The AtlantiCare Foundation honored Dr. Kamal Kassis and nurse Dee Kassis of Absecon, as well as Joseph Kelly of Mays Landing, as Edward R. Knight Award recipients during the organization’s 61st annual Century Club Gala earlier this month at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City.
Lori Herndon, CEO and president, AtlantiCare, thanked the awardees for their contributions to caring for the community. Herndon, a Brigantine resident, noted AtlantiCare had originally planned to recognize them during its 2020 gala, but postponed the recognition due to pandemic safety measures. Herndon also recognized AtlantiCare’s health care heroes, “for their tremendous efforts and dedication in caring for our community through the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“The Kassises have served our community with their talents and time for decades,” Michael Charlton, chair, AtlantiCare board of trustees, stated. “From caring for patients to serving on the board, they have dedicated their lives to making a difference.”
“Joe Kelly has done whatever it took and fought hard to improve, protect and advocate for the businesses in our region,” David Goddard, vice chair, AtlantiCare’s board, said. “He understood that, when the business community prospered, the entire community prospered as well.”
The ’20s-themed gala raised more thant $550,000. Proceeds will support programs and services aimed at increasing access to care that AtlantiCare will offer at its Medical Arts Pavilion, which will open this fall in Atlantic City.
AtlantiCare established the Edward R. Knight Award in 1998 to honor those who contribute to building a healthier community. The award is named for the late Edward R. Knight, who was chair emeritus of AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center and who devoted more than 50 years of service to improving health care for those who live and work in southeastern New Jersey.
