Volunteers In Medicine of Cape May County (VIM) will host its 10th Annual Gala on Friday, September 9, to honor and celebrate those in the community who have helped make the 15-year old clinic a reality. Cape Bank, a division of Ocean First Bank, will be returning as the Gala’s Presenting Sponsor.
This year’s Gala will take place at 6:00 p.m. at the Sand Barrens Golf Club in Middle Township. The evening will begin with cocktails and hors d’oevres on the club’s open-air porch, followed by an elegant dinner and program. Tickets for the Gala cost $100; Tables for 8 guests can be purchased for $750. Proceeds from the event will provide medical care to those without health insurance at the VIM Clinic, located on Route 9 in Cape May Court House.
Several VIM supporters will be honored during the Gala, including Stephen Kornberg, MD, who will be celebrated as VIM’s 2016 Volunteer Doctor of the Year. Dr. Kornberg is Service Chief of Cardiology at Shore Medical Center in Somers Point, and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. He received his medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and has been in practice for more than 20 years. Dr. Kornberg contacted VIM several years ago to donate a piece of medical equipment. While speaking with Barbara Harvey, VIM’s Director of Nursing, he realized VIM needed him perhaps even more than the equipment. Since that day, he has graciously provided a Cardiology clinic once a month for VIM patients.
Also on September 9, Pat Lang, RN will be honored as VIM’s Volunteer of the Year. Pat has served in Medication Services for seven years. She is also an active member of the Ladies Ancient Order of the Hibernians, Wildwood Elks and a certified Senior Health Insurance Program Counselor. Pat retired from Cooper University Hospital and has been an active volunteer ever since. She is considered a tremendous asset by VIM’s staff for numerous reasons, including her ability to find the most cost effective medication programs for patients, and for being a fierce advocate and tireless worker for the uninsured of Cape May County.
The Ocean Drive Run Club will be declared VIM’s Community Partner of 2016 during this year’s Gala. Their annual fundraiser, the Ocean Drive Marathon, has raised more than $200,000 for area charities, of which 25% ($51,000) has been donated to VIM. The O.D. Run Club has been a loyal partner to VIM since its opening day in 2001.
“The Ocean Drive Run Club is proud to include Volunteers in Medicine of Cape May County as one of the beneficiaries of our 26.2 mile road race,” said Ed DePalma, President and Race Director. “We are pleased to contribute to the very important work (being done) at VIM.”
VIM is a free health care facility for residents of Cape May County, who have no or limited access to medical insurance. VIM focuses on offering primary health care, emphasizing disease prevention, health promotion, and patient education in an easily accessible facility with the same dignity and confidentiality afforded in the private sector.
VIM’s motto is “Neighbors Caring for Neighbors.” Clearly, Dr. Kornberg, Pat Lang and The Ocean Drive Run Club are shining examples of that motto – as is Cape Bank, the presenting sponsor for VIM’s annual Gala for six years.
“Cape Bank has been a loyal partner to VIM since our opening day,” said Executive Director Jackie Meiluta. “VIM’s general operating account is with Cape Bank, and, as VIM expands into Atlantic County, we are thrilled to continue to partner with such a fine, community-serving financial organization.”
For more information, to learn about sponsorship, to make a donation, or to purchase tickets for VIM’s Gala on September 9, visit www.vimcmc.org, phone 609-463-2846 or e-mail: jmeiluta@vimcmc.org.
