RED BANK – To safeguard supporters during the COVID-19 pandemic, Hackensack Meridian Riverview Medical Center Foundation was unable to host the annual Family Fireworks on the Navesink event this year. However, the traditional fireworks display still launched at 9 p.m., despite the inclement weather, and was dedicated to the community’s frontline workers, including health care heroes and other essential personnel.
“We are grateful for all those who donated in support of the Fireworks on the Navesink River and were so proud to express our gratitude to the heroes among us, while raising money for a great cause,” said Robert C. Garrett, chief executive officer, Hackensack Meridian Health. “It our greatest hope that all of the safety measures, social distancing and masking that have been implemented statewide are enough to ensure that the worst is behind us, but Hackensack Meridian Health is actively preparing should we experience a resurgence. Community support has been vital in our fight against COVID-19 and we are thankful for their generosity and outpouring of kindness for our health care heroes.”
The expense of the display was generously underwritten by the Riverview Medical Center Foundation Board of Trustees. Hackensack Meridian Health and Riverview Medical Center extends gratitude to all who contributed, as well as to those in the broader community who gave generously during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. All gifts will support the ongoing efforts at Riverview Medical Center to care for patients during this crisis and beyond.
“We were so pleased to be able to continue this holiday tradition in our community, albeit very differently this year,” said Domenic DiPiero, host and member of the Hackensack Meridian Health Board of Trustees. “We were proud to be able to celebrate our health care heroes and other essential personnel who have been working tirelessly to keep everyone safe.”
Gifts to support Riverview Medical Center are still being accepted and are 100 percent tax deductible. To donate, please visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/RMCFireworks, call 201-317-5397 or email michelle.casserly@hackensackmeridian.org.
The article originally appeared in the July 16 – 22, 2020 print edition of The Two River Times.
