Teaneck Physician Honored at Bvmi Annual Gala

HACKENSACK, N.J. — Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative of Hackensack held its sixth annual "Bergen's Best: BVMI Gala" on Sunday at The Shops at Riverside to honor those who provide select free health services to low-income Bergen County residents and raise money for the non-profit organization.More than $52,000 in direct donations was collected, not including the results of a silent auction.

Honoree Kenneth Herman, Ed.D., with Philanthropist Charles Matar.
Photo Credit: *Melissa Heule*

From left, Jeanne Patrican of BVMI with fellow board member Jack Inserra and volunteer dentist, Dr. Dayna Cassandra.
Photo Credit: *Melissa Heule*

This year's BMVI honorees, from left: Philip L. Micale, M.D.; Richard Watson, M.D.; Kenneth Herman, Ed.D.; Michael G. Faust, M.D.; V. Merle McIntosh, M.D.; and Scott David Lippe, M.D.
Photo Credit: *Melissa Heule*

BVMI Executive Director Amanda Missey with Scott David Lippe, M.D., and his wife, Mindy.
Photo Credit: *Melissa Heule*

A sign during cocktail hour at the annual gala.
Photo Credit: *Melissa Heule*

A live band performed during cocktail hour at the gala.
Photo Credit: *Melissa Heule*

Jay Kirtane, M.D. and his wife, Rekha Kirtane, M.D. both volunteer with the organization.
Photo Credit: *Melissa Heule*

A sign reminds attendees of the importance of donor support at the BVMI gala.
Photo Credit: *Melissa Heule*

Attendees appear near the silent auction table while placing their bids online.
Photo Credit: *Melissa Heule*

Attendees enjoy cocktail hour before the start of presentations.
Photo Credit: *Melissa Heule*

Melissa Heule

09/28/2015 5:00 a.m.

"These are doctors who are giving up a paying patient to see one for free because they believe everyone should have access to a doctor," BVMI Executive Director Amanda Missey told Daily Voice.

Kenneth Herman, Ed.D., a mental health professional who serves on the BMVI advisory board, received a special tribute for advocacy during the gala at Riverside Square Mall."I was honored last year for a Community Leadership Award under one condition - that they would honor Dr. Kenneth Herman this year," entrepreneur and philanthropist Charles Matar said. "He has more energy than anyone I know and raises money for others to make a difference."

Receiving Community Leadership Awards for their pro bono work in patient care:

Michael G. Faust, M.D., a gynecologist from The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood;

Scott David Lippe, M.D., chief of gastroenterology Bergen Regional Medical Center in Paramus;

V. Merle McIntosh, M.D., a breast cancer specialist and chief of Breast Services at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center. "There are a number of women out there with breast issues who do not know where to turn to," Dr. McIntosh said. "The whole hospital is involved too. I am humbled and honored to be appreciated";

Philip L. Micale, M.D., a gastroenterologist, past president of the Bergen County Medical Society and attending physician at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, Englewood Hospital and Medical Center and Hackensack University Medical Center;

Richard Watson, M.D., the Director of Residency Training in Urology at Hackensack University Medical Center.

More than 300 volunteers and supporters attended the event that included an online silent auction of over 80 items.

BVMI, which depends on the annual fundraiser for a quarter of its annual budget, supports free basic health services to employed county residents who earn between 100% and 300% of federal poverty guidelines but cannot afford health insurance.

CLICK HERE for more information about BVMI.

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