The view was terrific and the ambiance was captivating at Manhattan Penthouse on Monday, June 14 as supporters and friends of FRIA gathered to honor two outstanding women while raising funds for FRIA's programs and services. Holding the benefit at a new venue after four years at Tavern on the Green added to the excitement of the event and the honorees and guests agreed that it was a special and memorable evening.

This year FRIA honored Toby Edelman, Esq., an attorney at the Center for Medicare Advocacy in Washington, D.C., who has fought for the rights of nursing home residents, and Joan H. Marks, Director Emerita of the Health Advocacy and Human Genetics Graduate Programs at Sarah Lawrence College who has been instrumental in creating and furthering the field of health advocacy.  Both women were recognized for their deep commitment to improving health care and for demonstrating the true meaning of advocacy throughout their careers.  

Thank you to all the FRIA supporters who helped make the benefit a financial success. Guests bid on over 30 silent auction items, from a Hawaii time share to a signed Giants football.   A special thanks to the FRIA Board members and Benefit Committee members who contributed their time and effort to organizing the benefit, especially Carolyn McCandless, who spent countless hours making sure it all went off without a hitch.