WINTER 2025-2026
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Building the Blueprint for Tomorrow The Second Century Campaign and Lifeline to Tomorrow
A Decade of Transformative Growth Jennifer Lefcourt
Building Every Tomorrow | Our Next Chapter Warren Geller | President and CEO, Englewood Health
The Sit Down Richard Kurtz | Honorary Trustee, Englewood Health and Board Trustee, Englewood Health Foundation Faces of Philanthropy Lyndsley and Aaron Capuano, MD | Northern Center for Plastic Surgery Eun Rae Jo l Englewood Health Foundation Trustee Larry Weiss | Chairman Atlantic Tomorrow’s Office Know the Pros Stephen Brunnquell, MD | President, Englewood Health Physician Network
Happenings Philanthropy in Full Focus
Shaping Our Future Campaigns through Three Decades Maggie Kaplen l Honorary Trustee, Englewood Health
CONNECTIONS | WINTER 2025-2026 - EDITORIAL STAFF Debra Albanese
Executive Vice President 201.894.3497 debra.albanese@ehmchealth.org
Sandra Sgambati
Director of Development and Communications 201.894.3386 sandra.sgambati@ehmchealth.org
Englewood Health has delivered the highest quality healthcare to the community for more than 130 years. Established in 1995 as a separate 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization, Englewood Health Foundation raises private funds to further Englewood Health’s mission to transform lives through healthcare, from preventative services to highly specialized, lifesaving treatments.
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Thirty years of generosity and dedication built the Englewood Health we know today—turning a shared hope for exceptional care into a vibrant reality for families across our region.
As I reflect on this journey, what stands out most are the people who helped make every milestone possible. To our trustees, volunteers, donors and friends, thank you. The progress we celebrate today grew from countless acts of generosity, extraordinary leadership and an unwavering dedication to fulfilling Englewood Health’s mission and vision.
As a father and longtime member of this community, I am especially grateful for the compassion and clinical expertise that define our health system. I know what it means to rely on Englewood Health for peace of mind and world-class care. That sense of trust fuels my dedication, joining so many other supporters to help ensure that every family has access to the highest level of care close to home. Looking ahead, there is so much to be excited about. Through We Will. The Englewood Health Campaign for Every Tomorrow, we are embarking on a comprehensive modernization plan that will further strengthen our delivery of care and expand our reach. This includes building a new 28-bed inpatient suite, modernizing eight surgical suites and converting all double-occupancy rooms to new state-of-the-art private rooms at Englewood Hospital as well as a dedicated Asian Health and Wellness Center on our East Campus. These projects reflect our shared promise for the future. This issue of Connections celebrates 30 years of impact. Thank you for joining us. Your generosity has made all the difference.
Michael Gutter Chairman | Englewood Health Foundation Winter 2025-2026 01
The Englewood Health Foundation’s earliest campaigns—The Second Century Campaign and Lifeline to Tomorrow—laid the groundwork for Englewood Health’s modern era, raising the bar on the outpatient care experience and creating new spaces for healing and hope.
As Englewood Hospital and Medical Center entered its second century, a renewed vision began to take shape. Launched in 1998, The Second Century Campaign ignited this momentum. With a landmark $5 million challenge gift from The Russell Berrie Foundation, the campaign exceeded its goal and marked a pivotal moment in community philanthropy.
In 1992, I joined Englewood Health as the Chair of Anesthesiology and Critical Care. Our team was incredibly proud to be among the first to support these two early campaigns because they marked a turning point in how we thought about medicine. Those early commitments reflected a forward-thinking belief in what Englewood could become—an investment that continues to shape the exceptional care delivered here today.” Aryeh Shander, MD, FCCM, FCCP, FASA | Englewood Health Emeritus Chair, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine, Pain Management and Hyperbaric Medicine
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The campaign established the vision of the Russell & Angelica Berrie Center for Humanistic Care, a 90,000-square-foot outpatient facility that united surgery, imaging, rehabilitation, infusion and breast care in one accessible, patient-centered environment. It signaled a shift in care—one centered on blending clinical excellence with humanity and comfort. That forward-thinking spirit carried into Lifeline to Tomorrow, launched in 2007 to transform the hospital’s ability to respond during life’s most critical moments. With a significant lead gift from Maggie Kaplen and her late husband Bill, the campaign rallied donors, physicians and staff around a shared mission that culminated in the opening of The Kaplen Pavilion. The facility introduced a next-generation emergency care experience with 40 private treatment rooms and a dedicated 24/7 imaging center. On the second floor, a 22-bed orthopedic and neurosurgical unit that redefined post-operative care. Together, The Second Century Campaign and Lifeline to Tomorrow are regarded as crucial steppingstones in Englewood Health’s evolution, strengthening its commitment to compassion, preparedness and excellence.
The Palestroni Foundation is committed to helping others and proudly supported the campaign that built Englewood Health’s new emergency department. That commitment remains an important part of our family’s philanthropy, and we see its impact every day in the care provided to patients and families. Knowing that our family’s legacy continues to bring hope and healing is deeply rewarding.” Kristine Sayrafe | Executive Director, The Alfiero and Lucia Palestroni Foundation
Winter 2025-2026 03
Transforming the Future—Our Campaign for Englewood Hospital and Medical Center marked a defining decade of growth for the Foundation. Through the generosity of philanthropic partners, the campaign raised more than $50 million, positioning our health system at the forefront of cancer care. At the heart of that transformation was the 2016 opening of the 185,000-square-foot Lefcourt Family Cancer Treatment and Wellness Center—a modern, multidisciplinary facility designed to deliver advanced technology, expert collaboration and compassionate, patient-centered care under one roof. In its first year, the center performed more than 50,000 clinical breast exams, 31,500 mammograms and 3,900 non-breast cancer screenings. More than 1,200 new cancer cases were diagnosed, and nearly 5,000 patient infusion visits were managed. It also marked the debut of two vital enhancements—the Wilson
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Kaplen Infusion Center and the Coe Radiation Oncology Unit—and expanded programs in survivorship, integrative medicine and patient navigation. Today, the Lefcourt Family Cancer Treatment and Wellness Center is recognized as a regional center of excellence diagnosing and treating all major forms of cancer. Among its most recent accolades, the center earned national accreditation from the American College of Radiation Oncology and reaccreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers. The center is also recognized by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer as an Academic Comprehensive Cancer Program, a prestigious designation that reflects our health system’s commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate care. These accolades affirm that the health system’s vision for the future of healthcare remains focused on innovation, excellence and care guided by the needs of every patient.
My grandfather, Ronald Lefcourt, always told me that if you have the capacity to give back, you should. Those words shaped not only how I see philanthropy, but how I live my life. I was in my early twenties when he made the gift that would name the Lefcourt Family Cancer Treatment and Wellness Center. Watching his pride as the center took shape—and knowing what it would mean for others— is something I will never forget. Our family’s connection to Englewood Health runs deep. Both of my grandparents received exceptional care here—my grandmother during her cancer treatments—and their experiences inspired my grandfather’s generosity. Each time I walk through the doors, I feel their presence and the promise of what philanthropy makes possible. In recent years, my own growing family has turned to Englewood Health. We welcomed our daughters here, and like so many local families, rely on Englewood Health for our care. As a mother, I see giving through a new lens. It is about the world our children will inherit and the community we help build for them. My grandfather’s legacy reminds me that generosity is more than a moment—it is a continuum. And I am proud to carry it forward.
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In its third decade, the Englewood Health Foundation launched We Will. The Englewood Health Campaign for Every Tomorrow— an ambitious call to action that continues to redefine what is possible in healthcare. Fueled by over $100 million in philanthropic investment, We Will has strengthened every corner of the health system—expanding reach, advancing innovation and deepening care for millions of patients across more than 100 offsite locations. These collective efforts have positioned Englewood Health as one of the most trusted and progressive health systems in the region. Now, the campaign turns its focus toward the future. Over the next three years, a comprehensive modernization of Englewood Hospital will bring new inpatient suites, upgraded surgical environments and an entirely private patient experience. At the same time, construction is underway on the East Campus to create an Asian Health and Wellness Center and a new Imaging Center— broadening access and reflecting the diverse needs of the communities served.
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Helping us embark on this next phase are two long-time benefactors: The Henry and Marilyn Taub Foundation and Maggie Kaplen and The Kaplen Foundation. Their leadership giving helped launch the Foundation’s Builders Challenge, a community-wide effort to raise an additional $20 million. Together, we will shape healthier tomorrows and ensure access to next-generation care for our shared communities.
It may surprise some, but I did not begin my career in healthcare. My first job was in a completely different industry. Less than fulfilled, I followed my mom’s advice to keep searching for something more. Walking through the doors of a medical center, I found it—a place where hard work, compassion and purpose come together to create an indelible mark on the delivery of care. That is what continues to drive me today. As president and CEO of Englewood Health, I am privileged to work with remarkable people who treat patients like family. We approach every interaction as an opportunity to live our mission and deliver care with compassion, expertise and integrity. We are guided by the belief that good medicine and good business go hand in hand. By supporting patients on their healthcare journey through preventive care and education, we help build stronger communities and earn their trust. Philanthropy is another reflection of that trust. My family proudly named The Geller Family Intensive Care Unit—a place that holds personal meaning for us—because we saw firsthand how generosity transforms care. Every gift, large or small, fuels innovation, strengthens technology and helps deliver quality care to more people who need it most. Looking ahead, I see a health system filled with even greater promise. I am proud of how far we have come and deeply inspired by where we are going. Thanks to the generosity and dedication of many, we will continue to drive growth at Englewood Health.” Warren Geller President and CEO, Englewood Health
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When Richard Kurtz moved to Bergen County as a young man in the late 1960s, he was eager to put down roots and raise a family in a community he believed in deeply. Englewood Health quickly became part of that story. Decades later, as the Foundation’s first Chairman and the inaugural donor to its Leadership Society, he remains one of its most steadfast champions. We sat down with him to reflect on what inspires his involvement and the family-like connection that has kept him “all in” for 30 years. 08 Englewood Health Foundation
WHAT FIRST BROUGHT YOU TO ENGLEWOOD HEALTH?
When I moved here in 1969, I wanted to be part of a community that cared for its people. Early on, I saw that Englewood Hospital was that kind of place—one that treated everyone with compassion and respect. So, when I was invited to get involved, it felt like a natural way to give back to the community my family called home.
YOU WERE THE FOUNDATION’S FIRST CHAIRMAN. WHAT WERE YOUR GOALS AT THAT TIME?
Fundraising was certainly a priority, but I always believed our real job was to build understanding. People deserve to know how their generosity makes a difference—whether it is funding new equipment, upgrading facilities or recruiting top physicians. When donors see the direct impact of their support, they take pride in it. That sense of trust and shared purpose is what strengthens a health system and its community. Over the years, it is remarkable to watch how Englewood Health has grown from a local hospital into a dynamic regional health system while staying true to those same values.
YOU ARE A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSMAN. HOW DID THAT PERSPECTIVE SHAPE YOUR APPROACH TO LEADERSHIP AND PHILANTHROPY? In business, I learned that good people make great organizations. The same is true with a health system. When you surround yourself with people who care and work hard, success follows. I have always admired that about Englewood Health. Under Warren Geller, our President and CEO, and Foundation Chairman Michael Gutter, as well as many others, we benefit from outstanding leadership. Our people lead with integrity and heart. That is why Englewood Health continues to grow stronger year after year.
YOU WERE ALSO THE FIRST DONOR TO JOIN THE LEADERSHIP SOCIETY. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO YOU NOW?
It means a great deal. I have spent much of my life giving back, but Englewood Health is special to me. I have witnessed incredible transformation firsthand—expanded access, the most state-of-the-art technology and top-tier clinical care. Our health system rivals the nation’s best. It has been a privilege to be part of that journey.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHERS WHO ARE CONSIDERING GETTING INVOLVED?
Do it. It is one of the most rewarding things you can be a part of. Helping others and supporting causes that truly make a difference, like the Foundation, bring meaning to your life. These are not investments in business, but in family and in the future.
30-SECOND HOT SEAT 30 More Days of Summer or Winter? SUMMER Song on 30-Minute Repeat? ANYTHING FRANK SINATRA 3:30 AM or 3:30 PM? 3:30 PM 30 Dinners with One Friend or One Dinner with 30 Friends? 30 DINNERS WITH ONE FRIEND A 30-Year Look to the Past or Future? FUTURE
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LYNDSLEY and AARON CAPUANO, MD Lyndsley and Aaron Capuano, MD believe that a thriving health system is the heartbeat of a healthy community. Their support of Englewood Health spans more than a decade and reflects both their conviction in its mission and their desire to serve as role models for their two teenage children. That dedication carries through in their professional lives. Dr. Capuano, a double board-certified plastic surgeon, founded the Northern Center for Plastic Surgery in Englewood Cliffs with his wife, who serves as Managing Director. Building the practice from the ground up sharpened their appreciation for quality, patient-centered care. “Working in healthcare, we see the extraordinary impact of clinical excellence,” says Dr. Capuano. “Supporting Englewood Health strengthens the ecosystem of care and advances better patient outcomes.” The couple’s generosity reaches across the health system—from clinical programs to patient services. Most recently, they chose to support the health system with a planned gift making them the newest members of the Foundation’s Legacy Society. Their generosity named The Capuano Family Dr. Aaron & Lyndsley Capuano Mammography Suite and helps to ensure that their commitment extends well beyond today. “We want our children to understand that giving back is not optional. It is how we help care for the community we depend on,” says Lyndsley, who serves as an Englewood Health Foundation Trustee. “We think about our children and someday, their own children. Leaving a legacy with Englewood Health helps guarantee that award-winning care will remain for generations.”
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EUN RAE JO Eun Rae Jo chose Bergen County as his home nearly four decades ago. A first-generation American, he credits his family with grounding him in resilience and a commitment to giving back. That perspective continues to influence his career, his community service and generosity. When first introduced to Englewood Health through friends, Rae quickly realized the depth of the health system’s mission-driven approach. “I saw how thoughtfully the board and leadership approached every decision—all with the community as a priority. This was an institution I could trust,” he reflects. That confidence grew into a deep commitment—as a longtime Foundation Trustee, leadership-level donor and 2026 Gala Honoree. Rae believes philanthropy is a driving force behind expanding access to care across the region. One initiative especially meaningful to him is the planned Asian Health and Wellness Center on the East Campus. This robust outpatient facility will help reduce barriers to care and provide culturally responsive services for Asian
American families. Rae and his wife, Soyung, continue to support Englewood Health because they believe in a future where every family can rely on excellent care close to home. “Our community is diverse and thriving,” he says. “This health system is here to serve all of us—and that is worth our investment.”
LARRY WEISS Larry Weiss maintains a strong sense of responsibility to his family, community and to the more than 400 people he leads as Chairman of Atlantic, Tomorrow’s Office. For more than four decades, he built a business technology solutions company rooted in service, trust and excellence. “Success is never just about the product,” he says. “It is about people, process and purpose. That is true in business—and it is true in healthcare.” Though he grew up on Long Island and raised his family in Rockland County, New York, Larry considers northern New Jersey part of his extended community. More than 150 of his employees and their families live in the area and many rely on Englewood Health. Ensuring access to high-quality care for them is what first drew him to the Englewood Health Foundation and its Caduceus Society.
“This health system continues to invest in innovation, top clinical talent and programs that lead to better patient outcomes. Those advances are fueled by philanthropy. I am proud to have supported that progress over the years,” he reflects. Giving back is a shared family value. For more than 30 years, Larry coached youth sports while he and his wife Linda raised their sons, Jason and Adam, who now hold leadership roles within the company. As they approach 52 years of marriage, Larry and Linda continue to model generosity for their children and grandchildren. “Supporting Englewood Health helps ensure care and compassion are here for every family—today and for the future.” Winter 2025-2026 11
Stephen Brunnquell, MD President, Englewood Health Physician Network
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Stephen Brunnquell, MD, considers himself an internist first. More than three decades into his career, that patient-centered identity still shapes his approach to medicine—and leadership. His journey began in 1992, when he opened a solo internal medicine practice in Harrington Park. Within a few years, that single-doctor office evolved into The Park Medical Group, now a thriving multispecialty practice with five locations and nearly 30 providers. “I quickly saw the power of collaboration,” Dr. Brunnquell recalls. “Working with skilled colleagues who shared a patient-first mindset led to better outcomes and a much more rewarding way to practice medicine.” Today, as president of the Englewood Health Physician Network (EHPN), Dr. Brunnquell oversees more than 750 providers caring for patients across six counties. He also remains active in his clinical practice and serves on the health system’s executive team—continuing to bridge strategy with hands-on care. Service has always been a cornerstone of his life. Before entering medicine, Dr. Brunnquell worked in ministry as a priest. This shaped his deep commitment to listening with empathy and offering comfort during life’s most vulnerable moments. That same grounding is reflected in his enduring love of running—an early-morning ritual he has maintained every day for more than 40 years.
With 16 marathons behind him, he credits the sport for reinforcing a mindset of balance, perseverance and discipline. Living and practicing in Bergen County since the 1970s, Dr. Brunnquell is a firm believer in community-rooted care. It is one reason he chooses to give back as an Englewood Health Foundation Physician Partner. In 2026, he will be honored at the annual Gala with the Touchstone Award for his outstanding leadership, generous spirit and steadfast commitment—qualities that continue to elevate Englewood Health through the power of philanthropy. “Philanthropy makes possible the programs that otherwise would not exist,” he notes, pointing to donor-supported investments in behavioral health, population health and primary care medicine. Through every chapter of his career, Dr. Brunnquell followed a simple and powerful principle: care deeply, lead collaboratively and give back generously. His unwavering dedication continues to shape not only the lives of his patients, but also the future of healthcare in the communities he serves.
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I witnessed firsthand the impact donor generosity has on the patient experience. It allows us to meet people where they are, remove barriers to care and ensure every patient feels supported, respected and seen.” Winter 2025-2026 13
Philanthropy in FULL FOCUS Years pass quickly when they are spent with friends. For three decades, Englewood Health Foundation events and community sponsored initiatives have brought together supporters whose generosity drives remarkable progress across our health system. From golf greens to gala ballrooms, scenic walks to spirited rides, each gathering helped transform care, expand access and strengthen our growing community.
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GOLF CLASSIC
What began as the Golf & Tennis Classic soon became the Annual Golf Classic—a spirited day of play and philanthropy that continues as a sold-out success year after year.
2006
FRIENDS OF WILLOUGHBY GARDEN PARTY
A timeless tradition hosted by the Friends of Dr. W.F. Willoughby, this community event honored Englewood Hospital’s first African American physician while supporting scholarships that empower the next generation of nurses.
2009
THE FADER FAMILY WALK FOR AWARENESS
2012
ANDIAMO MOTORCYCLE RUN
Founded in 1999 by Jill and the late Paul Fader, this cherished walk grew from a personal mission into a community tradition, raising millions to support uninsured and underinsured patients who need access to care at The Leslie Simon Breast Care and Cytodiagnosis Center.
Each year, the Andiamo Motorcycle Run unites bikers, friends and supporters riding for Englewood Health and other local causes.
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2015
HEEL THE SOUL
Founded by Joanne Ehrlich, Heel the Soul enters its second decade with a strong mission to help patients facing serious illness find comfort, hope and healing.
2017
BE MINDFUL
A celebration of wellness that unites supporters of the Graf Center for Integrative Medicine, highlighting services that nurture resilience, encourage self-care and support patient well-being.
2019
ANNUAL GALA
A hallmark of generosity and celebration, the Gala brings our thriving community together year after year. On this extraordinary evening, philanthropy shines and new milestones are made in support of Englewood Health and the patients it serves.
2023
BREAKFAST CLUB
This breakfast of champions began over a decade ago and fast became a beloved event that continues to connect passionate supporters and raise funds for Englewood Health.
2025
JUSTIN MINAYA CHARITY BASKETBALL CLINIC
NBA standout Justin Minaya returns to his hometown to host an energized youth basketball clinic with funds benefiting The Lefcourt Family Cancer Treatment and Wellness Center. Winter 2025-2026 15
Across nearly 30 years, countless individuals have shaped the story of Englewood Health— visionaries and volunteers, philanthropists and physicians, families and friends whose belief in a better tomorrow has strengthened our mission. Their efforts, reflected across four historic campaigns, tell the story of a community that continues to give, build and inspire—transforming care, broadening access and redefining what it means to invest in our future.
1998-2003
THE SECOND CENTURY CAMPAIGN
2007-2010
LIFELINE TO TOMORROW— OUR CAMPAIGN FOR AN EMERGENCY CARE PAVILION
2013-2018
TRANSFORMING THE FUTURE— OUR CAMPAIGN FOR ENGLEWOOD HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL CENTER
2020-Present
WE WILL. THE ENGLEWOOD HEALTH CAMPAIGN FOR EVERY TOMORROW
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As a nurse, giving is deeply personal because I understand the immeasurable value of healthcare. Everything feels a bit brighter when you are well, and investing in a healthier tomorrow is something we strengthen each time our community supports the Englewood Health Foundation. Reflecting on the Foundation’s three decades of service, its most meaningful achievement is the thriving culture of philanthropy that now surrounds Englewood Health. That spirit enables this organization to deliver on its mission and empowers patients to live longer, healthier lives. I grew up believing in showing up, doing what you can and lifting others along the way—and that same belief is reflected throughout our community. Over the past thirty years, people from every corner of our region have joined the Foundation in pushing boundaries, reaching new heights and bringing bold ideas to life. Their trust and generosity, sustained year after year, stand as the cornerstone of our progress and as defining moments in the story of Englewood Health. And that story is still unfolding. Together, we continue inspiring the next generation of visionaries, caregivers and philanthropists who will shape the chapters yet to come.” Maggie Kaplen Honorary Trustee, Englewood Health
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350 Engle Street Englewood, NJ 07631 EnglewoodHealthFoundation.org
Saturday, April 25 | Pier Sixty, Chelsea Piers, New York HONOREES Stephen Brunnquell, MD | Eun Rae Jo To learn more about upcoming 2026 events, please visit EnglewoodHealthFoundation.org.