Nearly 400 supporters gather to strengthen ArchCare’s healthcare ministry and honor leaders in service, partnership and community.
NEW YORK, NY, October 29, 2026—ArchCare, the Continuing Care Community of the Archdiocese of New York, raised $1.85 million at its annual Gala Thursday, October 22 at Gotham Hall, bringing together nearly 400 supporters, partners, and community leaders to strengthen healthcare programs serving older adults, individuals with complex and specialized needs, and families across New York.
Hosted by Rosanna Scotto, co-host of FOX 5’s Good Day New York, the evening recognized three individuals whose leadership, service, and partnership have strengthened ArchCare’s ability to care for New Yorkers.
Reverend Monsignor Joseph P. LaMorte, Retired Vicar General of the Archdiocese of New York, received the Florence Eisenberg Board Leadership Award. LaMorte served for eight years on ArchCare’s Board of Trustees while Vicar General and reflected on the trust placed in ArchCare by the people and families it serves.
“To the patients of ArchCare and their families, we thank you because you trust us and you have for all these years, during the most vulnerable times in your life,” LaMorte said. “We’ve learned over the years that your trust in us is our great reward.”
James Palazza, Style Consultant with the Fifth Avenue Club at Saks Fifth Avenue, received the Ann Mara Community Service Award, for his extensive volunteer service supporting ArchCare residents and programs, including creating recreational experiences and outings for individuals with complex medical needs.
“ArchCare is a vital lifeline for the Archdiocese of New York, providing thousands of people with the essential compassion and care they need,” Palazza said. “During my time volunteering, I witnessed it firsthand—the amazing kindness and love that comes through the dedicated service of the doctors, nurses, aides, and volunteers.”
Dr. Peyman Younesi of Maximize Health received the ArchCare Partnership Award, recognizing the role strong healthcare partnerships play in expanding and strengthening care for ArchCare patients and residents.
“Our job is much more than just treating patients,” Younesi said. “It is being present. It is building trust.”
Showing What Support Makes Possible
For ArchCare President and CEO, Scott LaRue, the impact of the Gala is ultimately measured by what ArchCare can make possible for the people and families it serves.
LaRue pointed to a milestone reached just days before the Gala, when ArchCare Senior Life celebrated its 1,000th PACE participant in the Bronx. The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly helps eligible older adults with complex medical and long-term care needs continue living safely in their homes and communities with coordinated healthcare and social support.
“That is the heart of PACE,” LaRue said. “It is the care, companionship and practical support that let people remain in their homes and in their communities, with families beside them and a team behind them.”
Guests saw that impact through the evening’s featured film, which followed ArchCare Senior Life participants and Care Members and highlighted the relationships, coordinated healthcare and community support at the center of PACE.
“It gives my family peace because I’m happy all the time,” ArchCare Senior Life participant Margaret Barnes shared in the film. “They know that my ArchCare family is right down the block. My son is very grateful that I have this support behind me.”
[Watch ArchCare 2026 Gala PACE Video]
Contributions raised through the Gala and the Catholic Health Care Foundation of the Archdiocese of New York help ArchCare expand and strengthen programs, improve care environments, support community health outreach and respond to needs that traditional healthcare reimbursement does not always address.
“A person’s economic or social circumstances should not decide whether they can receive the care and human connection they need,” LaRue said. “This is how we serve—not only through the care we provide, but through the promise that no one should have to face these challenges alone.”
The Most Reverend Joseph A. Espaillat, Auxiliary Bishop of New York, joined the evening and delivered the invocation.
The evening concluded with a special performance by John Lloyd Young, the Tony and Grammy Award-winning artist who originated the role of Frankie Valli in Broadway’s Jersey Boys.
About ArchCare
ArchCare is the Continuing Care Community of the Archdiocese of New York, and one of the nation’s largest and most dynamic Catholic healthcare systems. ArchCare provides quality care to thousands of people of all faiths through its home and community-based and residential care programs, including their Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) a nursing home alternative, memory care, long-term skilled nursing care, short-term rehabilitation, home care, assisted living, hospice, an acute care specialty hospital and services for people with Huntington’s disease, HIV/AIDS, developmental disabilities, and other specialized care needs.
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Media Contact:
Kelly Wessel