Over 350 guests dined and danced to the music of an eight-piece orchestra at the Christ Hospital Foundation’s second annual charity black-tie fund-raiser, “Dancing Under the Harvest Moon,” held on Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Marriott at Glenpointe in Teaneck, N.J.
The event raised over $400,000 – a new record – and all proceeds benefit the Harwood Heart Center, named after the guest of honor, Journal Square developer Lowell Harwood. Harwood was honored for his work on the hospital’s board and his fund-raising efforts. Harwood was presented with proclamations issued by Jerramiah Healy, mayor of Jersey City; Thomas A. DeGise, Hudson County Executive; State Sen. Sandra Cunningham (D-Jersey City), and U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ).
“Your generosity and presence here tonight send a loud and clear message.” – Peter Kelly
________
He was introduced by his grandsons, David and Jonathan, and was presented with a clock by Christ Hospital President and CEO Peter A. Kelly. Harwood then spoke of the importance of Christ Hospital in serving the community.
“Christ Hospital, with over 500 physicians and 381 beds, offers the citizens of Hudson County the best medical care that can be delivered,” Harwood said.
Christ Hospital is on Palisade Avenue in Jersey City and was founded in 1872 by the Episcopal Church.
Also honored was Robert Reiser, a member of the Christ Hospital Foundation Board and a senior volunteer at Christ Hospital. Reiser was recognized for his outstanding service to the hospital for about 30 years, and his generosity to the Christ Hospital Foundation.
And the audience also received kudos from Kelly for being in a charitable mood in a time of economic hardship.
“Your generosity and presence here tonight send a loud and clear message,” Kelly said. “The message is that despite the challenges that we face, when we come together we can do good work, achieve great things, and set new records.”
Ricardo Kaulessar can be reached at rkaulessar@hudsonreporter.com.