The Pearl River Hilton was once again the setting for a spectacular evening as guests gathered for the annual HHH Foundation Gala on Saturday, November 3. Between the palm trees, steel drums and Caribbean inspired menu, guests truly experienced the evening’s “Island Breeze” theme. This year’s Helen Hayes MacArthur Award honorees were Dr. Cliff Wood, President of Rockland Community College and award-winning actress and former HHH patient, Ellen Burstyn.

Dr. Wood has served as President of SUNY Rockland Community College since 2004. Since arriving at RCC, he has immersed himself in numerous philanthropic endeavors, improving the quality of life in the County, and beyond. His volunteer leadership spans an array of valuable organizations and services, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Rockland 21C Collaborative for Children & Youth, the Holocaust Museum & Study Center, and the Rockland Economic Development Corporation, among others. He is Director/Treasurer, National Association of Community College Teacher Education Programs and Vice President, SUNY Association of Presidents of Public Community Colleges.

In accepting the award, Dr. Wood thanked the faculty and staff of the college for their support. He spoke of the important role the college plays in the community and also praised the hospital for the vital role it plays in providing valuable healthcare services. He affirmed his commitment to continuing to offer students excellent training in the healthcare professions.

Honoree Ellen Burstyn’s career encompasses film, stage, and television. In 1975, she was the third actress in history to win both the Tony Award and the Academy Award in the same year. Ms. Burstyn was the first woman to be elected president of the Actor’s Equity Association, and co-president of the prestigious Actors Studio, where she studied under the late Lee Strasberg. Her theater, television and motion picture credits are too numerous to mention.

In preparing for a role playing a character who has suffered a stroke, written by Tennessee Williams, Ms. Burstyn recently met with physicians, physical therapists, and patients at HHH. She credits them with helping her establish the nuances of her character by understanding the challenges facing patients with stroke. Ms. Burstyn has shared her personal insights and stories with the world, through her inspiring national best seller, “Lessons in Becoming Myself.” This captivating memoir encourages all of us to explore who we really are, and to find a way to turn personal challenges into opportunities for personal transformation, a theme that echoes the goals of rehabilitation itself.

“When I was preparing to have my knees replaced, my surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery told me I was very lucky because I lived close by the very best rehabilitation hospital - Helen Hayes,” she told the audience. She spoke glowingly of her personal experience at the hospital and of the tremendous difference in made in her recovery.

The Gala is the Foundation's major annual fundraiser for the physical rehabilitation hospital in West Haverstraw.