Against a backdrop of an election-year national debate on health care, New Yorkers gathered Thursday to raise money for the United Hospital Fund, which supports quality care and financing at local hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes.

"New York City is a place that has leadership," the president of the fund, James Tallon, said as about 200 people gathered around him.

The fund has attracted leaders such as Marianne Hardart, a director in the Child Life division at New York University Medical Center, who serves as the chairwoman of the fund's New Leadership program.

She said she got involved because the fund focuses on quality of care at a time when "health care has taken the form of a businesslike structure," putting the emphasis on money.

"Is everyone ready to raise money for healthy kids?" the event's emcee, CBS sportscaster Ducis Rodgers, asked

The crowd cheered softly.

"I'm giving away prizes, people, come on!" he said.

The crowd erupted with cheers, and Mr. Rodgers sold a lot of raffle tickets.

By the end of the evening, the United Hospital Fund had raised $100,000 for an as-yet-unidentified project researching children's health care.

The event honored the founder of IMPACT repertory theatre, Jamal Joseph, for bringing the creative arts to children from poor neighborhoods.

"What IMPACT is truly about is keeping a positive head on our shoulders, and achieving every creative goal possible," Mr. Joseph said.

IMPACT members performed three songs at the event including the Academy Award-nominated "Raise It Up" from the film "August Rush."

agordon@nysun.com