Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation to Host Annual Gala on September 13

Event to raise funds for the Be The Difference Campaign

The iconic grounds of Monmouth University’s Great Hall will play host to this year’s annual Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation Gala on Saturday, September 13, 2025. The evening will honor Mary Ellen Harris, current president of The Golden Dome Foundation, and Lawrence Inserra, Jr., CEO of Inserra Supermarkets, Inc., and the Inserra Family Foundation, and will raise funds for Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation’s Be The Difference campaign.

Launched in September 2024, Be The Difference is a transformational effort focusing on four key pillars: enhancing the delivery of patient care, accelerating groundbreaking research and discovery, expanding health access for all and revolutionizing medical education while supporting the nursing profession. Through this ambitious initiative, Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation aims to reshape health care for patients, clinicians and the unique communities it serves, paving the way for a brighter, healthier future.

“This year’s gala will continue our commitment to raise vital funding that supports our network’s innovative and compassionate care," said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health. “Philanthropy is more important than ever as health systems experience uncertainty about crucial funding that is needed to build stronger communities and major breakthroughs for the people who count on us."

With a $1 billion goal, the largest ever undertaken by a health care system in New Jersey, the Be The Difference campaign is more than 70 percent there, thanks in large part to philanthropists like Mary Ellen and Larry, whose giving throughout the years has enabled the organization to redefine care throughout the state.

“Mary Ellen and the Golden Dome Foundation, and Larry and the Inserra Family Foundation, have been absolutely incredible supporters of the work being done throughout Hackensack Meridian Health,” says Joyce P. Hendricks, president and chief development officer of Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation. “We are deeply grateful for their extraordinary philanthropic investment in health care, which will have lasting impacts on patients and their families for generations. Honoring their generosity at our annual gala is just one small way we celebrate a legacy of compassion, vision and commitment to building a healthier future.”

The Golden Dome Foundation, based in Holmdel, NJ was founded in 2015 by the late Dr. Robert H. Harris and Mary Ellen Harris. A professional researcher, Dr. Bob, as he was affectionately referred to, brought Advil to market and the patent, Vimpat, an epilepsy drug used to treat partial onset seizures in adult epileptic patients. Mary Ellen and The Golden Dome Foundation honor Dr. Bob's legacy by generously supporting causes dear to his heart.

Through the Golden Dome Foundation, Mary Ellen has provided transformational contributions to Hackensack Meridian Health. Since 2018, she has funded vital advancements at Bayshore Medical Center (including the state-of-the-art Dr. Robert H. Harris Emergency Care Center), Ocean University Medical Center (home to the Dr. Robert H. and Mary Ellen Harris Heart and Vascular Center) and Jersey Shore University Medical Center, notably supporting the Dr. Robert H. Harris Neuroscience Treatment Center and The Dr. Robert H. and Mary Ellen Harris ZAP-X Center for Noninvasive Neurosurgery with its groundbreaking technology.

Likewise, Larry, who sits at the helm of one of the largest family-owned and operated supermarket chains in the metropolitan area, operating ShopRite stores throughout New Jersey and New York, has a rich history of giving back. The Inserra Family Foundation was established in 1986 to support organizations formed for religious, charitable, scientific, literary or educational purposes, including prevention of cruelty to children and animals. For 38 years, the Inserra Family Foundation has hosted the Carl Inserra Memorial Golf Outing in which all monies raised are donated to national, local and community charitable organizations. With the generous support of our community, corporate sponsors and associates, The Inserra Family Foundation is able to provide funding that helps patients, families, customers, students, associates and neighbors in need.

Larry’s giving to Hackensack Meridian Health has spanned the gamut, including supporting numerous programs dedicated to helping individuals with diabetes through the Inserra Family Diabetes Institute at Hackensack University Medical Center. Additionally, Larry serves as the chair of both the Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation and Hackensack Meridian Carrier Clinic board of trustees, and as a member of the Be The Difference campaign committee.

In addition to a thoughtful program to celebrate these honorees, the evening’s celebration will also feature a private performance by the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire, and guests will be treated to a high-end menu and additional entertainment.

The 2025 Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation Gala is generously supported by Presenting Sponsor, Inserra SuperMarkets.

To purchase tickets to the 2025 Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation Gala, or to sponsor the event, please visit GiveHMH.org/Gala or contact strategicevents@hmhn.org.