BVMI's First Anniversary!
Celebrating the Culture of Caring
“Celebrating the Culture of Caring: Reception and Buffet Supper” –
an overwhelming success! Thank you!
Over 300 people filled the ballroom of the Stony Hill Inn on November 4, 2010
to mark the first anniversary of the opening of the BVMI Healthcare Center and to
raise over $170,000 for BVMI’s first major fundraising event.
“Celebrating the Culture of Caring” highlighted the philosophy of the Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative which states that the way patients are treated is as important as the quality of the medical care they receive. The event also underscored the importance of donor participation, as BVMI is completely dependent on contributed income.
“We recognize the many volunteer physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses and other clinical and non-medical volunteers for their expertise and commitment to the patients of BVMI,” said Norma S. Gindes, MSW, Executive Director, in her welcoming remarks. “And we thank our loyal donors for all you have done and continue to do.”
All five Bergen County hospitals and two corporations, BD and Quest Diagnostics, were honored for their support and collaboration in helping to make the first year of the Healthcare Center a success.
The Community Leadership Award was presented by Event Co-Chair Pamela T. Miller, Esq., Vice President, Sustainability and Community Investment, Medco Health Services, and Executive Director, Medco Foundation, and Bernard M. Weinstein, Chair, Board of Trustees, BVMI, to the following:
- Bergen Regional Medical Center, Joseph S. Orlando, President and Chairman of the Board
- Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, Douglas A. Duchak, President and Chief Executive Officer, represented by Anthony Orlando, Chief Financial Officer
- Hackensack University Medical Center, Robert C. Garrett, President and Chief Executive Officer
- Holy Name Medical Center, Michael Maron, President and Chief Executive Officer
- The Valley Hospital and Valley Health System, Audrey Meyers, President and Chief Executive Officer
“The partnerships which we recognize tonight are evidence of a true culture of caring,” said Pam Miller. “BVMI provides critically needed care to some of Bergen County’s
most vulnerable individuals and families. I am inspired by all those who make this possible.”
The Corporate Spirit of Giving Award was presented by Event Co-Chair Joseph Rutch,
Administrator, Borough of Cliffside Park, and Michael W. Azzara, First Vice Chair, BVMI
Board of Trustees, to the following:
- BD, Edward J. Ludwig, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
- Quest Diagnostics, Surya Mohapatra, PhD, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, represented by Robert Peters, Regional Vice President Operations, Eastern Region
“The Center could not have opened its doors without Becton Dickinson,” said Joe Rutch. “And the doors cannot remain open without Quest.” BD contributed supplies and equipment to BVMI and Quest provides all lab work at no cost.
“BVMI has changed lives,” said Senator Loretta Weinberg, Honorary Chair. “This, indeed, is cause for celebration. I join you this evening in applauding the vision of the leaders, the work of the countless volunteers and staff, in thanking the donors who sustain BVMI and in congratulating tonight’s honorees.”
Thank you to Medco, our Pacesetter Sponsor, and to all the organizations and individuals who participated in the event journal.