Burke Award Honorees Tom and Bonnie Grace
Photo credit: Jesse Rinka Photography
Burke Rehabilitation Hospital raised nearly $150,000 for its new rehabilitation gym and more than $500,000 overall at its Burke Award Dinner, held on June 6 at the Brae Burn Country Club in Purchase, N.Y. The event is Burke’s largest fundraiser of the year, and the Burke Award is the highest bestowed by Burke’s Board of Trustees. It is given to individuals, corporations or groups who contributed to the field of rehabilitation. The annual dinner is Burke’s largest fundraiser, raising more than $500,000 overall for the hospital this year.
This year’s Burke Award honorees included Rye residents Tom and Bonnie Grace. The Graces have lived their lives devoted to their central guideposts of faith, family and each other. When Bonnie suffered a stroke that left her unable to walk, or even speak, Tom insisted on only the very best for her recovery, and that was Burke. Tom, along with their 4 children and families, brought tireless energy and passion to her recovery. Their experience has made them champions of Burke. Today, Bonnie is back home in Rye playing ping pong, building her strength with boxing classes, and giving back as the family always has over a lifetime of philanthropy.
“The Graces remind us every day of what is possible when high-quality rehabilitative medicine is paired with a loving and caring support system,” said Jeffrey Menkes, President and CEO of Burke Rehabilitation Hospital.