News + Events/May
Tropical dreams and a night to remember
Anchor Hope, our June 10 summer gala, will feature jazz by Duke Ellington Legacy, delicious food, festive cocktails, 1940s ambience and the chance to give help and hope to the families we serve. And when the party is over, and you’ve anchored hope for countless families, you can drift home to sweet dreams of escape.
We now have a chance to bid on two different five-night getaways. Choose your trip and then decide whether to bid at the benefit or remotely (instructions are below).
The first is a luxurious 6,500-square-feet four-bedroom, four-and-a-half bath retreat in Nuevo Vallarta. Unwind with family and friends with spectacular amenities, dozens of delicious dining options, spa services, world-class golf courses, water and adventure parks, night life, shops, markets, a long sandy beach, kids camp and countless other adventures off the property. Or relax closer to the suite, with a choice of exclusive pools to lounge by, each with its own food and beverage service.
For more information on the property, click here.
The second option is a vacation for two at Vidanta destinations in Riviera Maya, Nuevo Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, Porto Penasco or Acapulco. Discover more here.
Imagine basking under the golden sun, exploring vibrant Mexican culture, or simply reveling in luxurious accommodations. This exclusive opportunity not only promises you a trip of a lifetime but allows you to make a meaningful impact. All proceeds from your generous bids directly support The Floating Hospital’s mission to deliver more than healthcare to those in need. Your dream vacation directly aids other families, giving them access to food, clothing, personal care needs, life skills training, a camp to foster emotional growth and healing, transportation and so much more.
Don’t miss out on these two opportunities to make dreams of the tropics come true. Although you can bid live at our June 10 summer gala (information and tickets here), you do not have to be present to bid on these vacations. Absentee bids must be placed by June 5 and secured with a credit card. Reach out to Ann-Louise Lipman for further details: alipman@thefloatinghospital.org or 917-742-9820. Don’t let this chance slip away. Bid now and let your generosity take flight!
Community spirit
Springtime may mean the return of flowers, birds and leaves on trees, but it’s also the beginning of a new season of activity for our Community Outreach team. Cynthia Davis, the department director, and her staff, Alma Cruz and Karen Solano, will be on the road during these warmer months, joining fairs and events all over Queens to network and spread the word about The Floating Hospital’s services.
They have already been to events such as the second annual Renewable Ravenswood Family Festival on April 26 in Queensbridge Park that honored Earth Day with music, dance, drumming, printmaking workshops, barbecue and more, along with climate education. They also took part in an Impact Collaborative networking event for community-based organizations at Citi Field on April 28. Recently, they had an informational table for International Night at P.S. 111 Queens and came back on May 21 as a presenter at its parent workshop.
You can also catch them this spring and summer as presenters, networking or with information booths at the Hellenic American Neighborhood Action Committee, Queens Public Library Adult Learning, Queens Adult Learning Center, Long Island City Springs!, Ravenswood Older Adult Center, LaGuardia Community College, Graham Wyndham Harlem Beacon, the Urban Upbound Job Plus Health Fair and Astoria Family Day.
If you happen to see them, be sure to stop by and say hello, they have wonderful materials detailing our services as well as fun giveaways.
On the march with Queens Pride
For the third year, The Floating Hospital is a proud sponsor of the Queens Pride Parade both as a community member in Queens, and to remind the community that our services are available to everyone.
The annual event takes place on June 1 from noon to 6pm. The parade route follows 37th Avenue from 89th to 75th Street in Jackson Heights. The destination is a multicultural festival with vendors and performances at 37th Road and 75th Street, where we will have a booth with information on our programs.
The parade and festival are part of Queens Pride’s efforts “to promote the visibility and accomplishments of the LGBT community and to foster acceptance by the many cultures and religions represented in our borough.” It was established in 1993. Those who wish to march with The Floating Hospital can contact Cynthia Davis at cdavis@thefloatinghospital.org by May 23.
Women’s Wellness Spring 2025
On May 17, we celebrated Women’s Wellness with a day devoted to our female patients’ health and relaxation. Embracing the theme “Zen Garden,” there were health screenings, mammograms and vaccinations “in balance” with lots of pampering.
The event takes place every spring and fall and allows women living in shelters, who don’t often have the time for themselves to address their health and wellness, to de-stress and detox, indulge their senses and learn valuable information while receiving vital medical care. A healthy and delicious breakfast and lunch is always served and there are spa services, classes and workshops, and an array of new clothing items, lingerie, personal care products, cosmetics and other extras.
As we honored mothers, we also welcomed daughters, ages 9 and up, to teach them about the changes their bodies are about to go through and to offer HPV vaccinations. Medical services provided to adults included breast exams, sonograms and screenings for STIs and HPV, cervical cancer and fibroids.
“Recognizing that stress is a common issue for many women and can lead to health problems over time, we believe combining health screenings with enjoyable activities, pampering, and interactive education is an excellent way to promote wellness in our community,” according to Sreeta Karl-Quintana, the director of clinic operations.