Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation will publicly launch its Be The Difference campaign Sept. 14 during a star-studded event. 

Set for Lincoln Center in New York City, the sold-out gala will honor campaign co-chairs Peter Cancro, founder and CEO of Jersey Mike’s, and Eli Manning, former New York Giants quarterback.  

Award-winning actor and performer Hugh Jackman, co-star of this summer’s blockbuster “Deadpool & Wolverine” film, will entertain attendees at the black-tie affair. Comedian, writer, producer, director and TV host Jon Stewart will emcee the event. 

“Both Peter and Eli have done so much to support our mission to transform health care and kick off our Be The Difference campaign to innovate health care, which will enable us to continue to meet the needs of patients today and in the future,” Hackensack Meridian Health Robert Garrett said in a statement about the night’s honorees. 

The event is supported by platinum sponsor Jersey Mike’s Subs; presenting sponsor Ardent Health Services; Bernhard; Inserra Supermarkets Inc.; and the physicians of RCCA – Regional Cancer Care Associates; as well as several other organizations. 

About the campaign 

The foundation’s Be The Difference campaign will support Hackensack Meridian Health in four ways:

• Better delivery of patient care;
• Revolutionizing medical education and supporting the nursing profession;
• Accelerated research and discovery;
• And more equitable access to advanced care.

Joyce Hendricks, president and chief development officer, Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation, said the campaign “is poised to transform health care in New Jersey.” 

The foundation will unveil the campaign’s monetary goal during the gala, a Hackensack Meridian representative told NJBIZ. 

Co-chairs’ community outreach 

Cancro, who started working for the original Point Pleasant sub shop at age 14, bought Jersey Mike’s in 1975 at age 17. Today, the brand has more than 4,000 locations open and in development. 

Jersey Mike’s also gives back to the community in a big way, such as the chain’s annual “Month of Giving” each March. This year, the campaign collected over $25 million on behalf of more than 200 nonprofits. 

Two-time Super Bowl champion Manning was the starting quarterback for the Giants from 2004 to 2019. Off the field, he serves as #TeamTKC Captain for Tackle Kids Cancer. The philanthropic initiative of Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation raises funds for Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health Children’s Cancer Institute. 

He also launched Eli’s Challenge in 2016, an initiative that supports grassroots fundraisers for Tackle Kids Cancer. That effort has raised more than $1 million, bringing the total amount raised for Tackle Kids Cancer to more than $25 million since its inception. 

“We are proud to serve as Be The Difference campaign co-chairs and honored to be recognized at the Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation gala this year,” Cancro and Manning said in a joint statement. “Every day, Hackensack Meridian Health provides leading-class care to patients all around the state and to those who travel to New Jersey for specialized care. We have experienced such great support of our mission and know we can rely on our communities to continue to make a positive impact on health care for generations to come.” 

Learn more about the campaign or donate here. 

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 7:13 a.m. ET Sept. 13, 2024, to note that the foundation said it will unveil the campaign’s monetary goal during the gala.