Meridian Health Foundation’s 22nd Annual Gala Raises $1.7 Million

Giving Heals Gala Honored Gordon Litwin, Chair of the Hackensack Meridian Health Board of Trustees

Hackensack Meridian Health Meridian Health Foundation is pleased to announce its 22nd Annual Gala, the Giving Heals Gala, raised nearly $1.7 million for the organization. Taking place at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa Conference Center in Atlantic City on Saturday, November 23, 700 guests joined together to honor Gordon Litwin, chair of the Hackensack Meridian Health Board of Trustees, for his longtime dedication to improving health care for New Jersey residents. The signature fundraising event benefitted Hackensack Meridian Health’s central and southern region not-for-profit medical centers and community health programs.

“It’s been a pleasure working with Gordon over the last few years,” says Robert Garrett, FACHE, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health. “As the chair of our board, he has made such a huge impact on Hackensack Meridian Health, but more importantly, on the health of our community. I can think of nobody more deserving than Gordon to be recognized for his outstanding work and vision in helping to shape health care for New Jersey residents.”

Funds raised at the Giving Heals gala contribute toward a $150 million fundraising goal as part of 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: Bayshore Medical Center, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital, 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.

“Gordon has been a wonderful partner to Meridian Health Foundation, and we are grateful for all of the support he has offered throughout the years,” says Joseph Stampe, president and chief development officer, Meridian Health Foundation. “I would also like to thank everyone who has supported our Giving Heals campaign, whether by attending the gala, making a major gift, remembering us in your will, or simply by giving what you can, when you can. Your support has a tangible impact in helping our organization to provide the best health care possible.”

Litwin’s involvement with the organization began years ago when he served as chairman of then stand-alone hospital, Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank. When Riverview Medical Center, now Hackensack Meridian Health Riverview Medical Center, joined Meridian Health, Litwin served as the first chairman. He then served three subsequent terms as chairman, including and leading into the Hackensack Meridian Health merger in 2016.

“Health care is probably the most personal and important activity you can be involved in, and I cannot think of a more significant endeavor than working to improve our health, improve our lives and improve our longevity,” says Litwin. “I haven’t done what I do for the recognition, I do it for our community, but I was honored to accept this award and am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference.”

Guests of the gala enjoyed live music, including special performances, dancing, a variety of foods and a program that recognized Gordon for his contributions to Hackensack Meridian Health. The Giving Heals Gala was generously supported by Platinum Sponsors: Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and TeamHealth; Gold Sponsors: Envision Physician Services and Vee Technologies; and Silver Sponsors: Coastal Imaging, Compass One Healthcare (Crothall Healthcare and Morrison Healthcare), OceanFirst, TD Bank, University Radiology and Konica Minolta.

To learn more about the Giving Heals campaign, please visit ww.hackensackmeridian.org/givingheals or call 732-751-5100.