Nan Moore Smith, Managing Director of Changing Our World, Inc., a firm that advises nonprofit organizations, received the Catherine Award at the recent Leadership Dinner sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of New York.  The event drew nearly 200 guests to New York’s St. Regis hotel, among them her husband, Alfred E. Smith IV, their two children, and the former Governor of New York, the Honorable Hugh L. Carey.  The dinner raised close to $125,000 for the Sisters of Mercy.

Smith was instrumental in leading a capital campaign that brought in nearly $4.8 million for the construction of Marian Woods, a licensed adult home for aging and convalescing sisters from five religious communities.  In addressing the guests, Smith said she became impassioned about Marian Woods when she realized that sisters who had devoted their lives to the care of others were now in need of care themselves.  “The sisters are further challenged by the sheer numbers of their elderly population,” she said, “and their disinclination to ever ask for financial assistance for themselves.”  Smith spoke poignantly about her visit to sisters living at the Convent of Mercy in Yonkers and particularly about one sister’s desire to take walks outside. These memories, in addition to the experience of caring for her ailing father, motivated Nan in her efforts to make Marian Woods a reality.

Smith’s son, Alfred E. Smith V, charmed guests as Master of Ceremonies.  Governor Carey assisted Sr. Suzanne Elliott, RSM, President of the Sisters of Mercy of New York, in presenting the Catherine Award.  He spoke movingly about Smith and his admiration for her.

In her remarks, Sr. Suzanne said, “Tonight we have chosen to honor Nan because, like the two Catherines [for whom the award is named], the actions of her life demonstrate a compassionate response to the needs of others…. In Nan, we found an advocate who, in the face of many challenges, always demonstrated grace, energy, and total commitment. For all of this, Nan, we thank you.”

Named in honor of Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy, and Catherine Seton, first woman to join the Sisters of Mercy in New York, this annual award honors an extraordinary person whose life reflects God’s call to make mercy visible in our world. All proceeds from this year’s Mercy Leadership Dinner will support the ongoing needs of the community’s aging sisters, including those who reside at Marian Woods.

In addition to her work on behalf of Marian Woods, Smith is a member of the Board of Directors of the Alfred E. Smith Foundation, the Pregnancy Care Center in Westchester county, and Saint Vincent’s Hospital Auxiliary.  She is also a Dame of Malta.