A host of state and local dignitaries was on hand for the event including New York Governor George Pataki and Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano.

The Oct. 3 date was especially poignant as it marked the seven-year anniversary of the death of Maria Fareri, who at the age of 13, was diagnosed with bat rabies an was cared for at the existing Children's Hospital at Westchester Medical Center in 1995. In addition, the event culminated the 25th anniversary celebration of the Westchester Medical Center.

"Everyone here today, from the children in our schools to the construction workers on the project, has made a significant contribution in bringing the hospital to this moment," said Edward Stolzenberg, president and chief executive officer of Westchester Medical Center. "I can think of no better way of celebrating Westchester Medical Center's 25 years of providing advanced medical care to the most sick and seriously injured people in the Hudson Valley than by topping off the year with this milestone."