Oceanside, NY – South Nassau Communities Hospital’s 2009 Annual Auction raised $234,000 in support of its SIBSPlace (Survivorship in Brothers and Sisters) program. SIBSPlace is an essential community service of South Nassau Communities Hospital for brothers and sisters coping with a seriously-ill sibling.
Held at the Seawane Country Club in Hewlett Harbor, the Annual Auction featured live and silent auctions and a delectable feast of hot and cold hors d’ouevres, dinner and desserts . Items and goods that garnered the attention and desire of the guests included a one week stay at a private estate in the Berkshires; an autographed guitar by Jon Bon Jovi; and a gourmet dinner for 8 guests prepared at the winning bidder’s home by South Nassau’s acclaimed Executive Chef Stephen Bello. Philanthropist and long time co-chair of the Auction Ms. Marsha Satuloff was the event’s guest of honor.
“Marsha Satuloff reflects the teamwork that inspires South Nassau to fulfill its motto of ‘Touching Lives, One Patient at a Time.’ She has been a loyal and devoted friend who generously gives of her time, talents and treasure to support the mission and vision of SIBSPlace and the hospital,” said Joseph A. Quagliata, president & CEO of South Nassau.
The goal of SIBSPlace is to help children cope with feelings and needs due to a sibling or parent suffering with cancer or other type of devastating illness. The only program of its kind in the United States, it is available to all children ages 5-17. SIBSPlace provides a comprehensive program of support and guided recreation in which personal needs, unexpressed feelings, and confusing experiences can be addressed by the well siblings. A typical visit includes play, arts and crafts, psychoeducational group interaction, mentoring and tutoring. Other special activities include animal therapy and field trips to local attractions.
“I thank each and every person who volunteered their time or bid generously on items and purchased raffle tickets. Their support is vital to the continued success of SIBSPlace and South Nassau,” said Elizabeth Nardone, vice president of development at South Nassau.
South Nassau’ Annual Auction committee is spearheaded by a group of concerned community members headed by board member and SIBSPlace founder, Michael Schamroth. The co-chairs of the event were Shari and Lowell Frey and Jason Goldenberg. Mr. Schamroth and Mr. Frey are on the hospital’s board of directors.
South Nassau Communities Hospital is one of the region’s largest hospitals, with 435 beds, more than 875 physicians and 2,600 employees. Located in Oceanside, NY, the hospital is an acute-care, not-for-profit teaching hospital that provides state-of-the-
