Jersey Shore University Medical Center Foundation Raises Over $505,000 at the 36th Annual Golf Classic Tournament

Paul Huegel, vice president of development, Meridian Health Foundation; Vito Buccellatto, chief hospital executive, Jersey Shore University Medical Center; Robert Mullen, Annual Golf Classic event chair; Robert C. Garrett, CEO, Hackensack Meridian Health; Thomas J. Kononowitz, Hackensack Meridian Health Board of Trustees; Kenneth N. Sable, M.D., MBA, FACEP, regional president, southern market, Hackensack Meridian Health; and Richard Henning, chairperson, Hackensack Meridian Health, Hospitals Corporation Board of Trustees, at the 36th Annual Golf Classic Tournament, which raised more than $505,000 for Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

On July 8, the Hackensack Meridian Health Jersey Shore University Medical Center Foundation and K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital Golf Classic was held at Deal Golf and Country Club and Hollywood Golf Club where more than 255 golfers raised over $505,000 in support of programs and services at the hospitals. The event was again chaired by Robert Mullen, CEO of Structure Tone Organization, and vice-chaired by Robert Smith, CEO of The Allied Group.

“This event has become an important fundraiser for Jersey Shore University Medical Center and K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital,” says Mullen. “Both hospitals are providing superb care for our community and are gaining national recognition as leaders in many areas, including cardiac care and the treatment of adult and pediatric cancers. Events such as the golf tournament raise funds that help to enhance care for our community, making sure it has access to the most advanced care possible, and we are grateful to everyone who participated.”

In June 2018, Jersey Shore University Medical Center opened the new HOPE Tower, which was largely funded by philanthropy. Since then, thousands of patients have received care by more than 100 medical practitioners, over 9,600 linear accelerator treatments have been provided and more than 130 conferences, lectures, events and meetings have taken place in the John K. Lloyd Amphitheater located on the tenth floor of HOPE Tower. Within the facility, the Christopher Center for Mental Health & Wellness, provided by Phil and Marilyn Perricone, has also served as a resource for community members in need of behavioral and mental health care.

“Philanthropy plays a vital role in being able to provide the technology and services required to deliver the gold standard of care that our community members expect and deserve,” says Kenneth N. Sable, M.D., MBA, FACEP, regional president, southern market, Hackensack Meridian Health. “We are fortunate to have such a strong board and donor support that continues to propel Jersey Shore University Medical Center into the regional and national spotlight. The money raised at the Golf Classic will enable us to continue to expand our offerings and expertise.”

Funds raised at events such as the Annual Golf Classic 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.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported the Annual Golf Classic,” says Joseph Stampe, president and chief development officer, Meridian Health Foundation. “This event gets bigger and better every year and we could not do it without the help of our friends and sponsors.”

This year’s Golf Classic was sponsored by the following: Title Event Sponsors: Tatiana and Peter Cancro and L.F. Driscoll / Structure Tone Organization; Outing Sponsors: The Allied Group and Jersey Shore Anesthesiology Associates; Awards Reception Sponsor: Compass One Healthcare; Golf Cart Sponsors: The Barham Group, LLC, Circle BMW, Compass One Healthcare, Crisdel Group, Inc., Forest Electric, Hospitality Openings, Linde-Griffith Construction Company, Trident Abstract Company Title Agency and Ysabell Electric.

To learn more about how you can support Jersey Shore University Medical Center Foundation, or the Giving Heals campaign, contact Paul Huegel, vice president of development, at 732-751-5109 or paul.huegel@hmhn.org.