CABRINI MISSION FOUNDATION

Cabrini Profiles - Patrick S. Dunleavy


Patrick S. Dunleavy

There have been many touch points in Patrick Dunleavy’s life that have created for him a lifelong bond with the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart. Being a member of the Board of Trustees for the Foundation and spearheading several committees within is only the tip of the iceberg in Mr. Dunleavy’s connection with, and devotion to, the Cabrini Institutions. He grew up in the shadow of Cabrini Medical Center, then Columbus Hospital, and as a child, visited the Sister’s retreat house in West Park, NY. The house, with its stunning Hudson River views, was always a draw for Mr. Dunleavy. His father, Tom Dunleavy, served as Chairman of the Board for Cabrini Medical Center for many years while his mother, Elizabeth, counted many of the Sisters among her dearest friends.

What about the Foundation’s mission gained your interest in joining the Board?
I have had many opportunities to see the Sisters in action; whether it be Cabrini Medical Center, Cabrini Nursing Home or Cabrini High School. Their tireless work ethic and singular dedication to fulfilling the mission of Mother Cabrini are always present. The Cabrini Mission Foundation has allowed me to gain exposure to the global work of the Sisters and to realize that they approach each project and mission with the same sense of urgency and passion. I have personally witnessed the compassion shown by the Sisters to hospice patients at Cabrini Medical Center and now also see, for example, what the Sisters have done to transform the lives of many young people in Swaziland, Africa. The prospects for the Foundation are boundless.

What has been your most fulfilling moment in working with the Foundation?
My most fulfilling moment with the Foundation was in 2003, when my wife, Sheryl, completed the New York City Marathon running on behalf of the Foundation. Through her dedication and training, she finished the race with a very strong time and raised more than $25,000 to further the Foundation's mission.

As an integral part of implementing the Foundation’s refocusing of objectives, what do you hope to see in its future?
As I said, the future of the Foundation is boundless. As a practical matter, we need to find consistent sources of capital in order to sustain and further the Sisters' work. Last year's tremendous annual Gala was testimony to how far the Foundation has come. We enjoyed an overflow crowd for the Giulianis, Katie Couric and Dr. Positano-- not to mention the recognition of the 125th Anniversary of the Sisters. It was clear that evening that the Foundation is at an inflection point. Under the leadership and guidance of our Chairman, Dan Rubino, our Board is ready to meet the challenges of taking the Foundation to new heights with broader scope.

How does your professional experience tie into your role in the Board of Trustees?
In my role at Lehman Brothers, I interact with many people around the world who are willing to help foster the expansion of organizations like the Cabrini Mission Foundation. It is from this cross-section of people with diverse backgrounds that I hope to find new sources of capital to support our mission as well as talented people who might be additive to our Board.

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