On Monday, June 21, 2010, more than 200 golfers, 84 day-spa guests and a dedicated group of volunteers gathered at Long Island’s Old Westbury Golf and Country Club. There, they enjoyed Metropolitan Jewish Health System Foundation’s (MJHS Foundation) “Drive for the Future: 12th Annual Golf Classic.”

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Over the next five years, Reaching for the Stars receptions will generate $1 million to fund the Howard “Kvetch” Shapiro wing at the new MJHS Hospice inpatient residence. This pioneering hospice unit will not just treat adults with advanced illness. It will be the first inpatient residence in New York City to treat children.

This special philanthropic Reaching for the Stars evening, benefiting MJHS’ luminous Sixteen Lights campaign, will honor the memory of Howard Shapiro. It will feature correspondence between Howard and hundreds of celebrities. Many of them were so moved by his spirit in the face of a life-limiting illness that he was called a “blessing.”
Please join this community of caring by attending—or co-sponsoring —the first Reaching for the Stars annual benefit at Manhattan’s Andaz Hotel, May 12 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. People like MJHS donors made a huge difference in Howard’s life. MJHS knows its supporters will be as moved by Howard’s story as so many celebrities have been; as his family will always be.

To donate online click here.

“Although friends and family recommended the hospice program, the truth is, we really didn’t understand how wonderful a service it is until we used it ourselves. I had been doing everything myself. Seymour’s hospice team came to our home and promptly organized his medications. They also obtained a wheelchair and oxygen, recommended a chair for the bathtub and did many other helpful things. I particularly appreciated the focus on easing Seymour’s pain and keeping him comfortable.” —Esther R. wife of Hospice patient

-Edward H, son of a patient with dementia