Goshen, N.Y. – Sept. 2, 2009 - The Elant Foundation’s annual fundraising efforts received a $40,000 infusion Sunday, August 30, thanks to attendees and sponsors of the organization’s Eighth Annual Polo Picnic.

Proceeds from the event, hosted at the Blue Sky Polo Club in the Town of Wallkill, benefit Elant’s Rehab Revolution to support the continued expansion and enhancement of Elant’s rehabilitation and sub-acute care programs. Rehab Revolution was launched in response to a nationally recognized increase in demand for such services.

“One of the most significant movements in health care today is the push to reduce patients’ length of stay in the hospital and discharge them sooner; however, many patients are not yet ready to return safely home upon their discharge,” said Elant, Inc. President and CEO Donna G. McAleer. “Our programs are providing the bridge these patients need to get back on their feet and return home safely.”

John Potter, a 26-year-old patient enrolled in Elant’s rehabilitation program, spoke to the crowd about the care he has received from Elant and his successful recovery following an automobile accident.

Potter said: “When I first came to Elant I couldn’t remember anything. Elant offered many opportunities to get my life back on track. I went from always being in a wheelchair to walking in parallel bars to walking with a walker and I now walk with two canes. Today I feel that I live my life like a normal person and I do a lot of things for myself. Looking back on it now I remember all the hard work in physical therapy and I can look forward to the future.”

Carol Holbert of Montgomery and Barbara Riemer of Walden were honored during the event for their humanitarian spirits and notable contributions to their communities.

Holbert, co-founder of Holbert’s Catering and a member of the Elant Foundation Board since 2002, received the Elant Flame of Excellence Award for her decades of inspired leadership and dedication to improving the lives of others.

”To know her is to love her; she is a woman of unmatched grace and integrity,” Elant Foundation Chairman Will Thorpe told the crowd about Holbert.

Riemer, a native of the Hudson Valley, an entrepreneur, and passionate philanthropist, was honored with the Elant Signature Award for her commitment to enhancing healthcare and housing services through philanthropy.

“When something needs to be said, she says it; when something needs to be done, she does it,” Thorpe said of Riemer. “If the situation calls for a leader, she leads.”

This year’s team sponsors include the Ottaway Family, Employee Family Protection, and McAleer & Associates. Mallet-level sponsors include the Elant System Management Team, Med-World Pharmacy (an OmniCare Company), O’Connor Davies Munns & Dobbins, LLP, Provident Bank, and Hudson Valley Investment Advisors.

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Elant, Inc., a community-based, not-for-profit organization, is a leading provider of services for older adults and chronically ill people of all ages. Elant is a comprehensive network of organizations that provides a full range of health and housing services to the Hudson Valley and beyond. On any given day, Elant serves more than 3,500 people through its network of communities, home care agencies, and services. Elant’s mission is to provide personalized, high-quality care and lifestyle options to persons of diverse generations, cultures, and needs.

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