David Tukey, Ph.D., began cycling during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. A year later, he was pedaling in 100-mile rides.
But his fastest time might be when he raised $26,170 in September 2023 in just a week. Just seven days before he was set to participate in the 100-mile Twin Lights Ride along the New Jersey coast, David decided to fundraise for the expansion of a state-of-the-art Emergency Department at Riverview Medical Center.
“I only started fundraising seven days before the race because I didn’t want people to commit to raising money and then have the weather be bad,” he says. “It was sort of last minute, and my goal was $25,000. I pushed myself to raise even more money.”
David moved to Rumson, New Jersey, from New York City two years ago with his wife, Stacy, and their young children, and Riverview is his local hospital. “I have a number of friends and colleagues associated with Hackensack Meridian Health, and they have told me about a number of opportunities to get involved in various capacities over the years,” he says.
As a portfolio manager for ExodusPoint Capital Management, David specializes in global biopharmaceutical companies. “My job is unrelenting, and I have three kids—Harrison, 6, Olive, 3, and Aidan, 11 months,” he says. “The only time I had to train was on Saturday mornings from 5–10 a.m. for about two months before the race, but I was able to get it done.”
David’s dedication has immense value for his community.
“David’s ambition and willingness to bring others together to support this initiative is much appreciated,” says Todd Shellenberger, executive director of the Riverview Medical Center Foundation. “He had a vision of what his family, friends and colleagues could accomplish together, and he succeeded by raising $26,170 in a very short period of time. The Emergency Department Redesign and Expansion Project at Riverview, when completed, will have a huge impact on our entire community and patient population. We are all grateful for David’s passion and his commitment to Riverview to make this happen.”
Next Steps & Resources
- Fundraise in your community, for your community, and support a hospital or health care cause important to you. Start your virtual fundraiser today.
- Learn about emergency care at Hackensack Meridian Health.
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