Gala Evening Supports "The Power of Healing"
It was a Gala night indeed as the guests gathered for the wonderful black tie event at The Palace at Somerset in May. Nearly 500 guests shared in the festivities as "The Power of Healing" raised approximately $450,000 to benefit Trinitas Regional Medical Center and its patients. Cardinal Health was honored with the Foundation's "Celebrating Philanthropy Award" for its exemplary philanthropic practices while Gloria H. Piserchia, former Chairwoman of the Trinitas Regional Medical Center Auxiliary, received the "Humanitarian Award" for her 51 years of service to Elizabeth General Medical Center and later, Trinitas Regional Medical Center. Emil Piserchia, MD, Gloria's husband, served as chairman of Anesthesia Services at Elizabeth General Hospital and Medical Center for more than 35 years.

Emmy Award-winning journalist Rita Cosby was the evening's gracious Master of Ceremonies who presented the two awards. Although illness prevented Gloria and Emil Pischeria from attending, ten members of the Pischeria family represented the couple. Comedian, singer, and all-around showman, Joe Piscopo supplied the evening's entertainment. An entertainment legend and a proud native of New Jersey, Piscopo performed a tribute to Hoboken-born Frank Sinatra, entertained guests with a novelty number about being a New Jerseyan, and later even took an energetic turn at the drum set with his back up orchestra.

The Gala raised approximately $450,000 overall, with nearly $35,000 from the more than 100 Silent Auction items that departments and individuals donated for the event.