CenterLight Health System celebrated its inaugural Be the Light Gala, honoring outstanding leaders and advocates whose work reflects a shared commitment to serving older adults and strengthening communities. The evening recognized the power of compassion, service and community impact.
NEW YORK, Oct. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- CenterLight Health System hosted its inaugural Be the Light Gala, an evening dedicated to raising philanthropic support for the CenterLight Impact Fund to enhance the lives of participants in its Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).
Held at Guastavino's in New York City, the gala brought together supporters, healthcare leaders, community partners and friends for an evening celebrating the power of generosity and its ability to create meaningful opportunities for older adults. Proceeds directly support enhanced programs that promote health, connection, purpose and quality of life for CenterLight PACE participants.
Emmy Award-winning PIX11 News host Monica Morales served as master of ceremonies and celebrated individuals who have made meaningful contributions to healthcare, community and the lives of others. The evening's honorees were Victoria Schneps, Founder, President, and Co-Publisher of Schneps Media; George C.K. Liu, MD, President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board, Coalition of Asian-American IPA (CAIPA); Sister Mary Anna Euring, O.P., PACE participant, Artist and Philanthropist and the Honorable Gustavo Rivera, New York State (NYS) Senator and Chair of the NYS Senate Committee on Health. The Honorable Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Senator and Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Special Committee of Aging, joined the celebration with a video acceptance of her award.
A highlight of the evening was the premiere of the Be the Light video, which featured CenterLight staff and participants sharing their own experiences about what PACE means to them. Their heartfelt stories drew an emotional response from guests.
"Spend a little time with the people in our program, and you learn quickly: good healthcare is about more than appointments, medications, and staying out of the hospital, said Tara Buonocore-Rut, President and CEO of CenterLight Health System. "It's about friendship, purpose, culture and laughter — a reason to look forward to tomorrow. That's exactly what the CenterLight Impact Fund makes possible."
Accepting the Spirit of Light Award, Sister Mary Anna Euring invited the audience to join her in saying "Ubuntu," a Zulu word she described as meaning "I am here because of you."
"I just have one word: Ubuntu," said Sister Mary Anna. "The reason we are here is because of many people who help us to grow. Together, we can make this world a much kinder and peaceful world."
"If we have been given opportunities, then we should do what we can to give opportunities to folks that have less than we do," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. "The work that they do every day is taking seniors who might not know that still have a long, beautiful life to lead and giving them the opportunity to do that." Adding a personal touch to the evening, Senator Rivera closed his remarks with an impromptu song in Spanish, to the delight of the audience.
If you would like to learn more about the CenterLight Impact Fund or donate, visit centerlighthealthcare.org/impact-fund.
About CenterLight Health System:
CenterLight Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare organization dedicated to helping older adults live independently and with dignity in the communities they call home. Through its Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and a range of healthcare and support services, CenterLight provides whole-person care designed to meet the medical, social, and long-term care needs of those they serve. For more information, visit centerlighthealthcare.org.
About CenterLight Impact Fund:
CenterLight Impact Fund serves as a philanthropic extension of CenterLight Health System, dedicated to raising support through gifts and grants from individuals, foundations, corporations, and government agencies to advance programs that help older adults live healthier, more fulfilling lives. The Fund supports initiatives that enhance quality of life, foster innovation in person-centered care, provide education to caregivers and staff, and provide resources that empower older adults to age with dignity. Learn more at centerlighthealthcare.org/impact-fund.
Media Contact
Ann Healey, CenterLight Health System, 1 833-252-2737, [email protected], https://centerlighthealthcare.org/impact-fund/
SOURCE CenterLight Health System
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