The beautiful Navesink River can be so many things to different people.
The people behind Riverview Medical Center, where picture windows have been maximized in its new cancer center, believe the calm views of the Navesink can inspire serenity and healing.
And on July 3, after the sun sets, the river will once again reflect River view’s mission to care for the community when the spectacular lights of the seventh annual Family Fireworks on The Navesink, a major fundraiser at the DiPiero home near the Oceanic Bridge, are reflected off the water.
The display has consistently delivered on its promise to light up the night sky for all within view, including the 400 guests who attended an exclusive viewing party hosted by the DiPieros last summer.
“It’s a joy to host this event every year,” said event chair and Riverview Medical Center Foundation trustee Hilary DiPiero. “It has continued to grow and attract new community members, many of whom leave with a commitment to support Riverview Medical Center. We hope that this year’s event will be even more successful than those of previous years.”
Guests have access to a variety of food options, including popular food trucks, as well as inflatable rides and games, not to mention a front row seat to the fireworks show.
Entrance to the event serves as a donation to the Meridian Health Foundation’s Giving Heals campaign, which supports Riverview Medical Center’s ongoing initiatives to strengthen oncology services, improve clinical outcomes, enhance the patient experience and broaden clinical research and academic programs. This event is one of many that has contributed to the more than $95 million raised by the foundation in support of Hackensack Meridian Health medical centers in Monmouth, Ocean and Middlesex counties.
Kelli O’Brien, Riverview’s chief hospital executive, said the event aided a recent remodel of the medical center’s oncology pavilion, which overlooks the serene river setting and assists patients in healing their minds and their ailments.
“We’re blessed to have this beautiful view that our patients, in their most vulnerable time, are able to get lost in. They can take a step back, take in the serene environment and put themselves in the right frame of mind for their journey to recovery. We firmly believe the environment plays a vital role in the healing process,” O’Brien said.
O’Brien added that without fundraisers like the forthcoming fireworks extravaganza, additions like the oncology pavilion and new technology would not be available to medical center personnel.
“It’s because of the community’s support with events like this that we’re able to do what we do best,” O’Brien said. “We’ve been on the river for 90 years, and every step of the way it’s the community’s support that has helped us prepare for the future and endure.”
Reservations for the event are required. For additional information about sponsorship opportunities, or to purchase tickets, please call Michelle Casserly at 732-751-5112 or visit hackensackmeridianhealth.org/rmcfireworks.
As always, donations to support foundation events are gratefully accepted.
