Mount Laurel, NJ – Samaritan recently held its annual Celebration of Life Gala, presented by Holman Enterprises, in-person for the first time since 2020. More than $200,000 was raised in support of the not-for-profit’s comprehensive family of services, which benefit seriously ill patients and their families, as well as those grieving a loss.

Emceed by Meteorologist Kathy Orr of FOX 29 News, the Gala celebrated John C. Gillespie, Esq., partner at Parker McCay and former Samaritan Board Chair, and Innovative Benefit Planning of Moorestown, led by Terriann Procida and Mark Sulpizio, as this year’s Celebration of Life Honorees.

“I sincerely thank our sponsors, including our presenting sponsor Holman Enterprises, Board members, talented staff, Gala Committee, volunteers and Honorary Gala Co-Chairs Linda and Frank Cardile – all who made this year’s Gala possible,” said Phillip W. Heath, president and CEO of Samaritan. “Their generous time, hard work and kind donations ensured we created a fun, entertaining night for our more than 340 attendees while making our return to an in-person event memorable and inspiring.”

The Gala included dinner, live music by Masquerade, dancing, an Online Auction with more than 130 items to bid on that raised over $30,000, and the drawing of two winning tickets for the annual Delightful Dining raffle, sponsored by Innovative Benefit Planning. Dale Schneller of Bensalem, Pa. and Katie Wyckoff of Philadelphia were the lucky recipients of twelve $100 dining gift certificates, valued at a total of $1,200.

“We are humbled by and grateful for our generous and compassionate supporters who continue to show up for Samaritan,” added Heath. “Each of you ensures our organization grows and expands our delivery of life-enhancing care to our patients, clients and their families throughout the region.”

To learn more about ways to support Samaritan, visit: samaritannj.org/giving/.

About Samaritan:

Samaritan is a not-for-profit, independent organization locally founded in Moorestown, New Jersey in 1980 as one of the first hospices in the country. Samaritan is now one of the State’s leading providers of hospice care, palliative (comfort) medicine, at-home primary care, grief support and counseling, advanced illness care, education and advocacy. Samaritan serves people in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Mercer counties who are coping with the stresses of aging, serious illness or grief wherever they call home. Samaritan also has two dedicated inpatient hospice centers in Voorhees and Mount Holly. Beyond the services covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance plans, Samaritan annually provides nearly $1M in donor-funded non-reimbursed care for patients and families in the South Jersey region. A thrift shop in Westmont also supports Samaritan services and programs. Samaritan is accredited by The Joint Commission; a member of the National Partnership for Hospice Innovation; and is a four-star hospice in the national We Honor Veterans program. For more information, visit www.SamaritanNJ.org.