The Auxiliary of Lenox Hill Hospital, a volunteer group dedicated to supporting the hospital, its patients, and the community, grossed more than $167,000 at its 2025 benefit, bringing its ten-year fundraising total to nearly $2 million in support of innovative programs across Northwell Health’s Manhattan campuses. The event, held at the iconic Tavern on the Green in Central Park, celebrated the Auxiliary’s lasting impact under the theme “Making Good Things Happen.”

Daniel Baker, MD, president of Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital, hosted the evening, which featured moving accounts of medical innovation and miraculous recoveries. The program highlighted the state-of-the-art technology utilized by the hospital’s neurosurgery and cardiology teams, as well as the use of innovative tools to enhance patient experience throughout the facility. Guests also heard powerful stories from patients whose lives were changed by the hospital’s world-class care — and by the Auxiliary’s commitment to advancing it.

The Auxiliary of Lenox Hill Hospital has been supporting the hospital and its programs through fundraising and hands-on efforts for more than 150 years. Programs supported by the Auxiliary include continuing education for nurses and staff; medical research projects; nursing recognition awards; enhanced technology and equipment for patient care; a summer internship program for high school students and community events, among other initiatives.

The Auxiliary of Lenox Hill Hospital supports patients, staff, and the local community at Lenox Hill Hospital, Northwell Greenwich Village Hospital and Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital.

“As we continue transforming Lenox Hill into a next-generation hospital, the Auxiliary plays a vital role in that journey,” said Dr. Baker. “They’re not just helping us meet today’s needs — they’re investing in the kind of care we want our children and grandchildren to receive. Their commitment inspires us to aim higher, think bigger and deliver care that sets new standards.”

Among the stories shared was that of Alison Stewart, host of NPR’s All of It, who experienced a sudden loss of speech in early 2024. Tests revealed a mass on her brain, later found to be caused by an infection. Neurosurgeon Randy D’Amico, MD, performed a highly complex awake brain surgery using advanced mapping technology to safely remove the infection while preserving her ability to speak. She returned to the airwaves just months later.

Another patient, Marie-France Fleuristal, recounted her experience surviving two cardiac arrests in the Lenox Hill emergency department. Her treatment was led by Varinder Singh, MD, the Paul and Diane Guenther chair of cardiology at Lenox Hill Hospital, who utilized a state-of-the-art cardiac support device that kept blood and oxygen flowing to her organs during the crisis. Supported by the Auxiliary, the device enabled Dr. Singh to open a blocked artery and ultimately save her life.

The evening also spotlighted an immersive virtual reality projector, recently purchased by the Auxiliary, that brings calming video experiences to palliative care patients. The $10,000 device is part of the Auxiliary’s broader mission to elevate patient experience in innovative ways.

This year’s proceeds came from ticket sales, donations, and both live and silent auctions. Over the past decade, the Auxiliary has raised $1.9 million to fund dozens of patient- and staff-focused programs, including:

• $255,000 for employee merit scholarships
• $235,000 for nursing certifications
• $218,000 for leadership programs, awards, and certification reimbursement for nurses
• $100,000 for community bike helmet safety programs
• $88,000 for alternative holistic therapies, including massage and music therapy
• $72,000 for community outreach, including the Third Avenue Street Fair
• $68,000 for clothing, shoes, and personal items for patients in need
• $50,000 for mental wellness programs for residents and fellows
• $42,000 for the care of undomiciled women
• $22,000 for a house call program that brings care to homebound patients