WellLife Network Gala Raises $350,000 to Help New Yorkers in Need
“Be Well for Life,” the newly launched theme of WellLife Network, was much in evidence as inspired corporate supporters and community leaders gathered at the agency’s 2nd Annual “Be Well for Life” Benefit Dinner, held Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at the corporate headquarters of Mutual of America, New York City. The event raised more than $350,000 to support WellLife Network’s comprehensive array of health and social services that, each year, helps more than 25,000 individuals and families achieve greater personal and economic independence.
“Through the work that we do, thousands of people in need benefit. The many individuals and institutions that support us should take pride in the many ways we are assisting people “be well for life,” said Jeff Finkle, WellLife Network Chairperson.
WABC-TV News served as host and
special guest.
Finkle emphasized the importance of WellLife Network’s ongoing partnerships with government, business, foundations, and the voluntary sectors and the essential role they play in allowing the Agency to provide such a broad and effective range of services.
Special guest Bill Ritter, Emmy Award-Winning Broadcaster, WABC-TV News, once again served as host and special guest for the event.
Joshua Lamberg and Alan M. Weinstock Honored
Two outstanding community leaders, renowned for their business and philanthropic efforts were honored. This year’s honorees included:
• Joshua Lamberg, CEO Lamb Insurance Services, received the Corporate and Philanthropic Leadership Award. In accepting the award, Mr. Lamberg commented, “This is a special organization, run like a business – a business that changes lives and communities. I am honored to support your brand and mission.” Lamb Insurance Services, one of the largest privately-owned insurance and financial services to human service organizations throughout the United States, provides specialty property and casualty products as well as group health and benefits.
• Alan M. Weinstock retiring CEO, WellLife Network, received the Board of Director’s Lifetime Leadership Award. Mr. Weinstock said, “I have enjoyed the journey of helping individuals become more independent and developing an organization which is dedicated to the betterment of all individuals and communities throughout New York and Long Island. He urged the audience to “make WellLife Network a part of your family’s basic values by giving your time, your energy and your financial resources to a cause you believe in."
New CEO Welcomed
Sherry Tucker, incoming CEO, commented on the challenges faced by all health and human services organizations in developing funding opportunities and creative programming. She pointed out that the uniqueness of WellLife is its network of integrated services that addresses the needs of an ever-expanding base of individuals and families.
An emotional highlight of the evening included the personal stories of three WellLife Network program participants who have benefited from the agency’s services. Each individual received the Be Well for Life Inspiration Award.
Inspiration Award to Michael Johnson, a
participant in WellLife Network’s PROS
program.
of her fight from depression to independence,
with Sherry Tucker.
Outstanding Staff Honored
A new tradition began this year as WellLife Network honored two of its staff with the Elaine and Thomas A. Blumberg Staff Inspiration Award, thanks to the generous funding from esteemed board member Tom Blumberg. Sheila McPherson and Lilian Taku were the inaugural recipients of this award for their heroic volunteerism efforts in helping the survivors of the wildfires in California.
WellLife Network acknowledges the support of major benefit donors, including:
- Presidential Sponsor: Lamb Insurance Services
- Benefactor Sponsor: Mutual of America; Premium PayBacks
- Patron Sponsor: The Richman Group
- Supporting Sponsor: BDO USA, LLP; Elaine and Tom Blumberg; Levy, Stopol & Camelo; StatRx Pharmacy; Joanne and Joseph Stein, Jr; CSD Housing, LLC; Urban Architectural Initiatives; and WellLife Network Executive Staff
- Partner Sponsor: Gallagher Benefit Services; Mega Contracting Group; TD Bank; TGI Office Automation and Tristate Apartment Furnishers
WellLife Network, one of the region’s largest and most diversified health and human services organizations, has touched the lives of more than 1 million people over the past 60 years. Learn more about WellLife Network at www.WellLifeNetwork.org.
To view the Annual Gala photo album, click here.
