Micah Fowler ABC Speechless Star Honored Guest as Umbrella Gala Raises $200,000 for Children's Specialized Hospital Foundation

New Jersey (PRWEB) October 25, 2016

Children's Specialized Hospital Foundation celebrated the 29th anniversary of their annual Umbrella Gala and 125th anniversary of Children's Specialized Hospital at historic Bell Works, in Holmdel, New Jersey on October 22. For 125 years, the mission of Children's Specialized Hospital hasn't changed to be the nation's leading provider of specialized healthcare services for infants, children and young adults. The hospital's services evolved to meet the unique needs of the children and families it serves. In celebration of the people behind this noble and worthy endeavor the hospital celebrated by saying "Hats Off!" at the Umbrella Gala!

This year's event honored the fundraising and volunteer work of BASF, an international chemical company based in Iselin, NJ and Denville resident and longtime foundation trustee, Michael Harrison's 30 year commitment to the success of the Foundation. BASF has been a generous supporter for many years, and most recently with the creation of a corporate golf event that has raised over $1,000,000 for the foundation since 2012. Mr. Harrison's leadership and expert dedication as a trustee on the Foundation's board spans decades and has ensured the continued fundraising success and support of the hospital, and children it serves.

Micah Fowler, Children's Specialized Hospital patient and star of the new ABC hit show, Speechless, was the night's special guest. Micah, and his family, shared their story about how Children's Specialized Hospital helped him overcome some incredible challenges and accomplish amazing success.

"I'm so thankful that the therapists at Children's Specialized were able to work with me for many years so that I could learn to speak, eat regular food, and learn to walk with a walker. My journey at Children's Specialized is just one of many lives they touch every day," said Micah. "I truly hope every other kid with complex medical health needs in our country has access to an amazing team of therapists like I did growing up, and I also hope other kids with special needs will work hard to chase after their dreams and not let their disability hold them back."

With the support of major sponsors CR Bard and L'Or�al USA, and leadership from gala event committee chair, Jen Moore, the gala raised $200,000 to support the foundation's capital campaign, which focuses on access, innovation and research.

As the nation's leading provider of inpatient and outpatient care for children from birth to 21 years of age facing special health challenges, Children's Specialized Hospital helps children with chronic illnesses and complex physical disabilities like brain and spinal cord injuries, to developmental and behavioral issues like autism and mental health.

"It was an extreme honor to celebrate two of our most treasured donors," said Philip Salerno, III, chief development officer and president, Children's Specialized Hospital Foundation. "Both BASF and Michael share a passion for helping children most in need. We know their support has had a profound impact of the nearly 30,000 children with special needs we treat each year. Special thanks to the Fowler family for being our honored guests for the evening."

Over 250 guests danced the night away and bid on over 51 silent auction items. Gala chairperson Jen Moore was joined by committee members: Amelia Courtney, Jackie Escobar, Stella Matteace-Esposito, Todd Garner, Michael Harrison, Karen Hess, Morris Lenczicki, John Nietzel, Jeffrey Rosen, Anita Siegel Esq., Dan Best Spicehandler, Molly Spicehandler, Colleen Woods. Ex-officio Philip Salerno, III and John Crisan.

To learn more about the Children's Specialized Hospital Foundation, visit: http://www.childrens-specialized.org/giving, email: foundation(at)childrens-specialized(dot)org or call: 908-301-5661.

Children's Specialized Hospital is the nation's leading provider of inpatient and outpatient care for children from birth to 21 years of age facing special health challenges -- from chronic illnesses and complex physical disabilities like brain and spinal cord injuries, to developmental and behavioral issues like autism and mental health. At twelve different New Jersey locations, our pediatric specialists partner with families to make our many innovative therapies and medical treatments more personalized and effective...so children can achieve more of their goals. To help, or find more information: call 888-CHILDRENS; visit http://www.childrens-specialized.org; Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/childrensspecialized; Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/childrensspecnj; YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/cshnj; LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/children's-specialized-hospital

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2016/10/prweb13794733.htm

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