The Cooper Foundation Raises Nearly $4M at 15th Annual Red Hot Gala

On Oct 2, 2025

The Cooper Foundation’s 15th Annual Red Hot Gala has raised close to $4 million in support of Cooper University Health Care, while honoring Donna and Rick Forman for their remarkable leadership, transformative philanthropy, and steadfast commitment to Cooper and the South Jersey community.

Close to 1,000 business leaders, philanthropists, and community advocates will gather tonight at the TRIAD1828 CENTRE on the Camden waterfront to celebrate this milestone event and stand behind Cooper’s mission.

Each year, the Gala generates 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.

“The annual Red Hot Gala has always been about more than one night—it’s about Cooper’s future,” said George E. Norcross III, chairman of the Board of Trustees of Cooper University Health Care. “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. 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.”

“The Forman Family’s generosity has helped shape Cooper’s past, present, and future,” said Philip A. Norcross, Esq., chairman of The Cooper Foundation Board. “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.”

The Formans’ 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,” said Donna Forman. “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.”

“Thanks to the generosity of families like the Formans, the Red Hot Gala has raised $30 million since its inception,” said Kevin M. O’Dowd, JD, co-CEO of Cooper. “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,” said Anthony J. Mazzarelli, MD, JD, MBE, co-CEO of Cooper. “That spirit is at the heart of Cooper, and it inspires our teams to reach higher every single day.”

“The evening is filled with entertainment, elegance, and celebration, but the true highlight is honoring a family whose impact will resonate for generations,” said Lisa Morina, senior vice president and chief philanthropy officer at The Cooper Foundation. “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.”

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 we serve.

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.

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