The Cooper Foundation’s annual Red Hot Gala is about more than just raising money to support Cooper University Health Care.
It’s about detailing how Cooper’s impact will grow into the future — and honoring those who help make it happen.
Last Friday, the event honored Donna and Rick Forman for their remarkable leadership, transformative philanthropy, and steadfast commitment to Cooper and the South Jersey community.
The Formans were happy to play a lead role. After all, their partnership with Cooper is deeply personal.
Donna, a breast cancer survivor, turned her diagnosis into a source of purpose — helping to shape the Foundation’s signature Pink & Teal event and becoming a powerful advocate for women navigating cancer.
“Even though I never planned on getting breast cancer, I’m grateful because it brought me to Cooper,” she said. “It gave me the chance to turn a difficult moment into something meaningful — not just for myself, but for my family and so many other women who needed to know they could get through it, too.”
Rick Forman, who supported Donna through every treatment, echoed the family’s commitment to paying forward the care they received.
“We’ve always believed in helping others — long before we had the ability to give at this level. Cooper welcomed us like family, and being able to support its growth feels like the most natural thing we could do,” he said.
This year’s event raised nearly $4 million, helping the Red Hot Gala – now in its 15th year – top more than $30 million in its history.
It’s easy to see why.
Close to 1,000 business leaders, philanthropists and community advocates gathered at the TRIAD1828 CENTRE on the Camden waterfront to celebrate this milestone event and stand behind Cooper’s mission.
The Gala’s efforts help generate millions to expand access to care and advance critical health programs at Cooper, which has hospitals in Camden and Cape May Court House plus South Jersey’s only Level I Trauma Center — the busiest in the Philadelphia region.
George Norcross III, chairman of the Board of Trustees of Cooper University Health Care, put the event in perspective.
“The annual Red Hot Gala has always been about more than one night — it’s about Cooper’s future,” he said.
Norcross gave a tip of the hat to the Formans, too.
Rick Forman is the founder of Forman Mills, a leading discount retail chain, and a philanthropist with a long-standing commitment to health care and community initiatives. Donna Forman is the first vice chair of The Cooper Foundation Board and continues to make a meaningful impact on patients and families throughout the region.
“The generosity of families like the Formans ensures we can continue to deliver advanced care, expand programs, and meet the growing needs of our community,” Norcross said. “Donna and Rick exemplify the very best of South Jersey — having built their success here and giving back in ways that strengthen Cooper and inspire the next generation.”
Philip Norcross, chairman of The Cooper Foundation board, said the Forman’s impact has been huge.
“The Forman Family’s generosity has helped shape Cooper’s past, present, and future,” he said. “Their philanthropy has expanded cancer care, strengthened programs for vulnerable populations, and fueled our $3 billion Camden campus expansion — one of the largest in the region. We are proud to celebrate them as symbols of what makes South Jersey strong.”
Cooper University Health Care Co-CEOs Kevin O’Dowd and Dr. Anthony Mazzarelli agreed.
“Thanks to the generosity of families like the Formans, the Red Hot Gala has raised $30 million since its inception,” O’Dowd said. “Their legacy of giving ensures Cooper can continue to deliver the highest level of care to every patient who walks through our doors.”
“Donna and Rick turned their own challenges into opportunities to make life better for others,” Mazzarelli added. “That spirit is at the heart of Cooper, and it inspires our teams to reach higher every single day.”
Lisa Morina, senior vice president and chief philanthropy officer at The Cooper Foundation, said the event symbolizes the spirt of the region.
“The evening is filled with entertainment, elegance, and celebration, but the true highlight is honoring a family whose impact will resonate for generations,” she said. “We are deeply grateful to all of our corporate and individual supporters whose generosity makes this incredible event possible and helps advance Cooper’s mission.”
Morina said a heartfelt thank-you goes out to the foundation’s signature partner, GHR Healthcare, for their outstanding generosity and ongoing commitment to improving health care outcomes in our region.
Their support played a critical role in the success of this year’s event and reflects a shared belief in delivering compassionate, high-quality care to every patient they serve, Cooper officials said.
Morina said the Foundation also extends gratitude to its Corporate Partners: Torcon P. Agnes Joint Venture, Falasca Mechanical, Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, AmeriHealth, Eisai, Elite Landscaping, Riverview Landscapes, IBEW Local 351, Labcorp, New Jersey American Water, Pure Project Management and TD Bank.
