HackensackUMC Foundation Gala Raises $2 Million

HACKENSACK, N.J. — Close to 1,200 hospital dignities, doctors and supporters packed the new Whitney Museum Saturday night for the Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation’s 2015 Recognition Gala.

HackensackUHN President and CEO Robert C. Garret (second from left) and his wife, Laura, greeted guests and posed for pictures as they entered the Whitney. Pictured with (from left) Eric Eve, Leecia Eve and HUMC Foundation Board Chairman Ulises Diaz.
Photo Credit: *Rebecca Abma*

HackensackUMC Foundation Executive Vice President, Chief Development OfficerJon Fitzgerald, Debbie Cangialosi, Julie Babka, R.N., and Joseph Feldman, M.D., chairman of Emergency Trauma and director of Medical Education at the teaching hospital.
Photo Credit: *Rebecca Abma*

Chief Population Officer Mark Sparta, Philanthropist and HackensackUMC Governors Board member Joseph M. Sanzari and Lori Rubino enjoy the band on the 5th Floor of the Whitney Museum.
Photo Credit: *Rebecca Abma*

Hackensack UMC Chairman of the Board of Governors Lawrence Inserra, Jr., and his wife, Inez, enjoying the entertainment in the Cirque in the Round room at the Whitney Museum.
Photo Credit: *Rebecca Abma*

An arial performer entertains in the Cirque room at the HackensackUMC Foundation 2015 Donor Recognition Gala.
Photo Credit: *Rebecca Abma*

Heather Choi, HackensackUMC Board of Governors member, and her husband, Mingi Choi, M.D., of Franklin Lakes at the 2015 Gala.
Photo Credit: *Rebecca Abma*

Doctors supporting the foundation, from left, Gynecologic Oncologist Ami Vaidya, M.D., Medical Director and Chief of Geriatrics Lisa Tank, M.D., and cardiologist Sarah Timmapuri, M.D.
Photo Credit: *Rebecca Abma*

An orgami butterfly is placed in the hair of Ringwood resident Elizabeth Jennings, of MagnaCare.
Photo Credit: *Rebecca Abma*

HUMC Foundation Board Trustees Jack Murray, of Franklin Lakes, and Bruce Bohuny, of Ridgewood, enjoyed the food at the 2015 gala at the Whitney.
Photo Credit: *Rebecca Abma*

Franklin Lakes couple, Urologist Michael Esposito, M.D., and his wife, Jennifer, were dressed to the shoes at the annual HackensackUMC Foundation gala.
Photo Credit: *Rebecca Abma*

At the 2015 gala (from left): Colleen Sparta, HackensackUMC Executive Vice President and Chief Population Officer Mark Sparta, Gary Katen, Toni Horowitz, and Ron Vander Vliet.
Photo Credit: *Rebecca Abma*

Guests enjoyed a raw bar, tapas and canapes along with art at the Whitney for the HackensackUMC Foundations gala.
Photo Credit: *Rebecca Abma*

Close to 1,200 guests raised more than $2 million for HackensackUMC Foundation at the organization's black-tie gala at the new Whitney Museum on Oct. 3.
Photo Credit: *Rebecca Abma*

One of the many food stations at the HackensackUMC Foundation gala at the new Whitney Museum.
Photo Credit: *Rebecca Abma*

Rebecca Abma

10/04/2015 7:00 p.m.

“Our annual donor recognition night celebrates those who have given to Hackensack University Health Network and to expose others to the great work our team is doing,” Robert C. Garrett, CEO and President of HackensackUHN, told Daily Voice.

“This event supports some of our wonderful and exciting new initiatives,” Jon Fitzgerald, Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer of HUMC Foundation, told Daily Voice, noting the black-tie event raised more than $2 million.

A highlight of the foundation’s new programs is a partnership with Seton Hall University to open New Jersey’s first private medical school. Announced earlier this year, the plan calls for a four-year medical school at the former Hoffmann-La Roche campus in Clifton and Nutley, expected to open in 2017.

“By 2020, there will be an anticipated 1,500 to 2,500 vacancies of medical doctors statewide,” Fitzgerald explained. “The new medical school will help meet this crucial need."

The night featured an array of food stations including NYC hotspots Blue Smoke and Haru Sushi, a variety of musical acts, and entertainment including arial Cirque performers, live trees, a magician and comedians.

It was the first Saturday night gala held at the new Whitney Museum in lower Manhattan’s Meatpacking District and the first hospital gala held there.

“We like to be first with everything,” said Mark Schlesinger, M.D., chairman, Department of Anesthesiology and chairman, Special Events, HackensackUMC Foundation Board of Trustees.

“Galas are a statement of who we are and who we hope to attract,” said Dr. Schlesinger, who has been with HackensackUMC for three decades and organizing galas for two of them. Past venues included Meadowlands Stadium, Yankees Stadium, the Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum, MoMA, Radio City Music Hall and Ellis Island.

“Yes, its a fundraiser and a great party,” he said, “but more importantly, these events help get the word out about all the great things the foundation does.”

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