October, 2020
Dear Neighbors and Friends of MRHS:
Despite the continuing Covid-19 crisis, the year 2020 has been, in many respects, THE BEST OF YEARS for MRHS. In the face of the challenges presented by the pandemic, our major goal remained to help elderly residents live safely at home for as long as possible here in Morningside Gardens (MG). Led by our longtime Executive Director, Ron Bruno, our staff helped monitor the health and security of our elderly residents. They helped to decrease isolation by providing and teaching about various internet devices. They made every attempt to provide normal services while at the same time doing as much remotely as they could. In addition, MRHS recruited volunteers from MG to assist older residents with urgently needed help. Our large group of regular volunteers (about 175 of all age groups) were at the ready to help wherever it was needed. Overall, MRHS stood up to this virus with everything good in human beings: dedication, professionalism, sacrifice, agility. Whether working from home or our office, they carried out their duties. I cannot say enough about how proud the Board of Directors is of all those individuals. They showed the best of themselves and continue to do so.
I must add that this was also the WORST OF YEARS. This horrendous virus, with New York City as the initial epicenter, created mass fear, concern, and distress for all of society, but especially for the elderly who were urged to stay home. All in-person group activities were suspended at our beloved MRHS Center. Our offices were closed to the community. We had to cancel our Annual Meeting, our Volunteer Luncheon, and anything that required a group getting together. We couldn’t believe what was happening, yet we had to find ways to keep going. And we did.
RAISING FUNDS. Last year about 280 individuals donated over $61,000, a record for our Annual Appeal. All these funds go to operating expenses. In addition, we were the recipient of significant amounts from the wills of former volunteers and friends, all of which go to ensure the long-term needs of MRHS. We also have contracts with both the NYC Dept. for the Aging and the NY State Office for the Aging. We are hopeful that these contracts to help NORCs (Natural Occurring Retirement Communities) such as MRHS will continue to be fully funded despite the financial problems of both NY City and the State.
Please help us to continue to build on the strengths we have. Enclosed is a Donation Form for you to fill out and return to MRHS either by mail or by arranging for a drop-off (212-666-4000). Also enclosed is an Information Card which lists several different ways in which you can make a contribution.
For comprehensive information about MRHS, please go to our website: www.mrhsny.org. To discuss your contribution or anything else, please write to me at: [email protected]
Thank you for all that you do for Morningside Retirement and Health Services. Stay safe and healthy during these difficult times.
Michael S. Davidson, Ed.D.
President, Board of Directors
Dear Neighbors and Friends of MRHS:
Despite the continuing Covid-19 crisis, the year 2020 has been, in many respects, THE BEST OF YEARS for MRHS. In the face of the challenges presented by the pandemic, our major goal remained to help elderly residents live safely at home for as long as possible here in Morningside Gardens (MG). Led by our longtime Executive Director, Ron Bruno, our staff helped monitor the health and security of our elderly residents. They helped to decrease isolation by providing and teaching about various internet devices. They made every attempt to provide normal services while at the same time doing as much remotely as they could. In addition, MRHS recruited volunteers from MG to assist older residents with urgently needed help. Our large group of regular volunteers (about 175 of all age groups) were at the ready to help wherever it was needed. Overall, MRHS stood up to this virus with everything good in human beings: dedication, professionalism, sacrifice, agility. Whether working from home or our office, they carried out their duties. I cannot say enough about how proud the Board of Directors is of all those individuals. They showed the best of themselves and continue to do so.
I must add that this was also the WORST OF YEARS. This horrendous virus, with New York City as the initial epicenter, created mass fear, concern, and distress for all of society, but especially for the elderly who were urged to stay home. All in-person group activities were suspended at our beloved MRHS Center. Our offices were closed to the community. We had to cancel our Annual Meeting, our Volunteer Luncheon, and anything that required a group getting together. We couldn’t believe what was happening, yet we had to find ways to keep going. And we did.
RAISING FUNDS. Last year about 280 individuals donated over $61,000, a record for our Annual Appeal. All these funds go to operating expenses. In addition, we were the recipient of significant amounts from the wills of former volunteers and friends, all of which go to ensure the long-term needs of MRHS. We also have contracts with both the NYC Dept. for the Aging and the NY State Office for the Aging. We are hopeful that these contracts to help NORCs (Natural Occurring Retirement Communities) such as MRHS will continue to be fully funded despite the financial problems of both NY City and the State.
Please help us to continue to build on the strengths we have. Enclosed is a Donation Form for you to fill out and return to MRHS either by mail or by arranging for a drop-off (212-666-4000). Also enclosed is an Information Card which lists several different ways in which you can make a contribution.
For comprehensive information about MRHS, please go to our website: www.mrhsny.org. To discuss your contribution or anything else, please write to me at: [email protected]
Thank you for all that you do for Morningside Retirement and Health Services. Stay safe and healthy during these difficult times.
Michael S. Davidson, Ed.D.
President, Board of Directors
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