MORRISTOWN, NJ, JUNE 24, 2022 – The Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center (WAMMC) is pleased to announce it has raised $200,000 at its third “Farm to Table” event held on June 10, 2022. The funds will cover the first year’s expense for the Nurse Residency Program at the Sameth Emergency Department at Morristown Medical Center, as well as the purchase of a simulation manikin for training in the Gagnon Children’s Emergency Department. WAMMC has pledged an additional $300,000 to support the Nurse Residency Program.
“We are proud to continue to support Morristown Medical Center’s ongoing efforts to advance the education and training of its nursing staff in support of patient care. We are also extremely grateful to all of our volunteers who, for more than 125 years and through events like this, continue to live our motto of Contributing with Passion,” said Kathy Christie, President, Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center.
The Nurse Residency Program will support 12 novice nurses who will gain hands-on experience in decision making and clinical skill development in the Sameth Emergency Department, along with course work. Nurse residents will be enrolled in the program for one year and stay on to practice at the hospital. The simulation manikin for Gagnon Children’s Emergency Department will provide hands-on training using a pediatric simulation manikin to enable health professionals to practice essential clinical skills, enhancing the overall care of young patients.
“We are so grateful to the Women’s Association for choosing our Nursing Residency Program as the “Farm to Table” beneficiary. Their generous pledge will allow us to continue to provide the high-quality training and support for our new nursing professionals,” said Brandee Fetherman, MSN, RN, CCRN-K, Chief Nursing Officer, Morristown Medical Center. “The positive energy and encouragement at this event reaffirmed that our nursing team has such a powerful and positive impact on our community, and how fortunate they feel to have Morristown Medical Center in their backyard.”
The “Farm to Table” evening was hosted at The Ross Farm, a bucolic 60-acre estate in the Somerset Hills owned by the Somerset County Park Commission. The Ross Farm is now home to the Friends of the Boudinot-Southard-Ross Estate, a non-profit organization that conducts historical, educational and cultural events on the property. The home was placed on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places on September 11, 2009, and the National Register on December 18, 2009.
More than 250 guests enjoyed cocktails and an outdoor dining experience featuring locally sourced fare prepared by some of New Jersey’s most notable chefs, paired with a selection of fine wines by New Jersey’s only Master of Wine, Chris Cree of Cree Wine Company in Hampton, New Jersey. Co-chaired by Diane Rispoli and Kathy Ross, the event also featured a one-of-a-kind Silent Auction and Raffle Prizes, thanks to the generous contributions from local supporters and sponsors, as well as Collectible Brooches with proceeds going to support the purchase of the simulation manikin.
Corey Heyer, Executive Chef at Canoe Book Country Club, served as Culinary Director and led the consortium of local chefs, including:
Anthony Bucco, Culinary Engineer, Wonder
AJ Capella, Executive Chef, Liberty House in Jersey City
Ryan DePersio, Executive Chef and Owner, Fascino in Montclair, Executive Chef and Partner at Kitchen Step and Executive Chef at Battello, both located in Jersey City
Leia Gaccione, Chef and Owner, South + Pine in Morristown
Above Left, L to R: Kathy Christie, President, Women's Association for Morristown Medical Center; Brandee Fetherman, MSN, RN, CCRN-K, Chief Nursing Officer; Jennifer Smith, Chief Development Officer, Foundation for Morristown Medical Center; Diane Rispoli, Kathy Ross, Co-Chairs Farm to Table Event; Trish O'Keefe, PhD, RN, President, Morristown Medical Center
Above Right, L to R: Leia Gaccione, Anthony Bucco, Chris Cree, Corey Hever, AJ Capella, Ryan DePersio
Above Left: Committee Members, Farm to Table Event
Above Right, L to R: Ch-Chairs, Farm to Table Event, Diane Rispoli, Kathy Ross