The Nineteenth Annual Meridian Health Affiliated Foundations’ Gala, Innovation Has No Boundaries, will be held on Saturday, November 19 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Ocean Place Resort & Spa in Long Branch. This signature fundraising event benefits Hackensack Meridian Health’s not-for-profit hospitals and community health programs in Monmouth, Ocean and Middlesex counties.

This year’s Gala will recognize the Meridian Health board members for the incredible work they’ve done to bring Hackensack Meridian Health to this pivotal point as a health care organization. Now as one integrated network, Hackensack Meridian Health provides people with a more robust continuum of care by harnessing Meridian Health’s and Hackensack University Health Network’s collective knowledge and resources.

“We have a very exciting future ahead of us as a health care organization,” shares John K. Lloyd, FACHE, co-CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health. “Though one thing will always stand true, we could not have gotten here without the years of dedication and leadership from Meridian Health’s board members and we are thrilled to be able to honor them at this prestigious event.”

The 2016 Gala is led by event chair, Steven G. Littleson, FACHE, president of the hospital services division and chief operating officer of Hackensack Meridian Health with vice chairs, Robert Adams, Jr., FACHE, interim president of Southern Ocean Medical Center, Joseph P. Coyle, senior vice president of Realty at Hackensack Meridian Health, Michael R. D’Agnes, FACHE, president of Raritan Bay Medical Center – Perth Amboy & Old Bridge, Timothy J. Hogan, FACHE, president of Riverview Medical Center and Bayshore Community Hospital, Dean Q. Lin, MHA, MBA, FACHE, regional president of Ocean Medical Center and Southern Ocean Medical Center and Kenneth N. Sable, M.D., MBA, FACEP, president of Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

“It is a privilege to chair the Gala this year together with the hospital presidents,” explained Steven Littleson. “Philanthropic support has a profound impact on the care we provide, and we appreciate our community’s involvement in our efforts to deliver the most innovative care and exceptional experiences to our patients.”

The event will feature a new format to include reception-style seating and comfortable lounge furniture, no formal table assignments, a delicious menu with an array of hors d’oeuvres, tapas and stations, and black tie attire. Guests can enjoy musical performances by physician-led bands, The Art Topilow Jazz Trio, Not on Call and Lights Out, and participate in a 50/50 raffle and silent auction with select special experiences, such as an Emerald Waterways European Cruise, reservations for four at Rao’s, a trip to Cabo San Lucas and luxury tickets and perks with the NY Giants.

The 2016 Meridian Health Affiliated Foundations’ Gala is supported by generous Title Sponsors, including EmCare, PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, TD Bank, TeamHealth, and Vee Technologies, USA, Cocktail Reception Sponsors, including Coastal Imaging, Concord Advisory Group, Jersey Mikes Franchise Systems, Inc., Meridian Medical Group-Primary Care, Monmouth Family Medicine Group, OceanFirst and WHR Architects, Inc, and Decoration Sponsor, C.R. Bard, Inc. To make reservations, learn more about sponsorship opportunities or to purchase 50/50 raffle tickets, please visit MeridianHealth.com/Gala or contact Michelle Casserly, director of special events, at michelle.casserly@hackensackmeridian.org or 732.751.5112.

H Honorees of the evening were Mr. Robert Sickles, a third generation owner of Sickles Market, Little Silver and the “Foxy Women of the MCF,” who are a group of well accomplished individuals. They included Teja Anderson; Meredyth Armitage; Senator Jennifer Beck; Freeholder Lillian Burry; Barbara Etter; Holly Boyland Flego; Marti Huber; Valerie Montecalvo; Gloria Nilson; and Mary Tassini. These individuals were chosen based on their contributions to land conservation and their contributions to the community in support of Monmouth Conservation’s mission of saving open space, creating parks, preserving farmland, protecting wildlife and safeguarding waterways.

MCF Operations and Events Administrator Kathleen Kenney explained that Robert Sickles was chosen as an honoree due to his efforts on behalf of the MCF mission, as noted above and particularly as it applies to creating parks and preserving farmland, directly aligned with the mission of MCF. His generosity and support of community-wide efforts are remarkable. MCF believes in acknowledging those admirable, important efforts.

Ms. Kenney shared the reason the “Foxy Women of the MCF” were chosen.  With the exception of Meredyth Armitage and Valerie Montecalvo, the women have been long-time members of MCF. Each of the ten women is an extraordinary ambassador for Monmouth Conservation and share exceptional talent and knowledge with the Foundation.

Individually and collectively, they are staunch believers and supporters of the Foundation’s overall mission to save open space, create parks, preserve farmland, protect wildlife and safeguard waterways on behalf of our children and the generations of children to come.

The Feathers, Fox, and Fir dinner dance was attended by 250 guests. Music by The Bob Merrill Orchestra entertained guests throughout the evening, as well as a silent auction with items generously donated by individuals and businesses.

A Dinner Dance Committee and Junior Committee consisting of many dedicated, insightful people planned and executed this event. Their time and talents helped to make this a memorable evening. The support of those involved in any way with the Dinner Dance has allowed the Foundation to continue to preserve more land and protect wildlife.

Since its founding in 1977 by Michael Huber and Judith Stanley Coleman, the MCF has collaboratively saved over 22,500 acres throughout Monmouth County. As the county’s only land trust, the overarching mission of Monmouth Conservation Foundation is to save open space, create parks, preserve farmland, protect wildlife and safeguard waterways. From Huber Woods, Springwood Avenue Park, and Gimbel Farm on the eastern side of Monmouth County, to Walnford Park, Flemer Entities (formerly known as Princeton Nurseries) and Imlaystown School on the western side, the Foundation offers a myriad of preserved and protected farms, parks, and open space for countless individuals and families to experience.

Thanks were given to the MCF Executive Committee members for their dedication, which include President Richard O. Venino, Jr.; Vice President Holly Boyland-Flego; Secretary Teja Anderson; Treasurer William J. Marraccini; as well as Howard P. Aronson; John Dunigan; Michael V. Canavan; Ronald Gumbaz; Gloria Nilson; Frank Scheuer; Mary Tassini; and James J. Truncer for their dedication.

Thanks also go to the MCF Executive Staff of Executive Director William D. Kastning, AICP and Marketing Director/Marketing and Development Lisa McKean. The MCF Trustees and the Advisory Council members are also an important part of this impressive group.

Ms. Kenney shared, “The Feathers, Fox, and Firs event helped to raise awareness, and it emphasized the importance of the Foundation’s mission, including protecting wildlife, as it impacts the quality of life and the environmental benefits to Monmouth County currently and for future generations.”