This year, 375 attendees enjoyed an incredible evening of “La Dolce Vita” at the 2009 Crystal Ball, held on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at the Bridgewater Marriott in Bridgewater, NJ. Medical Oncologist, Kenneth Blankstein, M.D. and Nancy Blankstein of Raritan Township, were the honorary chairs for the 2009 Crystal Ball, which raised $200,000 to support the Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center.
The Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center is staffed by board-certified oncologists, radiation oncologists and oncology-certified nurses. Its comprehensive services include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, clinical research, early detection and screening programs, support groups, educational programs, nutrition counseling, psychosocial support, complimentary therapies and cancer risk assessment.
During the event, guests watched a video of testimonials of care from patients of Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center and were asked to meet a challenge gift match from an anonymous donor and the Tarricone Family totaling $17,500. Over $53,000 was raised during the event through this challenge appeal, surpassing the goal of $35,000. Despite being in one of the most difficult economic climates that our country has experienced in a long time, the generosity of our attendees reflects a spirit of giving that is a true testament to the character of our greater Hunterdon community.
The Crystal Ball is supported by many generous partners in our community. The Auxiliary would like to give special recognition to our event sponsors: ‘La Dolce Vita’ sponsor - getScreened.com; Venezia Sponsors, Hunterdon Hematology Oncology, LLC and Hunterdon Cardiovascular Associates; Firenze Sponsor, McCarter English, LLP; Milano Sponsors, Archer & Greiner, P.C, Comcast Spotlight, Damon G. Douglas Company, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Hunterdon Pulmonary and Critical Care, Hunterdon Radiological Associates, P.A., Max Spann Real Estate & Auction Company, MidJersey Health Corporation, NextGen Healthcare Information Systems, Inc., Pegasus Emergency Group, PNC Bank, Shop Rite of Hunterdon County, Team Capital Bank, Wm Blanchard Company, WCTC 1450 AM Good Time Oldies, and Zdenek Financial Planning, LLC; and Cocktail Reception Sponsor, InterSystems Corporation. Additional event partners included: Décor Sponsor, Eggsotic Events, LLC, Film Producer, Cecilian Worldwide, ‘Capture the Moment’ Partner, Village Studio of Hunterdon County, Inc., Entertainment Partners, Topaz Orchestra and The Opera Project, ‘Taste of Italy’ Café Partners, Benfatto Coffee and Interior / Exterior Motives, and Gift Sponsors, Max Spann Real Estate & Auction Company and Flemington Furs.
We are grateful to these sponsors, our event program journal advertisers, contributors to our auctions, and our guests, for their commitment and support to Hunterdon Medical Center.
Deborah Maher, singing the aria “Oh mio bambino.” Deborah Maher is a pancreatic cancer survivor who was treated at Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center.
Honorary Chairs, Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Blankstein of Raritan Township
Guests could enjoy screening Fellini’s “La Dolce Vita” adjacent to the ‘Trevi Fountain’ in the Crystal Ball’s ‘Taste of Italy’ Café
To view photos from the 2009 Crystal Ball event, go online to: www.collages.net (Username: Crystal Ball 09; Password: 7840).
