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St. John’s ICARE Foundation Gala Raises More than $400,000 for Maternal Care at Episcopal Health Services

Far Rockaway, New York, June 23, 2025 — Compassionate care, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to delivering best-in-class health care to the Rockaway and Five Towns communities were on full display at the St. John’s ICARE Foundation’s second annual Blue Phoenix Gala, held June 5 at the Garden City Hotel. The sold-out event raised more than $400,000 to support Episcopal Health Services’ (EHS) new Labor and Delivery Suite.

“The outpouring of support for the Blue Phoenix Gala speaks volumes about our community’s commitment to the mission and vision of EHS,” said Nancy Leghart, Executive Director of the ICARE Foundation. “Every dollar raised helps ensure that mothers on the Rockaway Peninsula, in the Five Towns, and beyond have access to a safe and supportive birthing experience. I’m incredibly grateful to our sponsors, supporters, guests, and volunteers for making this evening possible.”

More than 400 guests attended the gala, bringing together EHS board trustees, executive leaders, team members, ICARE Foundation sponsors, honorees, volunteers, and community members. The evening was a celebration of purpose and progress, with all proceeds dedicated to the new Labor and Delivery Suite.

“The establishment of our Labor, Delivery, Recovery, and Postpartum suite is a long-overdue stride for our community, made possible through the collaborative efforts of the ICARE Foundation, EHS, all levels of government, and our dedicated community,” said Donald T. Morrish, MD, MMM, Chief Executive Officer of EHS. “This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to providing high-quality, comprehensive care that every expecting mother deserves.”

The evening’s program began with two stirring performances by singer/songwriter Norman Alexander. Leghart then welcomed the gala’s emcee, Emmy award-winning anchor, author, journalist, and Rockaway native Cheryl Wills. Wills highlighted the ICARE Foundation’s invaluable support role in advancing high-quality, value-based care at EHS.

The gala honored several individuals and organizations for their impactful contributions to EHS and the broader community. The EHS Medical Staff received the Philanthropic Legacy Award for their tireless dedication and generosity to the foundation and health system. Notable was recognized with the Innovator in Healthcare Award for its transformative impact on workforce productivity. Felicia Johnson was presented with the Dr. Edward Williams, Jr. Community Service Award in honor of her more than 40 years of service to the Rockaway community. Dr. Sheldon H. Genack, Chairman of the Department of Surgery at EHS, received the inaugural CEO’s Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his enduring legacy and commitment to excellence in patient care.

Guests were also treated to a compelling video showcasing the incredible transformation underway at EHS – including new facilities, expanded services, advanced technology, and the upcoming opening of the new Labor and Delivery Suite.

In addition to Alexander’s musical performances, entertainment included the Pablo Lanouguere Jazz Trio, sarangi musician Kamal Sabri, steel drumist Earl Brooks Jr., and Mentalist David Schwartz, who amazed guests throughout the evening.

Accolades were extended to all of the gala’s top sponsors, including Jzanus, Delmont Medical Care, Dr. Donald and Mary Morrish, Karen and William Page, Laz Healthcare Services, Maxor, Episcopal Health Services Medical Staff, The Shannon Group, Inc., Tom Fitzpatrick Electrical Contracting Corp., Bartlett LLP, Healthcare Management Solutions, Notable, Premier Nursing and Rehab Center of Far Rockaway, Renovo Solutions, and the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island.


About Episcopal Health Services

Episcopal Health Services Inc., (EHS) is a health system located on the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens, New York. The system provides emergency and ambulatory care to the densely populated, culturally and economically diverse, and medically underserved Rockaways and Five Towns populations. The system provides people of all faiths with comprehensive preventive, diagnostic treatment, and rehabilitative services, regardless of their ability to pay.