Inaugural Harvest for Health Brunch Raises Vital Support for South Brooklyn Health as Community Honors Local Leaders
The fundraiser paid tribute to three distinguished community trailblazers whose dedicated leadership embodies the mission of healing and public service
Nov 06, 2026
The NYC Health + Hospitals/South Brooklyn Health Auxiliary hosted its inaugural Harvest for Health fundraising brunch at the historic Gargiulo’s Restaurant in Coney Island. The event brought together frontline medical leadership, civic partners, healthcare and education leaders, and devoted community advocates to raise vital funds to advance patient-centered services and specialized clinical programs at South Brooklyn Health.
The brunch paid tribute to three distinguished community trailblazers whose dedicated leadership embodies the mission of healing and public service:
- Dr. Jeffrey Goldberg, Chair of Behavioral Health at South Brooklyn Health, received the Heart of Healing Award in recognition of his compassionate clinical stewardship, groundbreaking mental health advocacy, and tireless dedication to expanding vital psychiatric care across South Brooklyn’s diverse neighborhoods.
- LaRose Jackson was honored with the Soul & Heritage Award, celebrating her lifelong commitment to cultural preservation, grassroots empowerment, and fostering inclusive community partnerships that celebrate Brooklyn’s heritage.
- Rosanna Conenna received the Guiding Light in Education Award, commending her exceptional mentorship, educational leadership, and enduring investment in developing the next generation of community leaders.
The afternoon’s fundraising efforts included a bidding auction led by GSM Charity Auctions, for exclusive items, original artwork, and premium travel packages. Every winning bid directly fortified Auxiliary-supported patient care initiatives, emergency enhancements, and community wellness outreach.
The celebratory program was emceed by Louise Albert, Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications at South Brooklyn Health, with special remarks from hospital executives and Auxiliary trustees. Distinguished guests included New York State Assemblyman Alec Brook-Krasny, who joined leadership in celebrating the hospital’s expanding footprint in southern Brooklyn.
“We are building a stronger, healthier community together, and days like today remind me just how powerful this village really is,” said Manjinder Kaur, Chief Executive Officer of NYC Health + Hospitals/South Brooklyn Health. “The generous support sparked by our inaugural Harvest for Health brunch ensures our dedicated clinicians and staff have the tools and resources needed to deliver top-tier, compassionate care to every Brooklynite who walks through our doors.”
“The Auxiliary’s mission has always been anchored in supporting our hospital and the individuals who rely on our care every single day,” said Theresa Scavo, President of the South Brooklyn Health Auxiliary, Inc. “We extend our deepest gratitude to GSM Charity Auctions, DJ Joe Gonzalez, our generous donors, and our dedicated volunteers for making this inaugural gathering such an electric success. Our three honorees set a golden standard of selfless service that inspires our entire borough.”
Following the awards presentation, live music by DJ Joe Gonzalez, and auction by GSM Charity Auctions, attendees reaffirmed their shared commitment to elevating local healthcare access as South Brooklyn Health continues building on its 150-year legacy of clinical excellence and community care.
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MEDIA CONTACT: SBHPublicAffairs@nychhc.org
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About NYC Health + Hospitals/South Brooklyn Health
A member of NYC Health + Hospitals, NYC Health + Hospitals/South Brooklyn Health is a major health care provider in the borough of Brooklyn. Its foremost mission is to provide quality, comprehensive care to all members of the public regardless of their ability to pay. 2025 marks its 150th anniversary of serving the communities of Brooklyn. South Brooklyn Health’s modern campus features the new Ruth Bader Ginsburg Hospital and full Ambulatory Care Services. Its range of services, include emergency care, surgery, maternity, and specialized outpatient care, and holds designations for its stroke and maternal care centers. NYC Health + Hospitals/South Brooklyn Health is a joint commission accredited thrombectomy stroke center, providing immediate access to the highest level of stroke care. South Brooklyn Health is also a certified Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) Center, providing the highest level of neurology and cardiology care. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org/southbrooklynhealth.
About NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest public health care system in the nation serving more than a million New Yorkers annually in more than 70 patient care locations across the city’s five boroughs. A robust network of outpatient, neighborhood-based primary and specialty care centers anchors care coordination with the system’s trauma centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, home care agency, and MetroPlusHealth—all supported by 11 essential hospitals. Its diverse workforce of more than 46,000 employees is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest life possible. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.