The Deborah Hospital Foundation hosted its 21st Annual Red Tie Gala on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Lucien’s Manor in Berlin, New Jersey, bringing together community leaders, healthcare advocates, and supporters to raise over $365,000 in support of life-saving cardiac, pulmonary, and vascular care.
Channeling Hollywood glamour with this year’s theme, “A Night at the Oscars,” the signature annual event celebrated generous donors and dedicated staff members from Deborah Heart and Lung Center—New Jersey’s only specialty heart, lung, and vascular hospital.
During the evening’s “Oscar’s Program,” five awards were presented to recognize individuals for their contributions to patient care and organizational leadership:
- The Gala Honoree Award: Lorie and John Ruga
- The Lifetime Achievement Award: John Hill
- The Visionary Leadership Award: Alexander Poulathas, DO
- Achievement in Community Impact Award: Cyndy Kornfeld
- The Ensemble Excellence Award: Julie Lennox and Shelby Mann
“Deborah remains committed to expanding our reach, proving that dedicated, high-caliber specialty care rooted in our local community can set a benchmark for the entire nation,” Gary Rubin, Chairman of the Deborah Hospital Foundation Board of Directors, said. “On behalf of the Deborah Heart and Lung Center Board of Trustees, the Foundation Board of Directors and our entire Deborah family, thank you for your continued support and for being a part of this extraordinary evening.”
Proceeds from the Red Tie Gala directly fund patient care programs and clinical advancements at Deborah Heart and Lung Center, located in Browns Mills, New Jersey. Founded in 1922, the non-profit teaching hospital has treated over 2.3 million patients from across the United States and 87 countries.
