St. Christopher’s renames residence hall

In a ceremony held on International Women”™s Day, March 8, St. Christopher”™s Inc. the Dobbs Ferry nonprofit dedicated to helping children with special needs and their families, named its all-female residential cottage after the late Joan Lerner, an alumna who remained dedicated to the organization. Residents and visitors at The Joan Lerner Residential Hall also will see a plaque in honor of the benefactor.

A $145,000 bequest from the Joan Lerner estate enabled St. Christopher”™s to renovate the building, which now houses at least 24 residents in 12 rooms.

“Joan was an intelligent, generous and extremely ethical person,” said Hillary Ganton, her executor and close friend.  “Joan spoke of her indebtedness to St. Christopher”™s. At a time of great need, she was accepted into the organization and lived there for several years. She spoke about the ”˜wonderful education”™ she received which laid the foundation for a lifetime interest in literature and the arts.” “It was important to our team that we honor the legacy of Ms. Lerner,” said Ralph Herrera, director of operations at St. Christopher”™s.