Over 300 people gathered at the Glen Island Harbor Club in New Rochelle on Thursday, December 5th, for the Westchester Community Health Center’s “Still We Rise” Gala. The event celebrated Westchester Community Health Center’s steadfast dedication to community health care amidst the sparkling lights and soulful melodies of the Grace Baptist Church Gospel Ensemble.
The evening honored special friends of the organization, Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, Senior Pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, and 914Cares, for their significant contributions in addressing health and resource disparities. Notable dignitaries, including NYS Senate-Assembly Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins; Shawyn Patterson-Howard, Mayor of Mount Vernon; NYS Assemblyman and Chairman of the NYS Ways and Means Committee J. Gary Pretlow; and NYS Assemblymember Chris Burdick joined in paying tribute to our medical providers and staff.
A poignant moment of the night was the tribute to the late Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, Randall Coppin, whose legacy continues to inspire WCHC’s commitment to health access.
Highlighting the theme of resilience and determination, Allison Scholar delivered a moving rendition of Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise,” with Tony Harris providing a rhythmic drum accompaniment. Dr. Nick Cicchetti, Board Chair, reflected on this theme in his remarks: “Maya Angelou’s powerful words resonate deeply with our mission at Westchester Community Health Center. Every day, we strive to rise above the challenges, pushing forward to elevate community health and extend compassionate care to those who need it most.”
Judith Watson, Chief Executive Officer of Westchester Community Health Center, thanked the evening’s supporters: “We are immensely thankful for our Gala sponsors, advertisers, donors, and attendees whose support fuels our continued commitment to improving healthcare access. Your involvement and enthusiasm light our path forward.”
The “Still We Rise” Gala not only celebrated achievements but also reinforced the community’s collective commitment to overcoming challenges and advancing health access.
Thank you to our Generous Sponsors:
Joe Duffy and Harry DiMarzo
Title Sponsor
Montefiore Mount Vernon
Montefiore New Rochelle
Platinum Sponsors
New York Presbyterian Westchester
Gold Sponsor
Affinity by Molina
BioReference
Westchester Medical Center
Silver Sponsors
CohnReznick LLP
Lincoln IT
Valley National Bank
Wartburg
Webster Bank
Westchester Community Pharmacy, Inc.
Westchester County Office of Economic Development
Bronze Sponsors
ArchCare Senior Life
Austin & Co.
Burke Rehabilitation
CCi Voice
Charles Newman Co.
Corporate Synergies Group
DDWWW Law
Exact Sciences Corporation
Geist Schwartz & Jellinek PLLC
GHVC Links
The Guidance Center of Westchester
Mitchell and Suzan Hochberg
Michael and Peggy Lichtenstein
Mercy University School of Business
MVP Health Care
Natera, Inc.
Northwell Phelps Hospital
Pace University
Dr. Dhimant Pandya
Andrea Stewart-Cousins, NYS Senate Majority Leader
Westchester EOC
White Plains Hospital
X-Treme Homecare
Friend Sponsors