For Immediate Release
December 11, 2006
Contact: Michael Valentino
732-751-7538
mvalentino@meridianhealth.com

RECORD BREAKING GALA BENEFITING REGION’S LEADING NOT-FOR-PROFIT HEALTH CARE PROVIDER HELD ON NOVEMBER 18

Chaired by John and Maureen Lloyd, the 2006 Meridian Health Gala brought in more than a half-million dollars benefiting Meridian’s not-for-profit hospitals and community health programs

Neptune, NJ - Meridian Health Affiliated Foundations proudly announces that the fundraising goal for their annual gala has been exceeded; breaking the not-for-profit’s record for the annual black-tie event.

One of the region’s premiere fund raising events benefits 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 that include home care and hospice agencies, long-term and assisted living communities, ambulatory care, ambulance services, and occupational health 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 2006 Gala was chaired by Meridian president and CEO, John K. Lloyd and his wife, Maureen, of Oceanport, and was held on November 18 at the Ocean Place Resort and Spa in Long Branch. The Gala’s theme was “A Winter Evening in New York.” The goal for this year’s fundraising gala has been greatly exceeded, with the event netting more than $530,000, aided by contributions given by members of the community, physicians, and organizations from throughout the region. The Meridian Health Gala is one of Monmouth and Ocean counties’ premier social fundraising events, and featured a sold out crowd of more than 650 guests in attendance.

“We wanted to capture the feelings one gets when experiencing New York City during the winter holiday season,” says Maureen. “The energy of Times Square, the serenity of Central Park, the charm of window shopping along 5th Avenue – the 2006 Gala delivered a very special evening that ultimately contributes toward the critical role Meridian plays in improving the health of our community.”

Gala Committee members include Mollie Giamanco, Holmdel; Gina Petillo, Colts Neck; Jim Petillo, Manasquan; Debra Raben, Wayside; Carol Stillwell, Holmdel; and Anita Roselle; East Manasquan. 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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