Where It Started

First Lady of the American Theater

Helen Hayes MacArthur, known as the “First Lady of the American Theater,” joined the hospital’s Board of Visitors in 1944 and became a devoted advocate for nearly five decades. In recognition of her dedication, the hospital was renamed in her honor in 1974.

In 1992, the Foundation created the Helen Hayes MacArthur Award to honor individuals who inspire others to live life to the fullest. Inspired by roses from Mrs. MacArthur’s garden, the award is a custom porcelain rose by Edward Marshall Boehm, Inc. It was first presented to her posthumously in 1993, the year of her passing.

Previous Winners Of

The Helen Hayes MacArthur Award

2008: Dr. Marjorie King and Caroline Zollar
2007: Dr. Cliff Wood and Ellen Burstyn
2006: Sister Mary Eileen O’Brien and Lieutenant John McLaughlin
2005: Dr. John T. Pellicone, Montel Williams and John R. Reynolds
2004: Dr. Richard King and CalMart Enterprises
2003: Dr. Martha MacGuffie and Dikembe Mutombo
2002: Tess McCormack-Raso and Aidan Quinn
2001: Dr. Antonia Novello and Jerry Donnellan
2000: Governor George Pataki and Jan and Niles M. Davies, Jr.
1999: Rosie O’Donnell and Dr. Barbara DeBuono
1998: Dr. Robert Lindsay and Phyllis Newman
1997: Christopher Reeve
1996: Lily Tomlin
1995: Carol Channing and John Hockenberry
1994: Edward James Olmos
1993: Helen Hayes MacArthur (posthumously)
1992: Governor Hugh Carey, Arthur Ashe and Dick Traum

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