Annual Recognition Gala Turns New Meadowlands Stadium Into Field Of Dreams

The 2010 Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC) Foundation Annual Recognition Gala was held at the New Meadowlands Stadium, giving attendees a larger than life “Giant,” in fact experience of being on the field for the evening.

Following the Cocktail Reception in the Coach’s Club, gala attendees were seated in a 20,000 square foot transparent tent. Guests enjoyed dinner and dancing to live music by MIXX 22 and Smokey Joe’s Café. As the fabulous event drew to a close, guests were surprised by a fireworks display that lit up the sky over the New Meadowlands Stadium.

Welcoming remarks by Robert C. Garrett, President and Chief Executive Office of Hackensack University Medical Center included recognition of Helena Theurer for her remarkable donation of $10 million for the new John Theurer Cancer Center, named for her late husband. Joseph M. Sanzari, chairman, HUMC Board of Governors; and Joseph Simunovich, chairman, HUMC Foundation Board of Trustees, also extended their welcome and expressed appreciation to all those who contributed to the evening’s success. The guest of honor was Lowell McAdam, president and chief operating officer of Verizon Communications, Inc., who greeted the audience joking, “Can you hear me now?” Also recognized was former New York Giant George Martin for his efforts on behalf of the thousands of 9/11 rescue and recovery workers with serious medical conditions.

As a result of a charitable partnership formed between HUMC and the New York Football Giants, the $2.2 million raised from this year’s gala went to The Touchdown Fund: Score for Kids, Cardiac and Cancer, which contributes to the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital; the new Heart and Vascular Hospital, and the John Theurer Cancer Center.

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