Newswise — NEPTUNE, NJ – January 3, 2013 – Jersey Shore’s 16th Annual Sweetheart Ball will be held on Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. at Ocean Place Resort & Spa in Long Branch, NJ.

As part of Meridian Cancer Care, Jersey Shore will benefit from funds raised at this year’s Sweetheart Ball. Proceeds from the event will support Jersey Shore’s inpatient oncology unit expansion on the 4th floor of the hospital’s Northwest Pavilion, which will include state-of-the-art medical and surgical oncology services; spacious, private patient rooms; consultation rooms with new technology; and dedicated rooms for palliative and end-of-life care.

According to Mark Krasna, M.D., Corporate Medical Director of Oncology, Meridian Cancer Care, “The American Cancer Society recently released a study revealing that residents of Monmouth and Ocean counties have a higher rate of cancer than anywhere else in New Jersey. At Meridian, we are responding to this need by providing a full spectrum of cancer care, from outpatient chemotherapy and radiation to innovative surgical options with a host of supportive psycho-social services led by nurse navigators at each of our hospitals. We also continue to expand our hereditary risk and prevention and screening programs. The Sweetheart Ball serves as an important vehicle that highlights and supports this critical mission.”

Last year’s event generated over $280,000 with a record breaking 460 guests in attendance. This year’s event is once again chaired by Ann Nahum & Ken Nahum, M.D. and Phil & Marilyn Perricone. Additionally, New Jersey Natural Gas will receive the William C. Black Award of Hope for its generous support of Jersey Shore. The award, named after the late Mr. William Black, is presented annually to individuals or organizations that support Jersey Shore’s commitment to providing the best health care experience. Mr. Black previously served on the Meridian Board of Trustees, as well as Jersey Shore’s Board of Governors.

Tickets for the Sweetheart Ball are $225 per person, with many sponsorship and journal advertising opportunities available. 50/50 raffle tickets are also on sale for $50 per chance or three tickets for $100, with half of the proceeds benefiting Jersey Shore’s oncology expansion. This exciting evening will feature both live and silent auctions as well as musical entertainment by Tim McLoone & The Shirleys.

For more information or to secure a sponsorship opportunity, please call Jackie Lang at 732-751-5101, or e-mail [email protected].

About Jersey Shore University Medical Center:Jersey Shore University Medical Center, a member of the Meridian Health family, is a not-for-profit teaching hospital and home to K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital – the first children’s hospital in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Jersey Shore is the regional provider of cardiac surgery, a program which has been ranked among the best in the Northeast, and is home to the only trauma center and stroke rescue center in the region. Jersey Shore University Medical Center specializes in cardiovascular care, orthopedics and rehabilitation, cancer care, neuroscience, and women’s specialty services. For more information on Jersey Shore University Medical Center call 1-800-DOCTORS, or visit www.JerseyShoreUniversityMedicalCenter.com.