Cedar Knolls, NJ – Hamilton Farm Golf Club in Gladstone, New Jersey, is the spectacular backdrop for this year’s Starry Night Gala benefitting the American Cancer Society. Now in its eighth year, the annual black tie event is being held on Saturday, May 9th, at 6:00 PM.
In addition to honoring three health care professionals,Jo seph A. Trunfio, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer, Atlantic Health System; Lydia Nadeau, RN, Director Oncology Service Line, Atlantic Health System; and James R. Wong, MD, Chair, Department of Radiation and Oncology, Morristown Medical Center and Medical Director, Radiation Oncology, Chilton Medical Center, the Starry Night Gala will be presenting the first-ever Humanitarian Award, the Karen Sperling Greene Award, in memory of the recently passed American Cancer Society Senior Representative. In February of this year, Karen lost her battle to Stage IV lung cancer. The annual Karen Sperling Greene Humanitarian Award was created to honor individuals who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the fight against cancer.
Karen Sperling Greene’s dedication to the American Cancer Society (ACS) ran deep. She served as a committed volunteer, a passionate and original public relations professional and finally began her tenure in December 2013 in her role of Senior Representative, Community Engagement with the ACS.
Her efforts for the American Cancer Society far exceeded her professional obligations. Living in the shadow of three generations of women who had succumbed to cancer, she was intensely committed to the mission of the American Cancer Society.
Said Nancy Marino, Senior Development Manager, Distinguished Events, “Karen was a fantastic colleague and a wonderful friend. I have missed her greatly as I prepared for this year’s event. Karen was a warm, compassionate and courageous person who, through her unselfish gift of time, energy and devotion to the American Cancer Society’s Starry Night Gala, helped enrich the lives of so many people. She will always hold a special place in the hearts of those whose lives she has touched.”
“Through my work with the Starry Night Gala, I have learned that we are all connected to the fight against cancer and on behalf of survivorship,” said Barbara Ann Sellinger, Chairwoman for the event. Sellinger said, “This year, I experienced the loss of Karen, a dear friend and colleague. Prior to Starry Night Galas, I worked with Karen at another organization, Arts Horizons where she proved herself as the creative driver. Most recently, she served as a valued member of the staff of American Cancer Society. She was a truly dedicated, caring, loving and giving person. The Karen Sperling Greene Humanitarian Award was created to honor individuals who personify the traits that made Karen so special, including this commitment to the fight against cancer.
“This first-ever humanitarian award from the Starry Night Gala will be presented to Karen’s family in her memory – Steven, Ariel and Jared Greene. We couldn’t feel more honored to have them receive this award on the night of the gala,” Barbara Sellinger said
The Starry Night Gala has become one of the most highly-anticipated social events of the year with all proceeds going directly to support the American Cancer Society’s mission of eliminating cancer as a major health concern.
The 8th Annual Starry Night Gala, A Broadway Celebration, will begin at 6:00 PM with an elegant cocktail reception, followed by a world-class gourmet dinner and a live and silent auction. There will be live entertainment throughout the evening furnished by New Jersey’s favorite Oldies Group “The Cameos,” Broadway performers, and this year’s Master of Ceremonies – Joe Piscopo of “Saturday Night Live” fame.
Individual tickets to this year’s event start at $500. This year’s sponsors include: Atlantic Health System, Fairview Insurance Company, Adams Addressing Associates, Inc., and Triad Isotopes, Inc. The Daily Record is back for a fourth year as Media Sponsor.
To purchase tickets or for more information, please contact: Nancy Marino, Senior Development Manager, Distinguished Events at nancy.marino@cancer.org or at 973-285-8039.
About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers saving lives and fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society's efforts have contributed to a 20 percent decline in cancer death rates in the U.S. since 1991, and a 50 percent drop in smoking rates. Thanks in part to our progress; nearly 14.5 million Americans who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will celebrate birthdays this year. As we mark our 101st birthday in 2014, we're determined to finish the fight against cancer. We're finding cures as the nation’s largest private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research, ensuring people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings, clean air, and more. For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.