PHILANTHROPIST FLORENCE D'URSO RECIPIENT OF THE ELEVENTH ANNUAL ROSE AWARD

The Friends of Rosalie Hall presented philanthropist Florence D'Urso with the Rose Award at the Eleventh Annual Rose Award Luncheon on Wednesday, April 26, 2000 at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. The event also celebrated Rosalie Hall's 113 anniversary year, and will benefit the 28-bed residence and shelter for single mothers. The Rose Award was created to honor those individuals whose work instills in others a respect for the human person, and most especially, the unborn. By honoring Florence D'Urso, Rosalie Hall recognized her efforts in preserving the rights of the unborn and her belief in the sanctity of life. "Florence D'Urso's dedication and involvement is extraordinary," said Gary S. Horan, FACHE, President & CEO of Our Lady Of Mercy Medical Center. "Her concern, love and generosity is an exceptional testimony to her dedication to the human family. It would be an honor to present her with this award."

Philanthropist Florence D'Urso is a special friend of Our Lady of Mercy Medical Center. In 1992, Our Lady of Mercy renamed its Pelham Bay facility (formerly Pelham Bay General Hospital) as the Florence D'Urso Pavilion. The name change took place in honor of Mrs. D'Urso in tribute of an exceptional gift to the Pelham facility.

Mrs. D'Urso, wife of the late Camillo D'Urso and formerly Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of D'Urso Supermarket/Key Food Stores is a world-renowned philanthropist known for her dedication to community service and her generous support of many Catholic causes. A recipient of numerous wards, Florence D'Urso has enriched hundred lives through her faith-filled generosity and unselfish effects.