[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 47 (Tuesday, April 19, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E685]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING DAVID BENFER, FACHE, 2005 RECIPIENT OF THE TORCH OF LIBERTY 
                                 AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 19, 2005

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, today, in New Haven, Connecticut, friends, 
family and colleagues will gather to pay tribute to one of our 
community's most outstanding citizens. I am proud to stand today and 
join the Connecticut Anti-Defamation League as they honor David Benfer, 
FACHE with the 2005 Greater New Haven Torch of Liberty Award.
  Each year, the Connecticut Anti-Defamation League presents the 
prestigious Torch of Liberty Award to an outstanding leader in the 
community, recognizing their unique commitment and dedication. As 
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Saint Raphael Hospital 
System, David manages one of New Haven's leading employers as well as 
one of the largest providers of healthcare in Connecticut. During his 
tenure of six years, Saint Raphael's has furthered its reputation as a 
clinical pioneer in cardiac, cancer, orthopedic, neurosciences, and 
geriatric services. The outstanding success of Saint Raphael's is a 
reflection of the deep commitment that David has demonstrated since his 
arrival just six years ago.
  I have had the opportunity and honor to work with David on a number 
of projects. I am in awe of his unparalleled dedication. A trustee of 
the Catholic Health Association, an advocacy organization that 
represents more than two thousand Catholic healthcare facilities 
nationwide, David recently asked me to get involved with a very special 
mission--the ``Lend Your Voice'' campaign, a national campaign to bring 
awareness to lawmakers of the seriousness of today's healthcare crisis. 
As the administrator of a healthcare facility, David knows only too 
well the plight of uninsured Americans. At a recent event he said, 
``This is not only a moral responsibility, but it is an economic 
opportunity to improve health care and reduce costs in the long run by 
providing care at the appropriate time.'' It is this leadership and 
vision that will continue to spark debate and, hopefully, allow for a 
time when every American is insured.
  It is not only his professional contributions that have made David 
such a special member of our community. Arriving to New Haven only six 
years ago, David not only took on his responsibilities at Saint 
Raphael's, but immediately became involved in a number of local service 
organizations. The New Haven Symphony Orchestra, Community Soup Kitchen 
and the International Festival of Arts and Ideas are just some of those 
who benefit from having David as a member of their Boards. It is not 
often that you find individuals who so quickly and willingly delve into 
their new communities. With his compassion, generosity, and kind heart, 
David represents all that a community leader should be.
  I am honored to rise today and join his wife, Mary, his three 
children, family, friends, and colleagues to pay tribute to David 
Benfer, FACHE for his many invaluable contributions. I cannot think of 
a more appropriate honor than the Torch of Liberty Award to recognize 
the generosity and commitment David has shown to our community.

                          ____________________