• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

  • Home
  • Advertise
    • Advertise in One or All of our Magazines
    • Advertising Payment Form
  • Digital Subscription
    • Subscribe
    • Subscriber Login
  • Print Subscription
  • Contact Us

Evan's Team

Working Toward Change: Chappaqua Dad & Distracted Driving Awareness Advocate Ben Lieberman

June 1, 2018 by Beth Besen

PHOTO BY CAROLYN SIMPSON

Ben Lieberman is a Chappaqua dad like so many others in so many ways. But, he is unlike most in one heartbreakingly distinctive way–he had to bury one of his children.

Seven years ago, the Lieberman family’s lives were forever changed by that phone call we all know as “a parent’s worst nightmare.” Their eldest, 19-year-old college freshman Evan, was being airlifted to the Level 1 regional trauma center of Westchester Medical Center (WMC) in critical condition due to injuries sustained in an automobile crash. Evan had been a passenger–a sleeping, rear-seat, belt-buckled passenger in an early morning car pool commute to a summer job.

The Liebermans immediately rushed to WMC, took up bedside vigil and never left Evan’s side. They slept on air mattresses in the hospital waiting room, and prayed and willed their son to beat the 10% first night survival odds doctors gave him. And Evan responded, fighting long and hard for his life for a solid month. Ultimately, however, he lost his battle, and the Liebermans lost their son and brother.

What do you do when you lose a child? Even in theory, it’s a question that is hard to think about; parents aren’t supposed to bury children, it just doesn’t make sense. Eventually, through a civil suit, the Liebermans gained access to the driver’s cell phone records, and determined that the driver had been texting during the drive and near the collision, Lieberman relayed. The crash happened in a dead cell zone, Lieberman also noted, so it couldn’t be determined either way what the driver’s exact activity was when his car crossed the double yellow line.

Ever since, and to honor Evan’s memory, the Liebermans have dedicated themselves to the dual causes of finding solutions for distracted driving and raising money for Westchester Medical Center.

Educating the Public About Distracted Driving

Combatting distracted driving has been a long, steady push to draw attention to the fact that distracted driving is as big an issue–if not bigger–than drunk driving.

Lieberman partnered with New Castle Town Supervisor Rob Greenstein and Police Chief Charles Ferry to create the “Hands Off the Phone and On the Wheel” initiative. Signs, banners and freely distributed magnets featuring the stopped hand logo (which also signifies the 5-point violation) are visible throughout town.

Lieberman also co-established  Distracted Operators Risk Casualties, aka DORCS, –with the front passenger’s mother, Deborah Becker–to help spread the message far and wide that distracted driving causes terrible injuries and takes lives. And he began work with an Israeli phone forensic company, Cellebrite, to develop a device that would enable police to determine whether a driver’s cell phone was being used at the time of an accident. They called the device a Textalyzer for its similarity to the Breathalyzer.

To counter the arguments from various civil liberties groups, Cellebrite even figured out a way to make sure the device simply determines data usage without accessing personal information. In 90 seconds, the technology generates a report that details illegal typing and swiping but also differentiates legal voice activation and Bluetooth.

Pending Legislation for “Evan’s Law”

Lieberman, Greenstein and Ferry met with New York State Senator Terrence Murphy and Assembly Assistant Speaker Felix Ortiz to introduce the device, and to discuss a bipartisan state bill that would make New York the first state to attempt a distracted driving policy solution.

Ortiz, who was instrumental in the 2001 legislation banning the use of handheld devices while driving, stated: “We did a good job in implementing hands-free law; unfortunately, at a crash, the law can’t be enforced without an eyewitness or unlikely confession.” The proposed Textalyzer bill, a solution aptly named “Evan’s Law,” would enable police to examine phones at an accident site using the Textalyzer.

Governor Cuomo directed his Traffic Safety Committee to study the Textalyzer and the bill is pending.

Meanwhile, interest continues to grow and spread nationally, and Lieberman, who testified in Chicago, California, Washington, D.C., was recently honored with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Lifesaver’s Award for Public Service at the 2018 Conference in San Antonio Texas.

When not travelling and working to make our roads a safer place for all, Lieberman, together with his wife Debbie, is involved with fundraising for Westchester Medical Center through their now-established non-profit “Evan’s Team.”

According to Lieberman, the fundraising started “almost by accident.” The Liebermans’ many friends all wanted to contribute something, to help in some way; many suggested various events and community gatherings that would keep Evan’s sports- and fun-loving spirit front and center while raising money in his memory. They started with mud-runs, poker nights, dodgeball games (one of Evan’s favorite activities). These events were a hit and filled a need.

And, says Lieberman, “ended up raising real money.” Thus, Evan’s Team was established; its first project, renovating the waiting area of WMC.

Evan’s Team Fundraising Efforts

The family felt fortunate that Evan received excellent medical care, but they found the waiting room areas and experience were lacking in basic necessities. “There was nowhere to sleep, shower, or get a nutritious meal. There was no privacy; doctors and families were discussing the most intimate details of life and care without the dignity of private space.” With the generous funds donated by Evan’s Team, WMC’s Trauma Intensive Care Unit is now able to offer families “The Evan Lieberman Friends and Family Lounge”–a comfortable and dignified space complete with consultation rooms, private sleeping spaces, locker rooms with showers and an always-stocked nutrition center.

Evan’s Team’s grass-roots outings have grown to become a well-sponsored and attended annual event. The local community continues to get involved, and friends who have since moved away return to reminisce and take part. It’s still “all about Evan and something he would have loved,” says Debbie. Golf, tennis, and, of course, Evan’s favorite dodgeball/funball make for a day of play, while the evening is capped by a dinner and much-anticipated car raffle. This year’s car is a 2018 blue Mercedes 4Matic, convertible with a sleek saddle interior. It’s a beauty!

Parked at the top of King Street, in front of Quaker Hill Tavern, the car stands as an invitation to buy a raffle ticket (only 1,000 are sold each year), to join Evan’s Team and support such a worthy cause and to remember that driving is a privilege that requires attention, concentration and respect for the road and other drivers. Money raised from the event will go to Evan’s Team’s latest project–funding Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital’s Child Life and Creative Arts Therapies, dedicated to meeting the unique emotional, developmental and cultural needs of each child and family in their time of crisis.

To learn more about Evan’s Team including the upcoming outing event and car raffle, please visit: www.evansteamny.com

 

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: awareness, Ben Lieberman, Car Raffle, Distracted Driving, DORCS, driving, Evan's Law, Evan's Team, Hands Off the Phone, lessons, Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital’s Child Life and Creative Arts Therapies, Textalyzer, texting and driving, Westchester Medical Center

Join EVAN’S TEAM Golf/Tennis/Dodgeball Outing: July 25!

July 20, 2017 by The Inside Press

Tuesday, July 25th 

11:30 a.m. Registration 

11:30 -1:00 Buffet Lunch

1:00 p.m. Golf Shotgun Start

(Lots of fun competition, contests & The Famous Heineken Cart)

9:30 a.m. Tennis Activities

7:00 p.m. Cocktails/ Dodgeball/ Dinner/Open Bar

2017 MERCEDES CONVERTIBLE RAFFLE

Add to My Calendar

Take advantage of the FAMILY BARGAIN.

Evan’s Team is about the community and never about breaking the bank.

Paying golfers can add family members for tennis, dodgeball or dinner (with open bar) – for just $25 per family member. Tennis players can add dodgeball and dinner guests for $25 as well.

HOSTED BY:

Michael Brooks

Robert Fuhrer

The Lieberman Family

The Evan’s Team Foundation

Bruce Murray from SiriusXM NFL Radio is again doing the dodgeball play-by-play with his legendary local color commentator Rick Birdoff.  We are expecting another lively tournament with participants of all ages, genders and beer-bellies.   We are also providing betting lines for the spectators to win some very cool prizes while appetizers and cocktails are being served.  

Register today for your activities!

 

Trump National Golf Club

399 Pine Road

Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510

Driving Directions

 

Events:

Golf, Buffet Lunch & Dinner ~ $395

Tennis & Dinner ~ $150

Spectator & Dinner ~ $100

Dodgeball & Dinner ~$50 suggested donation

 FAMILY BARGAIN PLAN: ~$25 per family member

(Golfers can add family members to play Tennis, Dodgeball or as  Dinner guests for $25 per)

(Tennis players can add family members to play Dodgball or Dinner guests for $25 per)

 

Sponsorship Opportunities:

 

Platinum

$25,000

  • Exclusivity of “Presenting Sponsor”
  • Name/Logo on all material
  • Premium signage throughout the event
  • Recognition in Evan Lieberman Family Lounge at Westchester Medical Center
  • Full 8×10 color journal ad on Back Cover
  • 4 golf foursomes
  • 8 tennis players
  • 20 dinner guests

Also:

30 Mercedes Raffle Tix ($3k value)

Diamond

$10,000

  • Name/Logo on all material
  • Premium signage throughout the event
  • Full 8×10 color journal ad inside cover
  • 4 golf foursomes
  • 8 tennis players
  • 20 dinner guests

 

 

Also:

20 Mercedes Raffle Tix ($2k value)

Gold

$7,500

  • Full page color journal ad
  • 4 foursomes
  • 8 tennis players
  • 10 dinner guests
  • Premium sponsor signage on driving range, putting green and dining area.

Also:

15 Mercedes Raffle Tix ($1.5k value)

Silver

$5,000

  • Half Page Journal ad
  • 3 Foursomes
  • 4 tennis players
  • 6 dinner guests,
  • premium signage throughout the event.

Also:

10 Mercedes Raffle Tix (1k value)

 Bronze

$2,500

  • 1 Foursome
  • Journal recognition
  • 2 tennis players
  • 4 dinner guests
  • Signage

Also:

5 Mercedes Raffle Tix ($500 value)

 

 

Hole Sponsor

~ $100

Golf Contest

Sponsor

~ $250

Tennis Court

Sponsor

~ $100

Dodgeball Sponsor

~ $250

 

What is Evan’s Team?

Evan’s team is a group effort committed to helping the community. There are times we need to raise awareness or times we need to raise funds. But either way, we all enjoy working together and making something good happen.

Our team continues to challenge ourselves with events that are fun in participation, but also very relevant in accomplishing ambitious goals.

Our first project was aimed at helping trauma patients and families at the Westchester Medical Center by aiding in a much needed remodeling of the family area. On a daily basis, helicopters efficiently medevac patients from all over New York State for what will inevitably be an extended stay for that patient. Effectively treating a trauma victim also includes aid to family members who have been surprised by a loved-one’s injury and need to be educated on life-sustaining decisions. However, the previous waiting-area left room for improvement for the family members hunkering in for a long stay. We completed an expanded waiting area and created a block of rooms where those families can rest comfortably in dorm sleeper rooms, private doctor consult rooms, a nutrition area, locker room and shower.

Want to join our team?  Click Here to Learn More about Evan’s Team

Filed Under: Happenings Tagged With: dodgeball, Evan's Team, Golf, raffle, The Evan's Team Foundation

Golf & Tennis & Dodgeball Evan’s Team 2014

July 14, 2014 by The Inside Press

evans-tennis

You are invited to attend:

Evan’s Team Day at Trump National

TIME TO REGISTER:

NOTE: We have been getting questions after the invitation was sent last week.  Due to a conflict, the date was changed from the original Save-the-date (no longer Aug 6th).  Sorry for the confusion but who wudda thunk people pay attention to save-the-dates).

A unique combination and something for everyone:

Golf on a beautiful course.
A creative Tennis event
Dodgeball/Funball Tournament
Dinner & Auction

Tuesday August 12th, 2014

Take advantage of the FAMILY BARGAIN.  Evan’s Team is about the community and never about breaking the bank.  Any paying golfer can add a family member for tennis, dodgeball or dinner (with open bar) for $25 per family member. Tennis players can add dodgeball and dinner guests for $25 as well.

Last years Dodgeball was a huge success. Bruce Murray from SiriusXM NFL Radio is again doing the play-by-play with his local-legend color commentator Rick Birdoff.  An important barrier was broken last year when some geriatrics not only competed, but they were formidable.  The prediction is several more gray-haired teams will be wreaking havoc this year.  We are expecting another lively tournament and are providing betting lines for the spectators to win some very cool prizes while appetizers and cocktails are being served.

Register today for your activity!!!

We look forward to seeing everyone –

Tuesday August 12th 

11:00 Registration begins
11:30 -12:45 Buffet Lunch
1:00 Shotgun Start
(Lots of fun competition, contests & The Famous Heineken Cart)
12:30 Tennis Tournament
6:00  Cocktails/ Dodgeball/ Dinner/Open Bar

(This year dinner/drinks will be held outside on the tennis courts at the conclusion of dodgeball)

HOSTED BY:
Michael Brooks
Robert Fuhrer
The Lieberman Family
The Evan’s Team Foundation

Trump National Golf Club

399 Pine Road, Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510

Events:

Golf, Buffet Lunch & Dinner ~ $395
Tennis & Dinner ~ $150
Spectator & Dinner ~ $100
Dodgeball & Dinner ~$50 suggested donation

FAMILY BARGAIN PLAN: ~$25 per family member

(Golfers can add family members to play Tennis, Dodgeball or as  Dinner guests for $25 per)
(Tennis players can add family members to play Dodgball or Dinner guests for $25 per)

REGISTER HERE

evansteamWhat is Evan’s Team?

Evan’s team is a group effort committed to helping the community. There are times we need to raise awareness or times we need to raise funds. But either way, we all enjoy working together and making something good happen.

Our team continues to challenge ourselves with events that are fun in participation, but also very relevant in accomplishing ambitious goals.

Our first project is aimed at helping trauma patients and families at the Westchester Medical Center by aiding in a much needed remodeling of the family area. On a daily basis, helicopters efficiently medevac patients from all over New York State for what will inevitably be an extended stay for that patient. Effectively treating a trauma victim also includes aid to family members who have been surprised by a loved-one’s injury and need to be educated on life-sustaining decisions. However, the current waiting-area leaves a lot of room for improvement as the family members are hunkering in for a long stay as well. Our idea is to create a block of rooms where those families can rest comfortably when possible and doctors can consult privately.

Want to join our team?  Click Here to Learn More about Evan’s Team

Filed Under: Happenings Tagged With: Evan's Team

Primary Sidebar

Please Visit

William Raveis – Armonk
William Raveis – Chappaqua
White Plains Hospital
Houlihan Lawrence – Armonk
Houlihan Lawrence – Briarcliff
Houlihan Lawrence – Chappaqua
NYOMIS – Dr. Andrew Horowitz
Raveis: Lisa Koh and Allison Coviello
Purple Plains
Compass: Miller-Goldenberg Team
Korth & Shannahan
Douglas Elliman: Chappaqua
Play Nice Together
Houlihan Lawrence: Harriet Libov
Terra Tile & Marble
Compass: Aurora Banaszek
Pinksky Studio
Dr. Briones Medical Weight Loss Center
David Visconti Painting & Contracting
Houlihan: Kile Boga-Ibric

Follow our Social Media

The Inside Press

Our Latest Issues

For a full reading of our current edition, or to obtain a copy or subscription, please contact us.

Inside Armonk Inside Chappaqua and Millwood Inside Pleasantville and Briarcliff Manor

Join Our Mailing List


Search Inside Press

Links

  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Digital Subscription
  • Print Subscription

Publisher’s Note Regarding Our Valued Sponsors

Inside Press is not responsible for and does not necessarily endorse or not endorse any advertisers, products or resources referenced in either sponsor-driven stories or in advertisements appearing in this publication. The Inside Press shall not be liable to any party as a result of any information, services or resources made available through this publication.The Inside Press is published in good faith and cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in advertising or sponsor driven stories that appear in this publication. The views of advertisers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher’s.

Opinions and information presented in all Inside Press articles, such as in the arena of health and medicine, strictly reflect the experiences, expertise and/or views of those interviewed, and are not necessarily recommended or endorsed by the Inside Press. Please consult your own doctor for diagnosis and/or treatment.

Footer

Support The Inside Press

Advertising

Print Subscription

Digital Subscription

Categories

Archives

Subscribe

Did you know you can subscribe anytime to our print editions?

Voluntary subscriptions are most welcome, if you've moved outside the area, or a subscription is a great present idea for an elderly parent, for a neighbor who is moving or for your graduating high school student or any college student who may enjoy keeping up with hometown stories.

Subscribe Today

Copyright © 2025 The Inside Press, Inc. · Log in