OVER 300 GUESTS JOINED THE COLONIAL CROSSROADS CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS AT GALA FUNDRAISER ON APRIL 19, 2007

To view photos from the gala, please click here

Madison, NJ - May 3, 2007 - The Colonial Crossroads Chapter of the American Red Cross held a gala fundraiser on April 19, honoring the work of Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Atlantic Health and former Summit Mayor, Walter Long. More than three hundred people attended the event, held in the ballroom of the Hilton Short Hills, to support the Colonial Crossroads Chapter and recognize the significant contributions of the evening's three honorees.

"We had an overwhelming response to this fundraiser," states Christy Hodde, executive director of the Colonial Crossroads Chapter. "Our two objectives were to salute others in the community who share the Red Cross goals of serving the community and supporting those in need. The second objective was to raise critical funds that will enable us to continue our many chapter programs like the Disaster Response and Preparedness, Transportation Services and Health and Safety classes," added Hodde.

At the event, Hodde discussed chapter activities during the past year and the current work being done to support those impacted by the recent nor'easter. "Our Disaster Action Team is currently deployed and has been assisting other chapters who have responded to significant flooding in their areas," said Hodde. "Throughout New Jersey, the Red Cross has set up 22 shelters/evacuation centers, serving 2,441 individuals; provided 18,969 free meals and 36,399 snacks; and distributed 7,947 clean-up kits and 2,262 comfort kits. This is the largest Red Cross disaster relief operation since the 2005 hurricane season."

Charles Barton, board chair of the Colonial Crossroads Chapter also discussed the importance of community service and the efforts that have been made by the gala honorees. Novartis Pharmaceuticals received the Corporate Recognition Award. Don DeGolyer, vice president, U.S. Managed Markets for Novartis Pharmaceuticals, discussed the company's major initiatives to promote health and disease awareness, as well as initiatives designed to eradiate disease. Globally, in 2006, Novartis contributed treatments worth $755 million through access-to-medicine programs.

Accepting on behalf of Atlantic Health, Joe Trunfio, president and CEO, has overseen the growth of the Atlantic Health hospital system since 2000 into the second largest non-profit health care system in the state. Atlantic Health received the Community Service Award

Former Summit Mayor Walter D. Long received the Humanitarian of the Year award for his many years of service to the community including the redevelopment of downtown Summit and his role in the modernization and expansion of Summit High School.

Many community leaders joined the guests to recognize the work of the evening's honorees, including: State Senator Thomas Kean, Jr., Assemblyman Jon Bramnick and Assemblyman Eric Munoz, M.D., who collectively presented the honorees with an official recognition from the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly. Each of the honorees also received a citation from Governor Jon Corzine's office. Summit Mayor Jordan Glatt presented the Humanitarian Award to Walter Long due to Governor Corzine's absence following his recent accident.

Jeannie and Andy Tsukamoto, gala co-chairs and chapter board members, reminded guests that the American Red Cross is not a government agency and receives no government funding. Jeannie is an active member of the chapter's Disaster Action Team. "We take great pride in chairing this event because I have personally witnessed the importance of immediate direct assistance provided to disaster victims," commented Jeannie. "We're on call 24/7 to respond to local and regional emergencies such as floods, fires and other natural and man-made disasters. Our job is to provide direct assistance, such as food, sheltering, emergency financial assistance and mental health support to those affected by the disaster, and to support the first responders. These types of assistance would not be possible without the generous support from corporate, foundation, local business and individual partners. We are grateful to all of our generous supporters for helping the chapter better serve our communities."

The importance of volunteerism and community service was the topic of discussion during the evening. As the largest humanitarian organization in the United States, the Red Cross depends on volunteers to accomplish the organization's mission: providing relief to victims of disasters and helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

It is because of these volunteers that the Colonial Crossroads Chapter is able to serve the 128,000 residents in Berkeley Heights, Chatham Borough, Chatham Township, East Hanover, Florham Park, Long Hill Township, Madison, New Providence, Springfield and Summit. The chapter represents a recent merger of the Southeast Morris and Summit Area Chapters and both chapters have been serving the community for 90 years. The Colonial Crossroads Chapter is always looking for new volunteers to assist in the many service areas it provides the community.

"For those residents in the community who may have missed the gala but would still like to provide a financial contribution to support the chapter's ongoing efforts, contributions may be sent to the Colonial Crossroads Chapter at 695 Springfield Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901," concluded Jeannie.

For more information about how you may become involved in the chapter's efforts, please visit www.ccnjredcrosss.org or call (908) 273-2076.