More than 700 people attended the AtlantiCare Foundation’s 59th Annual Century Club Gala at the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City April 7. The theme of the event was Under the Sea. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Edward R. Knight Award to Eugene Arnone, immediate past chairman, AtlantiCare Health Services Board; and to Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ) and Tina Ercole LoBiondo.
“We thank everyone who attended and supported the Gala,” said Lori Herndon, president and CEO, AtlantiCare. She explained proceeds of the event would benefit AtlantiCare’s Cancer Care Institute, Behavioral Health Services, Healing Arts Program, and its Healthy Communities Fund. Herndon also thanked Brian Acunto, DO, and his wife Breana, and Lou and Inez Barberio, Gala co-chairs, and the planning committee they led.
“For 40 years the Foundation has been working with generous individuals and groups in our community to advance the clinical and community efforts of AtlantiCare,” said Pat Agnellini, chairman, AtlantiCare Foundation Board. “Together, we’ve made a difference. We look forward to continuing our ability to make more moments matter.”
At Geisinger, everything we do is about caring,” said David Feinberg, MD, president and CEO, Geisinger. “I think you’ll agree that our passion for caring is evident in the programs and being supported tonight.” Feinberg thanked attendees “on behalf of the entire Geisinger Family, for supporting AtlantiCare’s commitment to the community and caring.”
AtlantiCare established the Edward R. Knight Award in 1998 to honor those who contribute to building a healthier community. It is named for the late Edward R. Knight, Ph.D., who was chairman emeritus of ARMC and who devoted more than 50 years of service to improving healthcare for those who live and work in southeastern New Jersey.
“Congressman Frank LoBiondo and Tina Ercole LoBiondo both recognize that a life of service is what they’ve been called to do,” said Michael Charlton, chairman, AtlantiCare System Board. He noted their contributions to the health and wellbeing of the community, including their advocacy around the treatment, prevention, and the cure of lung cancer.
“Tina and I are tremendously honored and humbled to be a part of this night,” said Congressman LoBiondo. “We want to thank Lori Herndon and the AtlantiCare team for the tremendous difference you make in the community. My biggest thanks goes to Tina, for being my strength and support and such a team partner through all of these years.”
“Gene never lost his passion for AtlantiCare,” said Charlton of Arnone, explaining that after being controller of the hospital, Arnone began his 20-year volunteer Board service in 1997. This included serving as vice chair of the AtlantiCare Health Services Board and chairman of the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center and AtlantiCare Health System boards. Arnone also has also volunteered for and supported the Arc of Atlantic County for which he is past chairman and emeritus Board member; Special Olympics New Jersey; Hearts Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. of Egg Harbor Township; and other organizations. He served on the American Hospital Association’s Committee on Governance from 2007-2010.
“Gene’s leadership has provided a steady hand, direct nature and thought-provoking conversations,” said Charlton. He’s encouraged us to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more. He is a true servant leader and a dedicated family man.”
“I first met Ed Knight in 1976 when I was working as a controller for the hospital,” said Arnone. “He was devoted to AtlantiCare and to other community groups. He was an inspiration to all of us.” Arnone thanked AtlantiCare leaders and staff – as well as Board members with whom he had collaborated over his two decades of service. He thanked his family, including wife Cindy and their two daughters, for “sharing” him with others in their support of his voluntarism.
“As we achieve success in life and accumulate all of its trappings, we quickly learn that service, sharing and giving back to the community provide us even greater rewards,” said Arnone. Although tonight is billed as a tribute to the LoBiondos and myself, this is more a night for me to say, thank you, for the opportunity to serve. If you really and truly want to remember Ed Knight and honor me and those who have won this award, please make service a part of your daily life.” (See a video clip here.)
For more information about AtlantiCare, call the AtlantiCare Access Center at 1-888-569-1000 or visit https://www.facebook.com/AtlantiCare/.
