The young leaders committee welcomes a new generation of givers.
Philanthropy often runs in families. “For years, my father hosted a golf outing at the Plainfield Country Club on behalf of the RWJBarnabas Health hospice program,” says Ryan Gottsegen. “I was fascinated by the turnout and how much money the event raised. I’d wonder, if my dad wasn’t doing this event, how would the hospice program have had the benefit of this much money to support their endeavors? The experience facilitated my love of getting involved.”
Ryan himself took over the chairing of the golf event for several years. Today, he’s supporting Saint Barnabas Medical Center (SBMC) as Chair of the recently created Young Leaders Committee. (His father, Gregg Gottsegen, is a member of the medical center’s Board of Trustees.)
The Young Leaders Committee supports one project per year, with an approximate goal of raising $50,000. Members also make annual contributions, which can be designated as a general donation or directed to a specific program.
“We see members of the Young Leaders Committee as ambassadors to the community, a great sounding board and future leaders within the institution,” says Katherine Lubinger, Director of Special Events at SBMC.
A Fresh Approach
Participation is a generous act, but members will find they give as much as they get from their involvement, Ryan says. Committee members are invited to meetings with key leaders at SBMC to hear updates about what’s happening at the medical center and have access to webinars on topics of interest, such as summer camp safety.
“The Young Leaders Committee can also bring a freshened approach to fundraising,” Ryan says. “We welcome new strengths, skills and new ideas to give a twist to events that help raise the total proceeds.”
It’s rewarding, as well, to engage with like-minded individuals who share similar values and have a desire to support the medical center, he says.
“I hope people realize that whether you live one mile or 25 miles away from this hospital, it will inevitably have an impact on you or your family,” Ryan says. “We’re actively looking for more community members to get involved and share the rewards of making a difference.”
For more information or to get involved with the Young Leaders Committee, call 973.322.4330 or write to sbmcgiving@rwjbh.org.
Special Events To Support The Medical Center
September 13: 47th Annual Saint Barnabas Medical Center Golf & Tennis Open
September 22: The Pink Crusade to benefit breast programs and services
October 10: Miracle Walk to benefit the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
October 20: Valor Awards to benefit The Burn Center
October 24: Running with the Devils 5K Run/Walk
“Anyone who wants to help can contribute in a number of ways,” says Ryan Gottsegen, Chair, Young Leaders Committee, “whether by making a donation, showing up in person or spreading the word to their social networks to facilitate fundraising efforts.”
To learn about how you can support Saint Barnabas Medical Center, visit www.sbmcgiving.org.