UHR to Receive Prestigious DeWitt Clinton Masonic Community Service Award

On Sunday, June 29, 2014 at 1 p.m. at the historic national DeWint House in Tappan, Executive Director Amy Stern and United Hospice of Rockland will be honored with the prestigious DeWitt Clinton Award, presented by the New York State Grand Lodge of Masons. The award is named for the former New York City Mayor and Governor of New York State, who was Grand Master of Masons of the state of New York in the late 1700’s. The DeWitt Clinton Award is the highest honor that can be given to a non-Mason or non-Masonic related organization. The ceremony is open to the public and those attending will be able to enjoy tours of the DeWint House, the oldest building in Rockland County, as well the adjacent Carriage House Museum. Light refreshments will be served.

Chairman of the upcoming event is Bob Martin, a Mason from Congers. Bob was aware of United Hospice of Rockland but became more familiar with UHR since four out of twenty Masons at the DeWitt Clinton Award Committee meeting of Stony Point Waywayanda Lodge 313 had used Hospice services for a family member. Bob had only heard positive remarks from the Masons about UHR and felt it was important to recognize their efforts.

Martin, representing the Masons of Stony Point Waywayanda Lodge 313, will also present a check for $5,000 to Amy Stern, UHR Executive Director to help support its mission. He says the award "demonstrates Freemasonry’s historic concern and high esteem for voluntary services and individual involvement through contributions of time, skill and financial support given freely towards truly significant endeavors in public interest."

In 2013, UHR had over 350 active Volunteers, which included Direct Care Volunteers who donated 10,286 hours and Non-Direct Care Volunteers who donated 3,907 hours of their time. UHR Coordinator of Volunteer Services, Noell Goldberg says, "Our volunteer programs provide invaluable service to patients and families facing the challenges of life-limiting illness and loss. Whether you choose to work with individuals and families being served directly by our programs, or assist us in the office, the community, or become involved with our fundraising team, you will join us in fulfilling our mission of bringing comfort and an enhanced quality of life to those who seek our services. Hospice volunteers experience a deep sense of personal gratification from the service they provide."

"The donation will help UHR continue to provide quality care and compassionate support to families and members of our community who need it most," says Amy Stern. Founded in 1988, United Hospice of Rockland is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and meets the Standards for Charity Accountability of the Better Business Bureau, Inc. In addition, UHR received a fifth consecutive 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. UHR's mission is to enable patients with advanced illnesses to live in comfort, with dignity, and surrounded by those they love. For more information about UHR services, please call 845.634.4974 or visit www.hospiceofrockland.org.

For more information about the June 29 ceremony honoring United Hospice of Rockland, please contact Bob Martin at 845-641-7444 or email stanmartin1942@gmail.com.