Rotaries Help Put EMS in the Driver’s Seat

On Sunday, Oct. 22, Rye Rotary and Port Chester-Rye Brook Rotary came together to host a wine tasting event on behalf of the Port Chester-Rye-Rye Brook Ambulance Corps. Guests, some 150 of them, drove into the BMW Service Center in Port Chester to enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres so the Ambulance Corps could drive out in a new Emergency Response Vehicle. The event was so successful that the Ambulance Corps will be able to purchase both the vehicle and the essential life-saving equipment needed to outfit it.

Leadership gifts were provided by Greenwich Hospital, Rotary Club of Port Chester/Rye Brook, Rotary Club of Rye, Rotary District Foundation 7230, Schulz Foundation, Sound Shore Community Fund, Sound Shore Medical Center, Varmax Liquor Pantry, and White Plains Hospital Center. Another 53 organizations, corporations and individuals made special donations to the event. The evening raised more than $60,000.

Ten sponsors and suppliers helped put together the event. It was hosted in the impressive BMW Service Center in Port Chester, courtesy of BMW of Greenwich, Pace BMW of Mamaroneck and DCH Holding, Inc. Wine was donated by Varmax and catering provided by Pacifico.

Rye Rotary President Betty Teoman introduced the keynote speaker, Tony Sutton, Commissioner of Westchester’s Department of EMS. Sutton outlined the important role played by Westchester’s independent EMS organizations in saving so many lives in the County. He emphasized the outstanding efforts of the individuals who staff their organizations and the community’s support for their efforts.

Other government officials in attendance were State Assemblyman George Latimer, Town of Rye Councilwoman Michele Mendicino, Rye Mayor Steve Otis, and Rye City Councilman Duncan Hennes. Also present were EMS Administrator Scott Moore and representatives from the three regional hospitals, including Greenwich Hospital CEO Frank Corvino and Dr. Erik Larsen of White Plains Hospital Center, recently selected as Emergency Room Doctor of the Year.

Lora Hugelmeyer, who led the benefit committee, said, “Both clubs extend our heartfelt thanks to those who supported and participated in this event — the leadership givers, sponsors, suppliers and donors and those who attended. We could not have done this without you, just as our communities could not do without the safe and quick response to emergencies we receive from the Port Chester-Rye-Rye Brook Volunteer Ambulance Corps.”

Rotary is a global service organization working to help communities abroad and serving needs at home through local clubs. The organizing committee included Roman Ciosek, Melanie Ciraco, Vincent Coakley, William Connors, Esta and Jay Feinsod, Carmen Fisher, Dr. Kay Oen, Richard Petersen, Jerry Ploss, Carol Sabato, Arthur Stampleman and Betty Teoman.