Nearly 700 supporters gathered for the AtlantiCare Foundation’s 64th Annual Century Club Gala, held May 17 at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City. The event raised more than $660,000 in support of education, career pathways and other key Vision 2030 initiatives.
This year’s gala featured the presentation of two major honors. Governor Phil Murphy and first lady Tammy Murphy received AtlantiCare’s inaugural Community Impact Award, and Kenneth Steinberg and the late Dr. James Eakins were recognized with the Edward R. Knight Award.
Governor Murphy and the first lady, who were in attendance to accept the honor, were recognized for their visionary leadership and enduring service to communities across the state. Their work advancing maternal and child health, expanding access to health care and social services, addressing homelessness and revitalizing Atlantic City has left a lasting mark on families throughout New Jersey.
The Edward R. Knight Award was presented to longtime AtlantiCare supporter Kenneth Steinberg and posthumously to Dr. James Eakins. The evening was marked by heartfelt tributes to both honorees. This award, established in 1998, honors those who make lasting contributions to building a healthier community. It is named for the late Dr. Edward R. Knight, Ph.D., chair emeritus of the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees, who devoted more than 50 years of service to improving health care for those who live and work in southeastern New Jersey.
Funds raised at the gala will be dedicated to workforce excellence, one of AtlantiCare’s four key pillars of Vision 2030, an aggressive six-year strategy changing how health care is defined, measured and delivered locally. Through AtlantiCare YOUniversity, team members can access education reimbursement, professional certifications and skill-building programs that support their growth while they continue to provide care for the region. These efforts reflect AtlantiCare’s commitment to developing a health-care workforce that delivers high-quality care and strengthens the community.
“The AtlantiCare Foundation and the support of our donors have been vital to our past achievements and are imperative to our future success,” said Michael Charlton, president and CEO, AtlantiCare. “The funds raised from this year’s gala will strengthen our commitment to workforce excellence, a core pillar of Vision 2030. These resources will help us open new career pathways, expand education and hands-on training and create more opportunities for our team members and community to grow. By investing in our community, we are building a stronger, more resilient health-care system our region can depend on.”
“It was a privilege to honor Governor and first lady Murphy with our inaugural Community Impact Award and to recognize Ken Steinberg and Dr. James Eakins, in memoriam, with the Edward R. Knight Award,” said David Goddard, chair of the AtlantiCare Board of Trustees. “Each of these individuals has made meaningful, lasting contributions to the health and well-being of our community. Their leadership, compassion and commitment reflect the spirit of service that defines AtlantiCare’s mission and the legacy of Dr. Knight.”
