By Judy O’Gorman Alvarez
RED BANK – Celebrating Independence Day with fireworks is a tradition that began in Philadelphia as early as 1777, with the first organized celebration of the day. Over the years, watching fireworks over the Navesink River on the eve of Independence Day has become a customary celebration in the Two River area.
Once again this summer, the Hackensack Meridian Riverview Medical Center Foundation Board of Trustees is hosting the annual fireworks display which will light up the night sky above Red Bank Wednesday, July 3.
The annual fundraiser benefits Hackensack Meridian Riverview Medical Center. Money raised will go toward designing and expanding Riverview’s Emergency Department and its oncology care by adding a new inpatient unit with 20 private patient rooms.
As is tradition, the fundraising event will be held at the DiPiero home on the Navesink River and will kick off at 6:30 p.m. The fireworks display will begin between 9:15 and 9:30 p.m. and will be visible from a variety of locations along the Navesink River and by boat near the Oceanic Bridge.
“We are thrilled to continue the longstanding tradition of our July 4 fireworks display, thanks to the DiPiero family, who so generously host this special event every year,” said Timothy J. Hogan, FACHE, executive vice president, Care Transformation Services and president, chief hospital executive, Riverview Medical Center. “This event not only lights up our sky, but it supports wonderful health care in our community. Every year, we look forward to this celebration and are immensely grateful to our supporters, partners and friends for their generous support and dedication to our mission to transform health care.”
The family-friendly event provides a variety of food options, including food trucks, and guests will enjoy frontrow seats to the fireworks show.
“We look forward to a fantastic evening filled with a spectacular fireworks display, wonderful food and beverage options, and the company of so many of our community members. On behalf of the Board of Trustees of Riverview Medical Center Foundation, I extend heartfelt gratitude to the DiPiero family for their hospitality and to all who so generously support the vital work of our team at Riverview Medical Center,” said Jonathan Schultz, chair of the Riverview Medical Center Foundation Board of Trustees.
In addition to entertaining Two River residents, many guests welcome a chance to support Riverview Medical Center through the fundraiser.
“Health and wellness in our community are the pillars and fundamental elements that make a community thrive,” said Christopher Maher, chair of the HMH Ambulatory Care Committee and CEO of OceanFirst Bank.
“Banks are always a reflection of the community,” he said. As a part of the community, supporting other pillars, like the hospital, is important and ensures we have high-quality, accessible health care, he said. “Not only do we want to have the quality of care, but have it accessible so people can get to it.”
He points out that when a community loses its hospital, it harms its economic growth and health. “We want to protect the crown jewel of the community.”
The fireworks celebration is a perfect time for families. “It’s a unique patriotic celebration of our nation,” said Maher. “At a time when there are things that are dividing us, it’s a chance to set aside our differences for a day and celebrate our democracy. It’s a journey. It’s a work in progress.”
Years ago, Red Bank Borough hosted KaBoom every July 3 but canceled the event because of security and insurance costs.
“This is a way to continue the tradition and use it as an opportunity to raise money for the hospital. And it has been a successful event,” said Brian Nelson, vice chair of the board of trustees for Riverview Medical Center Foundation.
Nelson pointed out that all the funds raised will go directly to support patient care for Riverview Medical Center, which has a few significant projects, including the emergency department expansion.
“This is one of the largest annual events that Riverview Medical Center does as a fundraising event,” he said. It’s a chance for the public to help the community hospital, he pointed out.
“It’s important to have a good community hospital in your backyard,” Nelson said. “Because you may get to select where to go for a complex medical procedure, but at the end of the day, if you have a heart attack or break a leg,” the community hospital is where you will go. “It’s important to support Riverview and make sure the hospital can continue to operate at the level of care that it does.”
Sponsors of this year’s event include: The Cooper Voccola Family Foundation; Crazees; The China Cabinet; Eberg Capital; Mel and Terry Krmazin; OceanFirst Bank; Cullen Capital Management; Birravino – Victor and Kari Rallo; Compass One; Thomas and Patricia Rodilosso; Builders’ General Supply Company; John and Colleen Cook; Cross River Design; Gravina Family; Jones Day; Metrovation/ Cole GP; SL Green Realty; Spiro Harrison & Nelson LLC; Bayshore Family of Companies; Central Jersey Mechanical Inc.; Gail Gordon; Esq.; Heritage House Sotheby’s International Realty; Hill Wallack L.L.P.; Inserra Supermarkets; R.A.O. Safety Inc.; Supreme Conditioning Systems Inc.; Terminal Construction Corporation; THRIVE Red Bank; and Torcon Inc.
Tickets to the annual Family Fireworks on the Navesink are required and can be purchased at GiveHMH.org/RMCFireworks. To inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please email Hilary Cohen at hilary.cohen@hmhn.org.
The article originally appeared in the June 27 – July 3, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
