Arthritis Foundation preps for annual fundraiser

BY NOAH ROSENBERG

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 4:18 PM EDT

The New York Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation (AFNY) recently held a kick-off event to highlight its latest programmatic initiatives and preview its 15th Annual Queens Leaders’ Award recipients, who will be honored on October 22.

The honorees, who represent fields ranging from business to health, have all helped the local AF chapter support arthritis research and deliver educational programs and services to New York-area residents living with the disease, according to the foundation.

Ten committee members from a variety of industries selected this year’s roster of recipients, which includes Sophia Ganosis, the Queens Chamber of Commerce’s chief of operations; Peter Koo, President of the Starside Drugs and Surgicals chain; and Dr. Jeffrey Rosen, the chair of New York Hospital Queens’ orthopedic and rehabilitation department.

“We’re recognizing these folks for their stellar contributions to the community,” said Rudy J. Breedy, AFNY’s Vice President for Development. Breedy noted that Koo has been a “great partner” in educating the Asian community about arthritis; Rosen has worked hard to bring “world-class” orthopedic services to Queens; and Ganosis has been a “real bridge” between the foundation and the borough’s business community.

The event, which takes place in the Center for Automotive Education and Training’s atrium, in Whitestone, includes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, networking, a silent auction, and the award ceremony.

AFNY is already halfway to its $70,000 fundraising goal for the event, Breedy said.

For more information on AFNY and the Queens Leaders’ Award Reception, and to purchase tickets, visit arthritis.org.

Photo Courtesy The Queens Courier
Honorees Dr. Jeffrey Rosen, Chairman, Dept. of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, New York Hospital Queens (NYHQ); Sophia Ganosis, Chief of Operations, Queens Chamber of Commerce; and Peter Koo, President, Starside Drugs & Surgicals,(left to right) posed with the Arthritis Foundation of New York’s award Reception Chair, Stephen Mills, President & CEO of NYHQ.