The 123rd Anniversary Rainbow Ball was a delightful combination of red carpet flair and America’s favorite past time. Guests arrived at our new venue, Citi Field on Saturday November 15th, wide-eyed by the décor and elegantly dressed. The stadium’s score board and venue were adorned with the Jamaica Hospital logo. The theme for the evening was upscale but there was also a twist of stadium fun as hawkers hollered “Get your hot pretzels here!” There were several treats such as gourmet hot dogs, hamburger sliders, shrimp po’ boy sandwiches and buffalo chicken sliders served as appetizers.
The ceremony began with everyone rising to their feet to sing the national anthem. This was followed by a humorous but heartfelt speech by president and CEO Mr. Bruce Flanz who welcomed guests and fondly shared his experiences working with the evening’s honoree Thomas J. Santucci and Vice President of Nursing, Jacqueline Holley. The crowd was moved to tears then cheers when Mr. Flanz recognized Jaqueline Holley who recently announced her retirement after 32 years of service to Jamaica Hospital and presented her with a Daum Crystal lotus flower. The lotus flower was symbolic of the virtues of a nurse; gentle, delicate and blooms from murky waters.
Guest of honor Thomas J. Santucci, who was born at Jamaica Hospital and has previously served as a vice chairman of Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Board of Trustees and a director of Trump Pavillion was applauded and honored for his dedication, humanitarian spirit and charitable endeavors. Mr. Santucci also serves as director of the Metro Queens Boys and Girls Club and participates in numerous charities.
The remainder of the event was festive and celebratory of the hospital’s 123rd milestone. Guests enjoyed the food and wine that was served, danced vivaciously to the live band, generously donated funds and bought raffle tickets. Several prizes were won from the raffles including hotel stays, electronics and the biggest prize of all was the 2015 Chevy Equinox. The proceeds from this year’s Rainbow Ball will benefit our gastroenterology services.
We would like to thank all who attended for making the 123rd Anniversary Rainbow Ball a grand slam event.
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