The 30th annual Power of Pink fundraiser, held on July 17 in Rumson, New Jersey, raised a record-breaking $1.25 million to support cancer care services at Monmouth Medical Center’s new Vogel Medical Campus in Tinton Falls.
The sold-out luncheon, attended by nearly 600 guests, featured a conversation with philanthropists Dorothea and Jon Bon Jovi, who were introduced by New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy. Moderated by former television reporter Molly Kroon, the discussion highlighted the couple’s long-standing commitment to community service through their JBJ Soul Foundation, established in 2006. The Bon Jovis also support the Dorothea and Jon Bon Jovi Nutrition Education Program at the hospital’s LiveWell Center.
Eric Carney, President and CEO of Monmouth Medical Center (MMC) and its Southern Campus, shared how the Bon Jovis donated face shields to the hospital during the early stages of the pandemic. “The supplies provided our staff with protection, but Dorothea’s words of inspiration were needed by our staff even more,” Carney said. “While Jon is known for his powerful choruses, it is their passion for giving back that is making a difference. To me, the 30th anniversary of Power of Pink is a celebration of passion.”
First Lady Murphy praised the Bon Jovis for their dedication, stating, “It was a privilege to witness my dear friends Dorothea and Jon Bongiovi be recognized for their dedication to service and their incredible work.”
The funds raised will support a broad expansion of regional cancer care. Bill Arnold, Executive Vice President of RWJBarnabas Health’s Southern Region, detailed the system’s major projects, including the new Specialty Care and Cancer Center at the Vogel Medical Campus. This facility is being developed alongside New Jersey’s first freestanding cancer hospital—The Jack and Sheryl Morris Cancer Center in New Brunswick—and the new Melchiorre Cancer Center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center.
“Together with Rutgers Cancer Institute, our goal is to bring cancer treatment, diagnosis and prevention into the future right in our patients’ backyard,” Arnold said.
Mark E. Manigan, President and CEO of RWJBarnabas Health, added, “The level of care and compassion our teams demonstrate, paired with the talented providers we have, will transform cancer care in this community and the region.”
The event, presented by the MMC Foundation’s Women’s Council, was held at the Rumson home of Amy and Daniel Reich for the third consecutive year. It was co-chaired by Sima Yakoby Epstein and Debbie Menkowitz. The 30th-anniversary luncheon also paid tribute to the past leaders who established the Power of Pink as a signature fundraiser for the medical center.
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