AtlantiCare raised over $640,000 in support of behavioral health and addition initiatives at the AtlantiCare Foundation’s 63rd annual Century Club Gala held May 4, 2024 at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City, NJ. Themed the Year of the Dragon, more than 650 people attended the event during which Fernando Delasotta, MD was presented with the Edward R. Knight Award and Richard Mairone, Esq. was also honored with the award in memorium.
Funds raised at the gala will be dedicated to pivotal initiatives aimed at enhancing access to behavioral health and addiction services. AtlantiCare Behavioral Health (ABH), the largest provider of mental health, addiction recovery, and family care social services in southeastern New Jersey, operates across 17 locations in the region. This extensive network allows AtlantiCare to deliver a wide array of services that support individuals and their families in their health journeys. The Foundation’s contributions have been instrumental in advancing ABH’s mission. This includes supporting the hiring of Peer Recovery Specialists and covering startup costs for a new pain management program. The Foundation has also provided funding for transportation assistance, ensuring that patients with substance use disorders and/or behavioral health conditions can access necessary treatments without barriers.
“The AtlantiCare Foundation and the support of our donors have been vital to our past achievements and are imperative to our future success,” said Michael J. Charlton, president and CEO, AtlantiCare. “By enhancing access and excellence in critical health services like behavioral health we are improving the quality of life for over one million residents in our service area. Our promise is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has access to outstanding care close to home.”
The evening was marked by tributes to the 2024 recipients of the Edward R. Knight Award, Dr. Delasotta and the late Mr. Mairone. This award was established in 1998 to honor those who contribute to building a healthier community. The award is named for the late Edward R. Knight, Ph.D., who was chair emeritus of AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center’s (ARMC’s) Board of Trustees and who devoted more than 50 years of service to improving healthcare for those who live and work in southeastern New Jersey.
David Goddard, chair of the AtlantiCare Board of Trustees, expressed, “Both individuals, Dr. Delasotta and Richard Mairone have made countless contributions to the health and welfare of our community. It is a pleasure to honor two people who through their life’s work have done much to reflect Dr. Knight’s dedication to community service.”
About Fernando Delasotta, MD
Dr. Fernando Delasotta is being recognized for his continued service and passionate commitment to caring for patients with neurological concerns in our community. Dr. Delasotta, the former Medical Director of Neurosurgery at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center is a Board-certified neurosurgeon. He specializes in surgery of the brain, spine and peripheral nerves, and has more than 20 years’ experience in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic back pain, disc disease, spinal cord injury and tumor disease. Aside from his patients, Dr. Delasotta is generous in sharing his time and expertise. Active in his profession and sought after for his knowledge, he has been a faculty member and presenter at many meetings and conferences around the world. He regularly trains providers on trauma management and neurological interventions. AtlantiCare applauds his lifelong commitment to quality care, continuing education and peer mentoring.
About Richard “Rick” Mairone, Esq.
Richard Mairone was highly regarded within the legal community where he specialized in tax and estate matters, regularly giving back to the legal profession. Beyond his well-established legal career, Rick also generously served and supported many other organizations. He dedicated many hours in service to AtlantiCare, chairing AtlantiCare’s English Creek Assurance Board, and serving as a Trustee on its Regional Heath Service Board and committees. He was a member of The Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce Board of Trustees and supported the UNICO Scholarship Foundation. His service and support also extended to his alma matter, Villanova University, where his contributions included cheering on the basketball team at as many games as possible. This love for basketball was passed down to Rick’s children and he enjoyed cheering them on and coaching them. Rick will long be remembered for his impact in the community, professionalism, and his kind heart.
About the AtlantiCare Foundation
The AtlantiCare Foundation was established in 1977 and is committed to improving health outcomes by investing in areas such as food security and the promotion of healthy behaviors to moms, babies, and school-aged youth, mental health services, and access to quality healthcare for underserved communities. The Foundation has also been instrumental in the construction of new facilities, and the addition of cutting-edge treatment and wellness programs at AtlantiCare. With the addition of the funds raised at this gala, the AtlantiCare Foundation is over halfway to its annual goal of $5 million in community impact. Those interested in supporting the Foundation are urged to learn more at AtlantiCare.org/foundation.
