Golfers, sponsors, and community supporters gathered under sunny skies at Wiltwyck Golf Club for the 44th Annual Michael B. Finnegan Golf Classic, raising critical support for cancer care services at HealthAlliance Hospital, a member of the WMCHealth Network.

The sold-out event honored the legacy of Michael B. Finnegan, whose belief in the power of community continues to inspire generations of supporters. More than a day on the golf course, the annual tournament serves as a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when a community comes together to improve the health and well-being of its neighbors.

“This event continues to honor Michael Finnegan’s remarkable spirit,” said Elissa Chessari, Executive Director for the Northern Region of WMCHealth. “He understood that when people unite around a common purpose, incredible things can happen. Today is about more than golf—it’s about driving hope, healing, and progress for patients and families throughout our region.”

Proceeds from this year’s event will support cancer programming and services at HealthAlliance Hospital, helping expand access to high-quality, compassionate cancer care throughout the Hudson Valley.

The impact of donor support is already being felt across the community. Thanks to funds raised through last year’s Golf Classic, HealthAlliance Hospital recently unveiled a new state-of-the-art mammography system, enhancing early detection capabilities, improving patient comfort, and providing more women with access to life-saving breast cancer screenings regardless of their financial circumstances.

Looking ahead, WMCHealth continues to strengthen cancer care services in Kingston and across the Hudson Valley by expanding oncology programs, recruiting new specialists, and investing in comprehensive care close to home.

We are deeply grateful for the generosity of the event’s sponsors, volunteers, committee members, and participants, whose commitment continues to strengthen cancer care and improve outcomes for patients and families across the Hudson Valley. Their support ensures that compassionate, high-quality care remains accessible close to home, where it is needed most.

It’s not too late to make a meaningful impact. To support cancer care at HealthAlliance Hospital, visit wmchealth.org/mbfgc.

View photo gallery: https://wmchealthgiving.org/events/44th-annual-michael-b-finnegan-golf-classic/

The Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth) Foundation welcomed community leaders, philanthropists, corporate partners, physicians, and supporters to the 2026 WMCHealth Gala on May 30 at Westchester Country Club. The inspiring evening celebrated visionary leadership while raising critical support for the new Brenda Fareri Pavilion, the state-of-the-art critical care tower currently rising at Westchester Medical Center.

Guests gathered for an evening of celebration, connection, and philanthropy in support of the Westchester Medical Center Foundation and its mission to advance care across the Hudson Valley.

A highlight of the evening was the recognition of two transformative leaders whose dedication has helped shape the future of healthcare throughout the region: Michael D. Israel, former President and Chief Executive Officer of WMCHealth, and Dr. Renee Garrick, former Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of WMCHealth.

Throughout their distinguished careers, Israel and Dr. Garrick played instrumental roles in expanding WMCHealth’s regional network, improving access to advanced medical care, championing patient-centered innovation, and strengthening healthcare services for communities across the Hudson Valley. Their enduring leadership has left a lasting impact on the health system and continues to inspire future generations of healthcare professionals.

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us for this extraordinary evening,” said Dr. David Lubarsky, President and CEO of WMCHealth. “The generosity of our donors, sponsors, and community partners brings us one step closer to realizing the vision of the Brenda Fareri Pavilion and ensuring that patients throughout our region have access to world-class critical care for generations to come.”

The Foundation also recognized its generous event sponsors, whose leadership and philanthropic commitment helped make the Gala a tremendous success. Their support plays a vital role in advancing lifesaving care, innovative programs, and the continued growth of WMCHealth’s nationally recognized services.

Proceeds from the Gala support the Brenda Fareri Pavilion, a transformative new critical care tower that will expand access to advanced, life-saving care and enhance the patient experience through modern technology, private patient rooms, and specialized treatment spaces.

Those who were unable to attend the Gala can still support this important initiative. Donations may be made by visiting wmchealth.org/gala, helping WMCHealth continue its mission to transform healthcare and build a healthier future for the Hudson Valley and beyond.

View photo gallery: https://wmchealthgiving.org/events/wmchealth-network-gala-2026/

Westchester Medical Center Health Network has received a $2 million philanthropic commitment from Everest Family Foundation (EFF) to establish the Everest Scholars Program, a landmark initiative to cultivate the next generation of physician-leaders dedicated to serving rural and underserved communities.

The gift was celebrated at a special reception during WMCHealth’s Departments of Medicine and Neurology Research Day on May 13, 2026, at the Taylor Conference Center in Valhalla, bringing together clinicians, researchers, and medical educators.

Founded in honor of Dr. Edwin A.D. Everest and led by Founder and Chairman Emeritus Dr. Michael Everest and Chairwoman Mrs. Agata Everest, EFF has grown into one of the nation’s leading philanthropic forces in graduate medical education and academic research. Guided by the principle of being “Part of the Cure,” the Foundation’s research portfolio spans internal medicine, neurology, psychiatry, cardiology, oncology, and public health, with a special dedication to cardiac and diabetes research in tribute to Dr. Edwin Everest’s legacy.

“My father believed that medicine is a calling, not a privilege. The Everest Scholars Program honors that belief by investing in physicians who choose to go where the need is greatest, to the rural and underserved communities that too often go without. We are proud to partner with Westchester Medical Center, an institution that shares our conviction that excellent care should reach every patient, regardless of where they live.” – Dr. Michael Everest, Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Everest Family Foundation

Everest Scholars are physician-researchers selected for their commitment to evidence-based practice, academic excellence, and medical education in underserved settings. Through mentorship, expanded post-graduate opportunities, and active scholarly engagement at WMCHealth, Scholars will Scholars will strengthen the Graduate Medical Education system and elevate care for the communities WMCHealth serves.