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Thursday, October 29, 2026

Mental Health Association in New Jersey to celebrate behavioral health pioneers at 26th Annual Evening of Excellence

The Mental Health Association in New Jersey (MHANJ) has announced it will host its 26th Annual Evening of Excellence on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at The Park Savoy Estate in Florham Park.

As MHANJ’s largest fundraiser of the year, the gala will honor four prominent community and healthcare leaders for their groundbreaking work expanding access to behavioral health services and supporting individuals facing mental health challenges and substance use disorders across the Garden State.

Centered around the theme “Flourish and Nourish,” this year’s event embraces the spirit of Thanksgiving by recognizing the relationships, advocates, and resources that help local communities heal, grow, and thrive. All proceeds from the evening will directly support MHANJ’s ongoing mission to increase access to behavioral healthcare for New Jersey residents in need.

“Our honorees are truly deserving of recognition for their creativity and dedication to advancing behavioral health and wellness in New Jersey,” Carolyn Beauchamp, president and CEO of the Mental Health Association in New Jersey, said. “We are proud to celebrate their remarkable accomplishments and look forward to continuing our own work, striving for the best possible mental health across our state.”

This year’s Evening of Excellence recognizes leaders from diverse sectors—including healthcare systems, community organizations, peer support networks, and corporate planning:

  • Jose Caraballo, CRSP, CPRS — Peer Support Coordinator at Trenton Area Soup Kitchen
  • Christopher F. Freer, DO, FACEP — Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer, Acute Care Providers, RWJBarnabas Health
  • Terriann Procida — Chief Executive Officer at Innovative Benefit Planning, LLC
  • Kimberly Veith, MBA, MSW, LCSW, LCADC — Chief Executive Officer at Bright Harbor Healthcare

The 26th annual celebration will be hosted by award-winning television host and producer Lisa Marie Falbo, known for hosting “Your New Jersey” on MeTV-WJLP and highlighting Garden State leaders on ONNJ.

The event is backed by strong support from state healthcare organizations and corporate partners. RWJBarnabas Health serves as the event’s Gold Wellness and Recovery Level sponsor. Silver Anti-Stigma Ambassador Level sponsors include Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Neurocrine Biosciences, Janine and Dan Kane, Minette’s Angels, United Health Care, and Inserra Supermarkets, Inc.

Additional support at the Bronze Education Resilience Level includes contributions from Bristol Myers Squibb, Citizens Bank, Delta Dental, Johnson & Johnson, Lundbeck, Otsuka, Rutgers University Behavioral Healthcare, and Bright Harbor Healthcare, among others.

How to Get Involved

Members of the public and community organizations can support MHANJ’s mission by purchasing event tickets, securing sponsorships, or placing electronic journal ads:

  • Event Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026
  • Location: The Park Savoy Estate, Florham Park, N.J.
  • Tickets & Information: Visit MHANJ Event Registration
  • Direct Contact: Email [email protected] or call 973-571-4100 (ext. 123)

Headquartered in Union County with regional offices and affiliates across Atlantic, Burlington, Ocean, Essex, Monmouth, Morris, and Passaic Counties, the MHANJ continues to drive statewide progress through advocacy, education, training, and direct community services. More information is available on the official MHANJ Website.

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