The Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation is more than halfway to its $1 billion goal for the “Be the Difference” campaign — the largest fundraising campaign ever undertaken by a health care system in New Jersey — following its public launch at Hackensack Meridian Health’s annual gala held last weekend in New York City.
The event honored co-Chairs Peter Cancro, founder and CEO of Jersey Mike’s Subs, and Eli Manning, the former New York Giants Super Bowl-winning quarterback, who were recognized for their selfless support of Hackensack Meridian Health programs and services and steadfast leadership.
And, thanks in large part to the efforts of fundraising committee chaired by Tatiana Cancro, the event raised more than $10 million, helping to bring the HMH Foundation’s fundraising total to over $608 million.
To help celebrate the campaign launch, guests were treated to a special performance by actor Hugh Jackman and TV host and commentator Jon Stewart, who emceed the event.
Hackensack Meridian Health CEO Bob Garrett said the event was special.
“What a fantastic evening it was to host the Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation gala and officially launch our extraordinary Be the Difference campaign,” he said. “This initiative marks a transformative moment in our health care journey, aiming to revolutionize the delivery of patient care, elevate community health and advance medical education and research.
“The impact of this campaign will resonate far beyond the walls of our hospitals and facilities, improving the health and lives of everyone in New Jersey. We are deeply grateful to Peter Cancro and Eli Manning for their remarkable support, as well as our friends and corporate partners who came together to be the difference for our communities.”
Want to give?
To learn more or make a gift in support of the Be the Difference campaign that will support Hackensack Meridian Health, click here.
Cancro and Manning, in a joint statement, said they are honored to serve as co-chairs because of the impact HMH has in the community.
“Every day, Hackensack Meridian Health provides leading-class care to patients all around the state, and to those who travel to New Jersey for specialized care,” they said. “This year’s event was incredibly special, and we hope we can rely on our communities to continue joining us in making a positive impact in health care today and for generations to come. Together, we can be the difference in health care.”
The Be the Difference campaign is built upon four pillars, each designed to support Hackensack Meridian Health’s vision for New Jersey in their own distinct ways:
- Better delivery of patient care
- Revolutionizing medical education and supporting the nursing profession
- Accelerating research and discovery
- Ensuring more equitable access to advanced care
Joyce Hendricks, the president and chief development officer of the Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation, said the appeal will lead to great things.
“This year’s Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation gala and public launch of our Be the Difference campaign was truly unforgettable, and I am in awe of the continued confidence we receive from our campaign co-chairs and champions, as well as our supporters,” she said.
“Each day, Hackensack Meridian Health pushes the boundaries to ensure that the best care is available to the communities we serve, and the public launch of our campaign is a defining moment that showcases our bold vision for the future. This campaign is unlike anything we have ever embarked on before — and it is poised to propel health care, research and education forward and will have a far-reaching impact. The future will be brighter and healthier for us all!”
Numerous community members have committed their support to the cause, including top campaign donors. They include:
- The Cancro family
- Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation
- Golden Dome Foundation
- Mary Ellen Harris
- Mike & Patti Hennessy Foundation
- H. Hovnanian Family Foundation
- Several anonymous donors
Additionally, the campaign’s success can also be attributed largely to the Campaign Executive Committee. comprised of the following individuals:
- Peter Cancro, campaign co-chair
- Eli Manning, campaign co-chair
- Keith Banks
- Harry Carson
- John Dias
- Domenic DiPiero III
- Frank Fekete
- Louis Freeh
- Lawrence Inserra Jr.
- Tracy Morgan
- Siran Hovnanian Sahakian
- Joseph Sanzari
- Jon Stewart (honorary)
- Helena Theurer
The Gala and Be the Difference Campaign Launch was sponsored by:
- Platinum Sponsor: Jersey Mike’s Subs
- Presenting Sponsors: Ardent Health Services; Bernhard; Inserra Supermarkets, Inc.; and the physicians of RCCA – Regional Cancer Care Associates.
- Many other generous organizations also supported at the Diamond, Gold, Silver and Bronze levels to help make the evening and campaign launch a success.
