On July 19, Hackensack Meridian Health Southern Ocean Medical Center Foundation hosted the Fifth Annual Signature Social, raising more than $175,000 in support of programs and services at Southern Ocean Medical Center. The cocktail reception took place at Bonnet Island Estate on Long Beach Island where more than 230 guests joined in celebration of the hospital. The evening featured a cocktail-style format, an array of hors d’oeuvres and stations, music, dancing and a 50/50 raffle. Additionally, George Way, whose wife, Noreen, received care at Southern Ocean Medical Center for more than five years, offered emotional remarks about the care she received at the hospital, expressing gratitude to the physicians and clinicians who cared for her during her illness.
“We are grateful for the generosity of the community surrounding Southern Ocean Medical Center, who show their support for the hospital in many different ways,” says Kimberly Hogan, M.D., family medicine physician at Southern Ocean Medical Center and reception co-chair. “Their investment in our local hospital helps to provide area residents and visitors with superb care, access to the newest technologies and the development of programs that help to maintain health and wellness. Thank you to everyone who attended the Signature Social and who continue to provide support to Southern Ocean Medical Center.”
In addition to the remarks offered by Way, guests at the Signature Social had the opportunity to learn more about recent developments at Southern Ocean Medical Center, including recognition of the hospital’s second ‘A’ rating by The Leapfrog Group, which measures hospital quality and safety. Additional speakers included Joseph Lattanzi, M.D.; Regina Foley, PhD, MBA, RN, chief hospital executive, Southern Ocean Medical Center; Thomas Dolan, chair of the Southern Ocean Medical Center Foundation Board of Trustees; and Kenneth N. Sable, M.D., MBA, FACEP, regional president, southern market, Hackensack Meridian Health.
“Southern Ocean Medical Center is a special place,” says Dr. Sable. “Despite its relatively small size in comparison to other New Jersey medical centers, it is doing very big things in terms of the care it is able to provide to the community – particularly when it comes to treating cancer and cardiac and vascular diseases. Philanthropy helps to make that possible through the purchase of the state-of-the-art equipment needed to best treat those ailments. We are extremely grateful for the support of generous donors, who give in both big and small amounts.”
Funds raised at events such as the Signature Social all contribute toward a $150 million fundraising goal as part of the Meridian Health Foundation’s Giving Heals campaign. Giving Heals supports four important initiatives: strengthening oncology services, improving clinical outcomes, enhancing the patient experience and broadening clinical research and academic programs at the following Hackensack Meridian Health medical centers in Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean counties: Jersey Shore University Medical Center, K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital, Bayshore Medical Center, Ocean Medical Center, Raritan Bay Medical Center in Old Bridge, Raritan Bay Medical Center in Perth Amboy, Riverview Medical Center and Southern Ocean Medical Center.
“Southern Ocean Medical Center is fortunate to have such a strong board and community who are deeply committed to supporting the hospital,” says Joseph Stampe, president and chief development officer, Meridian Health Foundation. “Whether giving of their time at one of the medical center’s four auxiliaries, making a $1 million donation like that from area resident Mike Armellino, leaving a bequest, attending the Signature Social, or giving what they can afford, we are grateful for the support. The money raised at this event will make a true difference for the hospital and the community.”
The reception was co-chaired by Joseph Lattanzi, M.D., Kimberly Hogan, M.D., Thomas Yu, M.D., and Jane Yu and supported by Celebration Sponsor: the medical team at Southern Ocean Medical Center and Reception Sponsors: Coastal Imaging and Walters Homes.
To learn more about how you can support Southern Ocean Medical Center Foundation, the Giving Heals campaign, or how you can volunteer your time in support of the medical center, contact James Young, executive director, at james.young@hackensackmeridian.org or 609-978-3040.