Harold McGraw III receives the Wholeness of Life Community Honoree Award from Martin Lipton, 1999 recipient and 2000 benefit co-chair

A Gathering of Friends

Wholeness of Life Awards Dinner
November 8, 2000

“ Thy care has preserved my spirit.”
The Book of Job

This sentiment, spoken by Job as he is beset by illness and loss, reflects gratitude for God’s care that soothes suffering and heals the soul. More than 550 supporters from the corporate, philanthropic, and religious communities gathered at Cipriani 42nd St to pay tribute to our remarkable Wholeness of Life honorees, whose care “preserves the spirit” of so many, and whose accomplishments “exemplify the Chaplaincy's ’s mission of caring for the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.”

Martin Lipton, co-chair of the event, used those words to describe the work of Harold (Terry) McGraw III, the 2000 Wholeness of Life Community Honoree. Chairman, president, and chief executive officer of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Mr. McGraw’s commitment to diverse social and educational concerns are a testament to a leadership record that extends well beyond the business community.

Fifteen outstanding patient care professionals were presented with awards that, in the words of the Reverend Dr. Walter J. Smith, S.J., “affirm how God’s caring spirit is reflected and passed on in their care of patients and families in our partner institutions.” Guests enjoyed a video presentation entitled “Secrets of Care—Secrets of Faith,” which celebrated the work of these extraordinary honorees.

Creating a new tradition, the Chaplaincy's presented lifetime achievement awards to two former hospital administrators—Roger G. Dvorak, president of Lawrence Hospital Center, 1978-1999; and David B. Skinner, M.D., president and C.E.O. of New York-Presbyterian Hospital, 1987-1999—for their vision in creating legacies of professional pastoral care for the communities they served.

The 2000 Wholeness of Life Awards Dinner raised over $1 million for the Chaplaincy's ’s programs in pastoral care, education, and research. We are constantly inspired by the faithful presence of our friends, whose compassionate leadership has made a difference in so many lives.