News + Events/May 2026
Luxury abroad, hope at home
Imagine yourself in two of the most captivating destinations in the world: the sun-washed Tuscan countryside or the pristine Caribbean beaches of Tulum. As part of our 160th anniversary celebration on June 2, The Floating Hospital is offering a chance to bid on a place in the sun to reconnect with loved ones and recharge.*
The auction includes two luxury international vacation options, both promising an unhurried bliss that will linger long after your return. Each location is steeped in history with unparalleled vistas and its own reputation for exceptional cuisine, featuring the finest local ingredients.
A private Tuscan villa offers accommodation for eight with four bedrooms and baths along with a private pool set in the countryside outside the stunning hill town of Cortona. The accommodations come with a housekeeper, breakfast chef, and concierge service, along with an evening cooking class and dinner and a full-day wine tour of the region with lunch and transportation.
Set over a Caribbean beach in Tulum, the newly renovated four-bedroom, three-bath villa with a private pool offers maid service and a private chef to prepare unlimited food and drinks from local ingredients. Book a beachside massage, a tour of the dramatic Mayan ruins, a nature walk, fishing excursions, and more to enhance the experience.
Your generous bids will support the needs of New York City families living in shelters and domestic violence safe houses, bringing them safety, dignity, and hope. Give boldly—travel beautifully.
And be sure to join us at The Floating Hospital 2026 Summer Gala on June 2 at the Edison Ballroom from 6 to 9:30pm.
*You do not need to be present at the gala to bid. Absentee bids must be placed by May 28 and secured with a credit card. Contact Ann-Louise Lipman for further details: alipman@thefloatinghospital.org or 917.742.9820
Standing up by wearing denim
Over two decades ago, the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction because the victim was wearing tight jeans. The court reasoned that she must have helped her assailant by removing them, and therefore gave her consent.
The next day, in protest, women members of the Italian Parliament wore jeans to work. The case and demonstration made international news and inspired Peace Over Violence, a victims’ service and advocacy group, to make it an annual event, which took place this year on April 29. April is also Sexual Violence Awareness Month.
A significant portion of our patients have suffered violence and sexual assault in their lives, and we are dedicated to helping heal their trauma. To underline this commitment, Floating Hospital staff joined supporters of survivors the world over, who wore jeans to work in honor of “Denim Day” with the hope of raising awareness of common “erroneous and destructive attitudes about sexual assault.”
Marching with pride
For the fourth consecutive year, The Floating Hospital is a proud sponsor of the Queens Pride Parade, Concert, and Multicultural Festival. As part of the greater Queens community, we will march to remind area residents of all orientations and backgrounds that our services are available to everyone.
The annual event takes place on June 7 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, a concert, and other performances at 37th Road and 75th Street, where we will have a table 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 ograffeo@thefloatinghospital.org by May 29.
Fighting germs, one hand wash at a time
This week is germs week in the health education department, and kids of all ages are learning the importance of proper hand washing in eliminating harmful bacteria. A germ bag demonstration will show, through fluorescent powder and a black light, how much residue or “germs” are left behind after someone washes their hands. Other similarly themed activities will include creating a germ monster and a coloring project.
Next week our health educators will present themed activities in support of Mental Health Awareness Week.