Hackensack Meridian Bayshore Medical Center Foundation is proud to announce that Oktoberfest, its signature fundraising event, will return to Stillwell Stables in Colts Neck on Friday, October 9 to benefit an exciting new project at Hackensack Meridian Bayshore Medical Center.
Bayshore Medical Center, a not-for-profit hospital that serves Holmdel and its surrounding communities, is opening a 10-bed Intermediate Care Unit that will provide critical care for patients who no longer require the Intensive Care Unit, but are not yet ready for a standard medical-surgical floor. The Intermediate Care Unit will feature private patient rooms with new flooring, lighting and furniture, and will allow Bayshore Medical Center to expand its capacity to care for our community’s most vulnerable patients. Generosity from sponsors and the foundation’s family of donors will help fund this transformation.
Oktoberfest, again hosted by co-chairs Carol Stillwell and Mary Ann Larkin, is a fun and festive take on a cocktail reception that will run from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., featuring an Oktoberfest-inspired menu, live music and festive décor and beverages.
“Oktoberfest is one of our favorite events of the year,” said Carol Stillwell and Mary Ann Larkin in a joint statement. “Not only is it so much fun, but it raises crucial funds for Bayshore Medical Center, our cherished local hospital. We firmly believe that supporting healthcare is a worthwhile investment, because we will all need it someday. It’s not a question of if, it’s a question of when. Thank you to everyone who is planning to join us or is sponsoring this important event. It’s going to be a wonderful time, and we hope to see you there!”
“The Intermediate Care Unit will be a tremendous asset for Bayshore Medical Center, and for the patients who rely on us to provide excellent care,” said Jack Thompson, executive director of Development at Bayshore. “I want to thank Carol Stillwell and Mary Ann Larkin for once again hosting this incredible event, and for their efforts to make our communities safer and healthier places to live."
The new Intermediate Care Unit will be constructed from unused space at the hospital’s 4 South inpatient unit. By repurposing this space, Bayshore Medical Center aims to expand capacity, improve throughput from the Intensive Care Unit and ensure that patients receive the right level of care at the right time, close to where they live.
“The upcoming Intermediate Care Unit will make a tremendous difference for our patients, ensuring that they receive the right level of care at the right time, close to home,” said Caitlin Miller, MBA, MS, BSN, RN-BC, president and chief hospital executive of Bayshore Medical Center. “We are so grateful for Carol, Mary Ann and Stillwell-Hansen, Inc. for continuing to serve as vital sponsors for Oktoberfest, and we hope people join us to have a great time and support our new project.”
All funds raised from Oktoberfest will directly benefit Bayshore Medical Center while contributing to Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation’s Be The Difference campaign. Launched in September 2024, Be The Difference is a transformational effort focusing on four key pillars: enhancing the delivery of patient care, accelerating groundbreaking research and discovery, expanding access to care for all and revolutionizing medical education while supporting the nursing profession. Through this ambitious initiative, Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation aims to reshape health care for patients, clinicians and the communities it serves, paving the way for a brighter, healthier future.
“Our Be The Difference campaign is dedicated to transforming healthcare, close to home, for all of the patients we serve. This event is part of that commitment, and the funds we raise will help support the construction of much-needed services at Bayshore Medical Center,” said Joyce P. Hendricks, president and chief development officer, Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation. “I want to express my gratitude to Carol Stillwell and Mary Ann Larkin for once again hosting Oktoberfest, an exciting event that will have a tremendous impact on the wellbeing of the people in Holmdel and its surrounding communities. We hope to see our sponsors and family of donors join us at Stillwell Stables!”
Premier Event Sponsors for this year’s event are Carol Stillwell, Mary Ann Larkin and Stillwell-Hansen Inc., but there are still many sponsorship opportunities available. To register for Oktoberfest as a participant or as a sponsor, visit GiveHMH.org/BMCOktoberfest or contact Meagan O’Flaherty, assistant director, Strategic Events, at strategicevents@hmhn.org.