TRINITAS GALA RAISES $400,000!
Records Are Broken As More Than 500 Support Our Annual Celebration!

In 2006, the Trinitas Health Foundation's Annual Gala, held at The Palace at Somerset Park, raised more than $400,000 for the programs and services of Trinitas Regional Medical Center. The black tie event featured international recording star Gloria Gaynor, who performed her signature song, "I Will Survive."

Wachovia, a leading banking institution serving communities throughout New Jersey and 15 other states and Washington, DC, was honored with the Trinitas Health Foundation's Celebrating Philanthropy Award for its exemplary philanthropic practices. Accepting the award was Lucia DiNapoli Gibbons, Regional President - Northern New Jersey Wachovia. Also during the Gala, the family of Ann M. Baran, former Senior Vice President/External Affairs & Hospital Services, received the Foundation's Humanitarian Award in her memory. A former Union County Manager, Ms. Baran, was active with key community organizations including the United Way of Greater Union County, the Union County Alliance and Community Access Unlimited. Ms. Baran passed away in January after a long battle with cancer.

The gala co-chairs were Tom Sabatino, executive vice president and general counsel of Schering-Plough, and his wife, Joan. "A year ago at this same event, I got my first taste of what Trinitas is all about. Being new to the area, I wasn't aware that there was such a wonderful hospital in the middle of one of New Jersey's largest cities. I've come to learn - by being on the Board of Trustees and chairing this dinner - what a truly unique place Trinitas is," Mr. Sabatino stated. "I honestly can't think of another hospital where everyone, from doctors to nurses, technicians, schedulers and valet attendants, are so consistently caring, warm, courteous and professional."

John C. Gibardi, Chairman of the Trinitas Health Foundation, compared the financial result of the event with that of the first gala held in 2002. "In that year, 240 tickets were sold and $61,000 was raised," Mr. Gibardi said. He also spoke of the very low administrative costs of the Trinitas Health Foundation. "Nationally, 35 to 45 cents of every dollar raised goes toward administration and fund raising expenses. At Trinitas, only 13 cents on every dollar raised is used for administration and expenses - about one-third the national average."

Trinitas Regional Medical Center President and CEO Gary S. Horan, FACHE, described the recent progress of the hospital. "The Trinitas Comprehensive Cancer Center has been built, equipment has been upgraded, we've added new programs in just about every one of our twelve Centers of Excellence, and we are at the moment constructing a new cardiac catheterization lab," he said, adding, "Perhaps one of the most striking results of building such a great hospital is that patients are now coming to us from throughout New Jersey and from New York and Pennsylvania," he added.

Nadine Brechner, Executive Director of the Trinitas Health Foundation, announced the establishment of the Ann M. Baran Memorial Lecture Series. "This lecture series is an outgrowth of the Ann M Baran Memorial Endowment Fund, which was established by caring family, friends and colleagues as a lasting tribute to this outstanding humanitarian," Ms. Brechner said.

The event also featured a 50-50 cash raffle and a raffle for a women's Cartier watch donated by Leonardo Jewelers of Elizabeth and Red Bank.

To make a gift or for information on the Trinitas Health Foundation's many giving programs, please call 908-994-8249.