth football and lacrosse. Gina Core began her professional career at Saint Francis Hospital in Port Washington, New York. During her 10-year tenure at Saint Fran-cis, she became the Assistant Head Nurse of the cardiac surgical unit. Following her service to Saint Francis Hospital, Gina devoted all of her time and efforts to her family and the education, development and well- being of their three children. Anthony and Gina Core have been good friends to the children of MercyFirst and are strong supporters of the mission.

MercyFirst Board of Directors President, Kevin Shine, with MercyFirst CEO Gerard McCaffery and the Honorable Bernard McCaffrey, was honored for serving on the Board of Directors for over 40 years.