31st Americares Airlift Benefit Raises Over $3 Million

Guests attend the 2018 Americares Airlift Benefit on October 13, 2018 in White Plains, New York. Photo by Getty Images for Americares.

Stamford, Conn. – Oct. 15, 2018 – The Americares Airlift Benefit on Oct. 13, 2018, raised over $3 million for the health-focused relief and development organization’s programs worldwide. Award-winning journalist and Co-Anchor of NBC 4 New York’s Today in New York, Darlene Rodriguez, served as Master of Ceremonies and Dr. Francisco Murphy, a family physician in Puerto Rico who helped direct Americares emergency medical teams in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, was the featured speaker.

The 31st annual benefit highlighted Americares response to Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, where the organization’s San Juan-based emergency team continues to support the recovery. In the year since the storm, Americares has delivered more than $40 million in aid for survivors in Puerto Rico and Dominica. Americares work includes deliveries of medicine and supplies, repairs to damaged health facilities, mobile health clinics in storm-damaged communities and health programs for survivors.

More than 800 guests attended the benefit at the J.P. Morgan Chase Hangar at Westchester County Airport in White Plains, N.Y. The inspirational evening culminated with a spectacular sendoff as 115 supporters embarked on an exciting 24-hour journey to see Americares work firsthand. This year, guests traveled to Puerto Rico, where Americares is expanding access to health services and restoring hope for Hurricane Maria survivors.

James and Roberta Conroy of Westport, Conn., Karin and Steve Sadove of Purchase, N.Y., and Islonca and James Hasso of Briarcliff Manor, N.Y., co-chaired the successful event. The event was produced by Rafanelli Events, led by renowned event planner Bryan Rafanelli, who designed events for the Obama White House and designed the weddings of Allison Williams, Matt Damon and Chelsea Clinton.

Event Co-Chairs James Conroy, Roberta Conroy, Karin Sadove, Steve Sadove, Islonca Hasso and James Hasso attend the 2018 Americares Airlift Benefiton October 13, 2018 in White Plains, New York. Photo by Getty Images for Americares.

Dr. Francisco Murphy, Darlene Rodriguez and Americares President and CEO Michael J. Nyenhuis attend the 2018 Americares Airlift Benefit on October 13, 2018 in White Plains, New York. Photo by Getty Images for Americares.

Americares is a health-focused relief and development organization that saves lives and improves health for people affected by poverty or disaster with life-changing health programs, medicine and medical supplies. Since its founding nearly 40 years ago, Americares has provided more than $17 billion in aid to 164 countries, including the United States.

Moffly Media is the exclusive regional magazine sponsor of the 2018 Americares Airlift Benefit