The Joseph Fund Announces Lead Sponsors of Inaugural Hand UP Gala Lourdes Health System, The Domenica Foundation, The Kennedy Companies and Brown & Connery

The Joseph Fund, a Camden-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the ministries of St. Joseph’s Pro-Cathedral, has announced the following local organizations as the lead sponsors of its inaugural Hand UP Gala: Presenting Sponsors Lourdes Health System and the Domenica Foundation, and Platinum Sponsors The Kennedy Companies and Brown & Connery.

The Joseph Fund will honor Camden native Monsignor Robert McDermott (“Father Bob”) at the organization’s inaugural Hand UP Gala on Saturday, November 1 at Adventure Aquarium. Proceeds will benefit the many ministries Father Bob has founded that have transformed the lives of thousands of Camden residents over his 30 years as Pastor of St. Joseph Pro-Cathedral.

“The Joseph Fund and Lourdes Health System have very similar missions. Both strive to be a transforming influence in the community. Both organizations’ missions focus on those marginalized and otherwise forgotten by society,” said Alexander J. Hatala, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lourdes Health System. “Father Bob has been a wonderful partner to Lourdes for decades – we are so honored to be a part of an event that is celebrating his role in the revitalization of Camden.”

Pepe Piperno of the Domenica Foundation, a longtime supporter of the Ministries, shared his pleasure in being a Presenting Sponsor. “I’ve known Father Bob for many years, and have always admired his selfless determination to help the people of his community, particularly the children. I share his commitment to giving children a great education as a way to helping them achieve a better life.”

Father Bob’s numerous endeavors include saving an elementary school from closing, reorganizing the Child Development Center, and creating four new ministries, including the St. Joseph’s Carpenter Society, L.U.C.Y. Outreach, Romero Center Ministries, and Joseph’s House of Camden.

“Father Bob lives what he preaches, and his vision will live on forever. He has created a foundation that will transcend any single individual. Father Bob is not only a visionary, but an inspiration to all of us.” said Bob Kennedy, President and CEO, The Kennedy Companies, a Platinum Gala sponsor. Kennedy, who serves as Board President of The Joseph Fund, has known Father Bob since 1969 when he was a teacher at Paul VI High School.

“While we’re on a mission to raise much-needed funding for The Joseph Fund and its ministries, the Gala is about honoring a man who has a tremendous legacy – not only through East Camden but throughout the whole region.” he said.

Local residents and members of the Camden community are thankful for Father Bob and his achievements in making the city a better place, including Rhonda S. Costello, Executive Vice President and Chief Retail Officer of Republic Bank, another Gala sponsor.

“As a native of South Jersey, The Joseph Fund’s commitment to developing a resurgent Camden is important to me. I believe that a rising tide lifts all ships, and I see a tide rising here because of the efforts of The Joseph Fund.” said Costello, who serves on the organization’s board. “I am thrilled to contribute to The Joseph Fund by helping to raise funds and offer strategic guidance as we work to expand upon so many of the organization’s highly successful community projects.”

The Joseph Fund strives to protect and increase the well-being of Camden. An enthusiastic advocate for both his faith and his city, Father Bob has been recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award from Campbell Soup Company, the Catholic Charity Award for Social Justice Ministry and the “Award for Outstanding Leadership” by the Catholic Leadership Institute.

To learn more about The Joseph Fund, contact Mark Hodges at mhodges@josephfundcamden.org, visit www.josephfundcamden.org, or call 856-576-7012.