The couple was so touched by the kindness and consideration shown to them by hospital staff during a personal experience with an ill family member, that they have been big hospital fans every since.
Rivera emphasizes that he and his wife did not get special treatment because of his baseball fame, rather the staff treated family members of other patients with the same respect and compassion.
The award was presented by White Plains Hospital President and CEO Susan Fox at the Friends of White Plains Hospital annual fall Nov. 7th at the Brae Burn Country Club in Purchase. More than 450 people attended the celebration, which raised nearly $500,000 for hospital programs and services.
The award recognized the Rivera’s extensive efforts to improve the health and lives of the underserved in Westchester County. Mrs. Rivera is the founder of the Refuge of Hope congregation in New Rochelle.