St. Joseph's Health Foundation Announces 50th Annual Gala Honorees
The Gala will honor community members and an organization that exemplify compassion, generosity and excellence
Paterson, NJ, August 26, 2026 – St. Joseph’s Health Foundation is proud to announce the honorees for the 50th Annual St. Joseph’s Health Foundation Gala, which include individuals and an organization who bring to life the mission of St. Joseph’s Health through their dedication and commitment to our community.
Taking place on Thursday, October 29, at The Legacy Castle in Pompton Plains, the Gala is St. Joseph’s Health’s largest night of philanthropy, annually raising over $1 million for the organization. This year’s honorees are:
Michael M. Mainero, MD, Kendrick P. Lance Distinguished Physician Award
Robert Paz, Robert L. Marcalus Legacy Award
The Valerie Fund, Michael and Yolanda Simonelli Community Award
“Our Gala honorees embody the compassion, leadership, and unwavering dedication to serving others and making a lasting difference in our communities,” said Robert Budelman, Senior Vice President, Chief Development Officer, St. Joseph’s Health. “The Foundation Gala is an opportunity to unite our community in support of a healthier future. Our supporters’ generosity directly strengthens the care we provide, expands vital services, and drives innovation for our patients. Together, we are building on a legacy of excellence and compassion.”
About the honorees
Michael M. Mainero, MD, Founding Partner of Gastroenterology Associates of New Jersey, LLC, will be honored with the Distinguished Physician Award for his commitment to innovation, education, and leadership at St. Joseph’s Health. He currently serves as President of the Medical Staff and Chief of Endoscopy for St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center.
The Robert L. Marcalus Legacy Award will be given to Robert Paz, CPA, Chief Financial Officer, Railroad Construction Company, in honor of his devotion to St. Joseph’s Health and his service to the Paterson community. He has been an active member of the St. Joseph’s Health Board of Trustees since 2016 and is also a member of its Finance and Audit committees. Paz also dedicates his time to Eva’s Village, Oasis, and the Boy’s and Girl’s Club of Paterson.
The Valerie Fund, which provides comprehensive care for children with cancer and blood disorders close to home, will be honored with the Michael and Yolanda Simonelli Community Award. This year, The Valerie Fund is also celebrating its 50th year of service and will be honored for its continued care and support of children and their families in the St. Joseph’s community.
“By honoring these members of the community, we are reaffirming our shared commitment to ensuring that St. Joseph’s Health can continue to provide innovative, life-changing care for generations to come,” said Budelman.
For questions about the gala, please call the Foundation office at 973-754-4483 or email events@sjhmc.org. To purchase a ticket or make a donation, please click here.
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