L-R: Dr. Alexander Itskovich, Nancy Barone, Robert McGirr, Nadia Batchelor, Thomas Scott, Brett Taft
CentraState Healthcare Foundation announces Making More Happen Here: The Campaign to Advance Cancer and Cardiac Care at Annual Celebration Ball
February 12, 2024 – Freehold, NJ
On Friday, February 9, 2024, CentraState Healthcare Foundation hosted its 62nd Annual Celebration Ball – Love is in the Air. The event celebrated honorees Dr. Alexander Itskovich as Distinguished Ambassador and Robert C. McGirr and Clayton and McGirr Funeral Home as Community Partner.
Board-certified in general surgery by the American Board of Surgery and fellowship-trained, Dr. Itskovich, in his clinical practice, specializes in treating diseases of the liver, pancreas, bile duct, and gastrointestinal tract. He has extensive experience with highly complex procedures including HIPEC (hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy) and performs minimally invasive surgery utilizing the da Vinci Robotic System. In his administrative role, Dr. Itskovich is responsible for the comprehensive delivery of multidisciplinary care at the Statesir Cancer Center, an American College of Surgeons’ comprehensive cancer program.
Mr. McGirr, of Brielle, is a lifelong Monmouth County resident, former Freehold Township Committeeman and current owner and manager of Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home in Freehold Township. Mr. McGirr has supported CentraState Medical Center since 1990 in a multitude of ways, sharing his genuine compassion towards family and community members. As well, Mr. McGirr has served on various boards throughout NJ since 2001 and is currently a CentraState Healthcare Foundation Trustee.
Over 450 attended this year’s event which made its proud return to SouthGate Manor in Freehold. Guests enjoyed delicious French-themed foods and spirits during cocktail hour, dinner, and dessert. After listening to honoree presentations made by Thomas Scott, CentraState Healthcare System President & CEO and Brett Taft, CentraState Healthcare Foundation Board Chair, guests danced the night away to music provided by Generation Events and bid on over 50 auction items donated by committee members and local businesses. Diamond Sponsor Atlantic Health System and Gold Sponsor UMH Properties were also recognized as the top sponsors for the evening.
Over $314,000 was raised to support programs and services offered at CentraState Medical Center.
This year’s Celebration Ball also included a special announcement by former CentraState Healthcare Foundation Board Chair Joseph Iantosca — “More than 6 decades ago, our community knew they needed a hospital, right here in Freehold. CentraState was built by our community, for our community. The first major fundraising initiative was the Celebration Ball in 1961, and our community’s support throughout the years has helped transform CentraState into a nationally accredited regional medical center affiliated with Atlantic Healthcare System. I am proud to announce our new campaign – Making More Happen Here: The Campaign to Advance Cancer and Cardiac Care. Throughout this year, our community will have the opportunity to support the growth & expansion of our Cancer and Cardiac services – to meet the needs in our region and beyond.”
About CentraState Healthcare System:
CentraState Healthcare System, a partner of Atlantic Health System, is a fully accredited, not-for-profit, community-based health system that provides comprehensive health services in the central New Jersey region. In addition to offering a full range of leading-edge diagnostic and treatment options, CentraState serves as a valuable health partner focused on the latest ways to prevent disease, promote healthy behaviors, and help people of all ages live life well. Based in Freehold, CentraState is comprised of a 284-bed acute-care hospital, a vibrant health and wellness campus, three award-winning senior living communities, a charitable foundation, and four convenient satellite health pavilions. The system also offers a family medicine residency and geriatric fellowship training program in affiliation with Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Among its many honors and accreditations, CentraState is one of less than two percent of hospitals nationwide to earn Magnet® designation for nursing excellence four times. To learn more, visit centrastate.com.
About the CentraState Healthcare Foundation:
CentraState Healthcare Foundation’s mission is to inspire broad based community philanthropic support for advancing exceptional healthcare at the CentraState Healthcare System.
MEDIA CONTACT: Nicole Romano, Manager Donor Engagement, CentraState Healthcare Foundation
E: nromano@centrastate.com │P: (732)-294-7015