The Far Hills Race Meeting Association and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset announced Tuesday they have partnered to provide community health services in the area.
“The Far Hills Race Meeting Association is committed to giving back to our community,” Guy Torsilieri, chairman, Far Hills Race Meeting Association, said. “One of the ways we felt we could make the biggest difference was in the area of health care because health care touches everyone. We saw an opportunity to not only support local community health organizations financially, but to connect them with our long-time partner Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset. The hospital’s resources and medical expertise will further grow and strengthen the outstanding work these organizations are already doing, particularly for at-risk youth and individuals coping with cancer, developmental disabilities and mental health issues.”
The partnership has awarded $885,000 in grants to five nonprofits which serve northern Somerset County, it said.
“The philanthropic commitment of the Far Hills Race Association is truly unique and unprecedented in steeplechase horse racing and in all of sports,” Paul Hubert, chairman of Somerset Health Care Foundation’s board of trustees, said. “Generations of families in our community have already benefited from their generosity to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset. Now many more will have access to the support they need through this innovative partnership.”
The grants, which will be distributed over three years, are funded with proceeds from the Far Hills Race Meeting and are administered through the Somerset Health Care Foundation, RWJUH’s fundraising arm.
In addition to the grants, RWJUH will support the nonprofits with professional training and development, community health education, support groups, and other health-related services.
The nonprofits include:
- Cancer Support Community of Central New Jersey, Bedminster, provides psychosocial support services to address the impact of cancer;
- ARC of Somerset County, Manville, provides vocational and transitional services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities;
- Bonnie Brae, Liberty Corner, a residential treatment center for at-risk adolescent boys;
- Community in Crisis, Liberty Corner, dedicated to fighting the opioid epidemic;
- Life Camp, Life Farm in Pottersville, a six-week summer day camp for Newark area youth.
“At Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, we recognize that promoting good health is not confined to just what goes on within the walls of our hospital,” Tony Cava, CEO and president, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, said. “As part of our mission, we work closely with partners in the business, non-profit, government and education sectors to improve the quality of life for all those who live and work in Somerset County, addressing the social determinants that negatively impact their health. Our partnership with the Far Hills Race Meeting Association will help us build new relationships that will expand our social impact efforts to enhance the health of underserved populations in our community.”
