For Immediate Release
December 20, 2007
Contact: Laura Pollio
732-751-7537
lpollio@meridianhealth.com

RECORD BREAKING GALA BENEFITS REGION’S LEADING NOT-FOR-PROFIT HEALTH CARE PROVIDER

Chaired by Kathy and John Weiland, the 2007 Meridian Health Gala raises approximately $700,000 benefiting Meridian’s not-for-profit hospitals and community health programs

Neptune, NJ - The hospitals and health care services of Meridian Health got an early holiday gift this year, as the Meridian Health Affiliated Foundations proudly announced that the fundraising goal for their annual gala was exceeded; breaking the not-for-profit’s record for the second straight year.

The region’s premiere fund raising event benefited Meridian’s not-for-profit hospitals and community health programs, which includes Jersey Shore University Medical Center and K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital in Neptune, Ocean Medical Center in Brick, Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank and Meridian Partner Companies located throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties. Meridian is also home to the region’s only trauma center and heart surgery program, and provides more than $45 million in charity health care for Monmouth and Ocean counties.

The 2007 Gala was chaired by Kathy and John Weiland of Brick, and was held on November 17 at the Ocean Place Resort and Spa in Long Branch. The Gala’s theme was “Land of the Rising Sun” and featured Asian cuisine and décor. The funds raised at this year’s gala surpassed last year’s by over $125,000 as the event netted approximately $700,000, aided by contributions given by physicians, members of the community, organizations from throughout the region, and a sold out crowd.

“We are truly overwhelmed by the support of our community,” says Kathy Weiland. “The gala committee created an unforgettable event for such a worthy cause, and I found it to be a privilege to work with such a dedicated group of individuals.”

Gala Committee Chairs included Mollie Giamanco of Holmdel, Gina Petillo of Colts Neck, Maureen Lloyd of Oceanport, Jim Petillo of Manasquan, Carol Stillwell of Holmdel, Debra Raben of Wayside, Anita Roselle of Manasquan, and Meridian president John K. Lloyd. For more information on the Meridian Gala or supporting Meridian Health, please call the Meridian Health Affiliated Foundations at 732-751-5100.

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