HACKETTSTOWN (May 17, 2006) Gerald H. Lipkin, Chairman, President and CEO of Valley National Bank, has been named Honorary Chairman of the Hackettstown Regional Medical Center Foundations 17th Annual Harvest Cotillion for Health.
The popular black-tie gala is slated for Saturday, November 4th at the Parsippany Sheraton Hotel.  This years theme, Motown Magic, promises to delight the over 400 guests expected to be in attendance.
              
Lipkin joined Valley National Bank as a Senior Vice President in 1975 and was elected a Director in 1986. In 1987, he was promoted to Executive Vice President and elected Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in 1989.  The title of President was added in 1996. Prior to joining Valley National Bank, Lipkin was employed by the Comptroller of the Currency in NJ in 1963 and was appointed Deputy Regional Administrator by 1970. 
           
Beyond his business accomplishments, Lipkin helped raise funds for cancer research at the Lautenberg Center for Tumor Immunology in Jerusalem for over 15 years and was honored for his contributions in 1988 with the prestigious Torch of Learning Award.  Lipkin was also a member of the Board of Trustees at the Beth Israel Hospital in Passaic, where he served over 10 years as the Chairman of the Finance Committee.
          
Lipkin has been cited numerous times for his community involvement. He received the Corporate Achievement Award from Bnai Brith International, the Community Service Award from NJ Citizens Action, the Emily Bissell Honor Award from the American Lung Association, the Corporate Recognition Award from the Metro Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Corporate Award from the Sunrise House Foundation, and the Community Achievement Award from the Urban League of Bergen County.  Lipkin also received the Corporate Excellence Award from The University of Medicine & Dentistry and The Maimonides Award from the American Friends of The Hebrew University and the Lautenberg Research Center to honor his philanthropic commitment to pioneering medical research conducted at The Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
            
We are honored to have Mr. Lipkin as our Honorary Chair, said Gene Milton, President and CEO of HRMC. Mr. Lipkin has demonstrated his dedication to community-based charitable causes both locally and abroad for many years.  His community spirit and philanthropic nature have benefited the community in so many ways, including our Medical Center.  It is fitting that we show our appreciation to him and recognize him for his contributions to the northwestern New Jersey region.
            
Lipkin resides in Montville with Linda, his wife of 41 years.  They have two children, Pam and Jeff, and five grandchildren.
Masterfoods USA, a Mars, Incorporated Company, is the presenting sponsor of the highly anticipated annual event.  The evening will include music, dining and dancing, a high-value 50/50 raffle drawing and the annual Silent Auction, which includes a host of superb items such as unique sports memorabilia, jewelry, furs and other great merchandise and gift certificates.
 
As the fundraising arm of Hackettstown Regional Medical Center, the Foundation raises money throughout the year for new technology services and special building projects. Proceeds from this years Cotillion have been specifically earmarked for the development of a Low-risk Cardiac Catheterization/Vascular Laboratory at HRMC.
 
Everyone is welcome to attend. For Cotillion ticket or sponsorship information, or for more details about the Hackettstown Regional Medical Center Foundation and how it can work for your benefit, please call the Foundation office at (908) 850-6876.