HAVE A BALL AT THE VNA's BEACH BALL!

On Friday evening September 16, 2016 friends and supporters of the VNA will gather for a fun and casual evening at Chapel Beach Club in Sea Bright, NJ. Longtime VNA Health Group trustees Mindy Minerva and Jim Vaccaro will be honored for their commitment to advancing access to healthcare services to all in need. The evening’s proceeds will benefit patients in need who rely on VNA Health Group’s broad array of community based health programs, providing vital preventive and primary health care as well as supportive services.

“The Beach Ball is a new event offering guests the chance to savor one more late summer evening by the sea while supporting the crucial mission of the VNA Health Group,” commented Jill Drummond who, along with her husband Jamie, joins Vanessa and Sandy Mulheren and Maryam and Jesse Spector as co-chairs of the event.

“The evening will feature many of the most loved elements of the season; eclectic Jersey Shore cuisine, great music, and the relaxed atmosphere of fun and friends that is unique to summertime on the sand,” Sandy Mulheren added.

Beach Ball attendees will enjoy feasting on offerings from some of the area’s most popular food trucks (think gourmet grilled cheese and sushi!), mouthwatering barbeque from acclaimed Local Smoke, savory sliders ranging from the traditional burger to lobster and vegetarian variations plus the “Holy Trinity” of New Jersey, locally grown tomatoes, corn on the cob and grilled peaches. As the moon rises over the ocean, partygoers can toast marshmallows for s’mores at the fire pit and dance the night away to the music of Groove Shop.

According to Maryam Spector the committee has secured exciting silent and live auction items. “From a luxurious outdoor adventure vacation in the mountains of Virginia or channeling Jerry Maguire as you step into the role of sports agent for the day, to unique dining and entertainment experiences, elegant jewelry and beautiful artwork there is something to entice everyone to join in on the fun of bidding,” said Spector. Popular restaurateur and musician Tim McLoone will wield the gavel for the live auction. To add to the excitement, auction items will be posted online and open for bids previous to the Beach Ball evening.

For the grand finale, one lucky raffle ticket holder will win a 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4x4. A limited number of raffle tickets will be available for purchase throughout the summer months. The Jeep is spending the summer taking in the ‘rays parked at Chapel Beach Club, where tickets are available for purchase as well as through the VNA Health Group Foundation Office.

Honoree Mindy Minerva has served as Chairman of the VNA Health Group Foundation since 2011 as well as a Foundation Trustee since 2007. She was also named the 2015 Visiting Nurse Association of America (VNAA) Volunteer of the Year. During her tenure Minerva has been instrumental in creating and guiding record-setting funding for special events including the popular Stately Homes by-the-Sea Designer Show House, the 2012 Centennial Gala and a campaign to ensure the sustainability of community based health programs.

Co-honoree Jim Vaccaro held the post of chairman of the Visiting Nurse Association Health Group Board of Trustees from 2012 – 2015. Vaccaro was an active board member since 2003 also serving as Treasurer. Currently President and CEO of Manasquan Bank, Vaccaro has lent his expertise to a number of boards of trustees including Saint Barnabas Corporation, Monmouth Medical Center and the New Jersey Repertory Theater among others. He has been the recipient of the Long Branch Chamber of Commerce Louis G. Libutti Community Service Award and named by Monmouth University as its 2013 Distinguished Business Leader.

The Beach Ball will take place Friday, September 16, 6:30 pm at Chapel Beach Club, Sea Bright, New Jersey. Tickets for general/open seating are $275 per person. Sponsorships, underwriting and specially priced reserved seating tickets are also available. For more information visit www.vnahg.org or contact the Foundation Office at 732-224-6780. Plus, follow @visiting_nurse_association_nj on Instagram for an inside look at how the event is shaping up.

Founded in 1912, Visiting Nurse Association Health Group - in partnership with hospitals and health care systems - is the largest nonprofit home care, hospice, and community-based provider in New Jersey. Through VNA of Central Jersey Home Care and Hospice, Barnabas Health Home Care and Hospice, Robert Wood Johnson Visiting Nurses, VNA of Englewood and Visiting Physician Services, more than 1,900 employees care for 8,000 patients on any given day and more than 120,000 individuals each year throughout New Jersey.

For more information about VNA Health Group visit www.vnahg.org or call 800-862-3330.