The American Diabetes Association and Westchester Father”™s Day Council have announced their 2015 Father of the Year honorees ”“ Andrew Benerofe, president, Benerofe Properties of White Plains; Ronald F. DeSoiza, partner, O’Connor Davies LLP, Harrison; Richard Martinelli, chief operating officer and group publisher, Today Media Custom Communications, Rye; and Peter Mercurio, president and CEO, Westchester Health Associates, Katonah.
The annual ADA Father of the Year Award recognizes the hard work of fathers in their communities and provides a platform to promote awareness of diabetes.
“We are very proud of this exceptional group of dedicated fathers, as they have demonstrated an ability to balance success in their careers with their ability to serve as outstanding role models in our communities,” said Alfred E. Donnellan, chairman of the Westchester Father”™s Day Council and managing partner of DelBello, Donnellan, Weingarten, Wise & Wiederkehr LLP. “As we prepare to celebrate our 10th anniversary here in Westchester, we look forward to gathering these four men with past honorees, to recognize their contributions ”“ as fathers and community leaders, and for their commitment to address the growing incidence of diabetes.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one third of the U.S. population has diabetes or prediabetes, a trend that has increased dramatically over the past five years. Today, more than 29 million people ”“ 9.3 percent of the U.S. population ”“ have diabetes, with more than 21 million diagnosed and more than 8 million undiagnosed. With the total cost growing to more than $245 billion ”“ including $69 billion in reduced productivity ”“ the disease has become an epidemic, the ADA said. In Westchester County, diabetes has been estimated to affect nearly one out of ten, with more than 100,000 people living with the disease and more than 250,000 diagnosed as prediabetic.
The 2015 Westchester Father of the Year Awards will be held at Trump National Golf Club in Briarcliff Manor on June 11.
All proceeds from the event will support the American Diabetes Association and its mission: to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of people affected by it.
To purchase tickets or for more information about event details and sponsorship opportunities, contact Walter Recher at 914-761-7111, email Walter@HRGinc.net or visit diabetes.org/westchesterfoty.
