Attendees from Over 150 Non-Profit Organizations Gather to Celebrate Special Partnership in Serving New Jersey
Bridgewater, NJ, May 24, 2010 — More than 150 non-profit organizations were honored this morning at a breakfast hosted by the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey, the state’s trade association for the biopharmaceutical and medical technology industry. The recognition event, “Partners in the Community”, was held at the Trenton Marriott and, for the second year, celebrated the partnership that exists between the non-profit community and New Jersey’s pharmaceutical and medical technology companies.
“One of our industry’s guiding principles is to be good corporate citizens. However, our efforts in the community could not be successful without capable and willing partners on the ground. New Jersey is blessed to have a superior network of non-profit organizations, led by extraordinary people who accomplish great things on behalf of the less fortunate in our society, our schools, the environment and the arts,” said Robert J. Hugin, Chairman of the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey.
Dignitaries expected to attend the event include: New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno, Department of Human Services Commissioner Jennifer Velez, Adjutant General Glenn Reith, Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Lori Grifa, Department of Transportation Commissioner James Simpson, Board of Public Utilities President Lee Solomon and Congressman Frank Pallone.
Members of the New Jersey Legislature expected to attend include: Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean, Jr., Assembly Minority Leader Alex DeCroce, Senator Gerald Cardinale, Senator Joe Kyrillos, Senator Loretta Weinberg, , Senator Joe Vitale, Assemblyman Albert Coutinho, and, Assemblyman Herb Conaway.
In 2008, New Jersey’s pharmaceutical and medical technology companies donated more than $221 million in products and direct financial assistance to education, health care, community service and arts organizations throughout the state.
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The companies’ ingrained culture of community service has also made them a leading source for employee volunteerism — with industry employees giving back to their communities by volunteering at organizations such as local food banks, Habitat for Humanity, the United Way and numerous fundraising walks and runs that benefit a host of disease states, medical research and health care organizations.
On behalf of the New Jersey National Guard Family Readiness Council, one of the breakfast’s honored organizations, Major General Glenn K. Rieth, the Adjutant General of New Jersey, said, “From its inception, Former Congressman Bob Frank’s insight and focus was vital in the success of the National Guard State Family Readiness Council. The Family Council has been very fortunate to have had this valuable relationship that has extended out to the bio-pharmaceutical industry. Their continued support has benefitted so many of our Hometown Heroes that we are forever indebted to their generosity and thank them for their patriotic spirit.”
Added Nicole Romaine, Co-Director of 2nd Floor Youth Helpline, “Through our ongoing relationship with the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey, 2NDFLOOR has been extremely fortunate to work with and receive support from New Jersey’s biopharmaceutical and medical technology industry. Their support and advocacy has played an important role in helping to raise awareness and understanding of this important service for our young people.”
The community organizations were also lauded for their tireless efforts to improve the lives of their neighbors and colleagues.
“The community partners who join us today represent just a fraction of the thousands of organizations and volunteers that our companies are proud to support. The work that you do is truly inspiring. We value our partnership and thank you for your outstanding work,” added Hugin.