K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital Hometown Hero Award Presented by Professional Soccer Star, Christie Rampone

K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital recently hosted its Superhero Soiree event at the Molly Pitcher Inn in Red Bank, NJ on Friday, April 17. Professional soccer star and spokesperson for the K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital, Christie Rampone presented the hospital’s Junior Ambassadors with the Hometown Hero Award. The superhero-themed fundraiser, generously sponsored by the Walter R. Earle Corporation, raised more than $140,000 in support of the children’s hospital, and attracted nearly 200 guests.

Inspired by the everyday heroes at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital – including kids, families and caregivers – the celebration was a fun evening with a serious mission. Proceeds from the event will support the expanding Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) and Maternity Units. Construction will soon begin on a 13-bassinet NICU expansion, featuring nine private rooms and two twin rooms, bringing the total NICU capacity to 34 bassinets. The maternity unit will also see a nine room expansion to provide additional delivery capacity. These important expansion projects will ensure growing families in the area have access to the health care services they need, close to home.

During the event’s paddle pledge, several generous guests donated an incredible $106,200 to fund NICVIEW webcams for the expanding NICU. The NICVIEW system enables webcam monitoring of newborns from anywhere in the world. This new technology gives parents and families extended viewing access to the NICU, even if they can’t physically be at the hospital visiting their loved one(s).

“The Superhero Soiree was the ideal opportunity to acknowledge our Junior Ambassadors for their hard work and dedication as we work together in support of the youngest in our growing community,” said Kenneth N. Sable, M.D., MBA, FACEP, president of K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. “Christie Rampone is a true leader in our community and we’re thrilled she was able to present the Hometown Hero award to this committed group.”

The Junior Ambassadors are a group of nearly 100 local teens who are actively involved in spreading awareness about the hospital’s resources through volunteer opportunities and fundraising projects. Recently, the Junior Ambassadors conducted a pajama drive for patients, delivered gifts and treats around the holidays, and brought art supplies to pediatrics through a project called Art with Heart.

To learn more about the Junior Ambassadors program, please contact K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital’s Child Life Department at 732.776.2541. To learn more about how you can support the NICU and maternity expansion at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital, contact Paul Huegel at 732-751-5117 or PHuegel@meridianhealth.com.