What You Need To Know
On Saturday, September 14, Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation hosted its annual gala at Lincoln Center in New York City and publicly launched its one billion dollar Be The Difference campaign – the largest fundraising campaign ever undertaken by a health care system in New Jersey. The event’s honorees were campaign co-chairs Peter Cancro, founder and CEO of Jersey Mike’s Subs, and Eli Manning, former New York Football Giants quarterback and 2x Super Bowl MVP, who were recognized for their selfless support of Hackensack Meridian Health programs and services and steadfast leadership.
The event raised more than $10 million, thanks in large part to our fundraising committee chaired by Tatiana Cancro, helping to bring Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation’s fundraising total to over $608 million - more than halfway towards its lofty goal. To help celebrate the campaign launch, guests were treated to a special performance by Hugh Jackman, the Academy Award®-nominated, Golden Globe and Tony-Award winning performer, and the unique humor of comedian, writer, producer, director, political commentator, actor and television host Jon Stewart, who emceed the event.
The Be The Difference campaign is built upon four pillars, each designed to support Hackensack Meridian Health’s vision for New Jersey in their own distinct ways:
- better delivery of patient care
- revolutionizing medical education and supporting the nursing profession
- accelerating research and discovery
- and ensuring more equitable access to advanced care.
Numerous community members have committed their support to the cause, including top campaign donors. They include:
- The Cancro Family
- Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation
- Golden Dome Foundation
- Mary Ellen Harris
- Mike & Patti Hennessy Foundation
- H. Hovnanian Family Foundation
- several anonymous donors
Additionally, the campaign’s success can also be attributed largely to the Campaign Executive Committee comprised of the following individuals:
- Peter Cancro, campaign co-chair
- Eli N. Manning, campaign co-chair
- Keith T. Banks
- Harry Carson
- John M. Dias
- Domenic M. DiPiero III
- Frank L. Fekete, CPA
- Louis J. Freeh
- Lawrence Inserra, Jr.
- Tracy Morgan
- Siran Hovnanian Sahakian
- Joseph M. Sanzari
- Jon Stewart (Honorary)
- Helena Theurer
The Gala and Be The Difference Campaign Launch was generously sponsored by: Platinum Sponsor - Jersey Mike’s Subs; Presenting Sponsor - Ardent Health Services; Bernhard; Inserra Supermarkets, Inc.; and the physicians of RCCA - Regional Cancer Care Associates. Many other generous organizations also supported at the Diamond, Gold, Silver and Bronze levels to help make the evening and campaign launch a success.
To learn more or make a gift in support of the Be The Difference campaign, visit HMHBeTheDifference.org.