Summit Medical Group Foundation (SMGF) Raises Record Amount in Annual Gala and Auction

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ (May 17, 2017) – Summit Medical Group Foundation (SMGF) earned a record $1.1 million during its annual fundraiser—a $250,000 increase over what was raised the previous year.

The 2017 gala and auction, which was held on Saturday, May 6 at The Grove in Cedar Grove, New Jersey, included 750 guests who generously bid on a slate of expansive trips and products.

Entitled Laugh, Love and Bid, the event featured guest host Seth Meyers of NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers. Following his witty monologue, Meyers spontaneously entertained bids for two sets of tickets to his show, garnering an additional $12,000 for the Foundation’s fundraising efforts.

The live auction even featured one-of-a-kind VIP experiences which were sold with the encouragement of celebrity auctioneer Paul Zekos of Charity Auction Success. Also inspiring the efforts was Jeffrey Le Benger, MD, Chairman of SMGF and Chairman of the Board and CEO of Summit Medical Group, who spoke about the benefits of the organization’s initiatives and the power of giving back to the community.

The annual event raises money to benefit local underserved communities. Through volunteers and donations, the Foundation offers free year-round health screenings, mentoring programs and scholarships to students studying in healthcare-related fields. It also hosts toy, coat and backpack drives. These vital efforts are made possible by the doctors, healthcare staff and other employees of Summit Medical Group, in partnership with various charitable organizations.

About Summit Medical Group Foundation

Summit Medical Group Foundation (SMGF) is deeply rooted in the community in a steadfast effort to better the health and well-being of each and every member through wellness promotion and medical education. Summit Medical Group—New Jersey’s oldest and largest private multispecialty physician group—established SMGF in 2013 to grow its culture of philanthropy and further its 85-year legacy of building a healthier tomorrow through programs and services that extend far beyond traditional medical care. Among other initiatives, the Foundation provides scholarships and supports health programs that reflect its mission. For more information, visit www.smg-foundation.org

Photo caption: Summit Medical Group Foundation took in $1.1 million at its annual fundraising Gala and Auction. Pictured are guest host of the event, Seth Meyers of NBC's Late Night with Seth Meyers, flanked by Rebecca Levy, Esq., Foundation Vice President and her husband, Derek Levy.