The Community Medical Center Foundation Has Raised Critical Funds Through The Winter Ball And A Partnership With Local Restaurants.
In January 25, the Community Medical Center (CMC) Foundation presented the Physician of Distinction and Emerging Leader awards at the Mardi Gras-themed Winter Ball. The awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to the hospital. The Physician of Distinction Award, created in 2011, celebrates a physician leader with more than 25 years of service to the hospital. The Emerging Leader Award, given for the first time last year, recognizes an active member of the community and supporter of the hospital.
“The success of events like the Winter Ball, which raised over $75,000 for the hospital, is only possible with the support of the medical staff, the employees, the community and generous donors,” says Peter Van Dyke, Chair, CMC Foundation.
This year’s Physician of Distinction recipient is John Sarris, MD, who joined CMC in 1993 as a neurosurgeon. In 2010, after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease—a nervous system disorder that causes tremors, particularly in the hands— he began practicing neurocritical care. He treats patients who have suffered stroke, head injuries and, of course, Parkinson’s disease. “I never want my patients to feel rushed,” says Dr. Sarris, who’s made it his mission to spend time with patients. When asked what he enjoys most about being a physician, he says, “I like knowing I’ve helped someone in a time of need.”
The Emerging Leader Award was given to Steve Green, president of Green Label Title, a title insurance and settlement company in Manasquan. Green has been involved with CMC since 2015 as a member of the hospital’s Foundation Board and Vice Chair of the Council of Emerging Leaders, a group of young professionals who raise funds for the hospital. Steve is also involved in many local organizations—Vice Chair of Big Brothers Big Sisters and Second Vice Chair of the Toms River Chamber of Commerce. “I like giving back to the community to make a difference,” he says.
More than 250 people attended the black-tie event at Caesars Palace in Atlantic City. Patrick Ahearn, Chief Executive Officer of CMC, says, “We’re fortunate that individuals like John and Steve are willing to commit their time and talent to CMC to make the community a better place.”
Thank You Thursdays
Due to COVID-19, the Foundation was unable to hold the traditional “Red, White and Brew” wine tasting supporting high- quality care and services at the J. Phillip Citta Regional Cancer Center. Instead, community members were encouraged to donate the cost of their ticket to the Foundation and order take-out meals from local restaurants to support a new fundraiser called “Thank You Thursdays.”
Partner restaurants agreed to donate a portion of the proceeds to the Cancer Center on six Thursdays between May 28 and July 2. Participants were Artisan’s in Toms River, Klee’s Bar & Grill in Seaside Heights, Capone’s Gourmet Pizza & Pasta in Toms River, Ohana Grill in Lavallette, Stone Fire Grille in Beachwood and The Office Restaurant & Lounge in Toms River. In June, the Garden State Distillery Company offered “to-go” cocktails, with $1 from every purchase donated to the Cancer Center. At press time, the promotion had raised nearly $35,000 for cancer services. “We’ve had an incredible outpouring of support from the community,” says Jennifer Shufran, Vice President of the CMC Foundation.
The fundraiser resulted in unexpected contributions. The owner of Freehold Ford, a friend of a restaurant owner, donated $2,000 to the Foundation in June. “It’s important to support CMC now to meet both existing and emergent health needs of our community,” says Shufran. “Donations support critical services like cancer care, emergency medicine and community health screenings and education.”
To support Community Medical Center, visit www.cmcgiving.org.