With more than 430 guests in attendance, the St. Francis Medical Center Foundation hosted its 51st annual spring gala, “Keep Calm and Be Well,” at the Hyatt Regency Princeton June 7.
The prestigious “Spirit of St. Francis” award was presented to The Honorable Anthony Persichilli and Judith Persichilli. This honor is given to an individual or organization who reflects the philosophy of caring as embodied by St. Francis of Assisi.
Addressing the guests, St. Francis Medical Center interim president and CEO Christy Stephenson said, “In the words of St. Francis of Assisi, ‘Start by doing what is necessary; then do what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.’ The continued support and the commitment of persons such as our honorees, Tony and Judy Persichilli, help us bring the words of our patron St. Francis of Assisi to life every day.”
Bishop David M. O’Connell and Bishop Emeritus John M. Smith were the honorary chairmen for this year’s gala. The event was co-chaired by Judy and Bob Rottkamp, Juliana and Wendell Pribila, Michelle and Bob Chiste and Dr. Masoud Rezvan.
With a Downton Abbey theme to the evening, guests portrayed the Roaring 20’s with period dresses, gowns and tuxedoes, a Yorkshire style meal, and a parody of the motivational poster developed by the British government in 1939, just before World War II, “Keep Calm and Carry On”. A highlight of the evening was the drawing of the SFMC Auxiliary Super 50/50 Raffle with a prize of $19,000. The winner wishes to remain anonymous.
The event raised more than $190,000 for the hospital.
More information is online at stfrancismedical.org.
