Philanthropist Dr. James George and Celebrity Chef Jose Garces Honored at Virtua Health’s Annual Gala Benefiting Food Access in South Jersey
Virtua Health, the “Here for Good” health system of southern New Jersey, brought together its boards of trustees, leaders, and philanthropic supporters for its annual gala in Atlantic City. Attended by 750 guests, the event’s proceeds will benefit Virtua’s Eat Well food access programs, which includes the Eat Well Mobile Grocery Store, Eat Well Mobile Farmers Market, and Eat Well Food Farmacy.
Virtua President and CEO Dennis Pullin, FACHE, presented James E. George, MD, JD, FACEP, with the Humanitarian of the Year Award. Dr. George, a pioneer in emergency medicine, is also highly regarded as an abstract artist and philanthropic supporter of the healing arts.
The Woodbury, N.J. resident is a founder of TeamHealth and he has funded art rooms at Virtua’s behavioral health programs for children (CASTLE) in Camden and Berlin, N.J. CASTLE, which stands for Children Achieving Success through Therapeutic Life Experiences, provides diagnosis, treatment, and programming for children ages 3 to 18 who experience challenges like ADHD, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Art is a fundamental component of the 25-year-old CASTLE program, as it supports self-expression, creativity, and healing.
“You can see in Dr. George’s paintings how art can heal,” said Amy Quick, LPC, director of the CASTLE Camden program. “Being a humanitarian requires love, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. That is who Dr. George is.”
In addition to supporting not-for-profit Virtua Health, Dr. George also champions many other local organizations that advance art, health care, and education. He serves as a board member of the Taliaferro Foundation and Rowan University Foundation. At Virtua’s academic affiliate, Rowan University, Dr. George recently funded the new George Family Center for Healing Arts at Rowan’s Glassboro Campus. He is also involved with several organizations benefiting local children, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Gloucester County and the Kingsway Learning Center.
“I have known Dr. George for decades and am continually impressed by his fortitude and compassion,” said James Dwyer, DO, vice chair of the Virtua Health Board of Trustees. “His contributions to our community, as both a medical professional and a philanthropist, leave a legacy that spans generations.”
Chef Jose Garces Honored for Advancing Health Nationally and in Greater Philadelphia
Iron Chef and James Beard Award-winner Jose Garces received Virtua’s 2024 Distinguished Service Award. Best known for his popular restaurant concepts – including Amada and Village Whiskey – Garces is also a leader in building health communities.
He co-founded the Garces Foundation in 2011, which supports immigrant communities in Greater Philadelphia. Programming includes health fairs, skills-development workshops, and English language classes.
Garces was also appointed to serve on the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition. This federal advisory committee promotes healthy eating, physical activity, mental health resources, and youth sports.
“The pillars of the Garces Foundation and all of Jose’s work come together perfectly with Virtua’s mission to advance healthy communities,” said Michael Capriotti, MBA, senior vice president of integration and strategic operations for Virtua Health and a Garces Foundation board member. “He understands we can do so much good by working together.”
Chef Garces has visited Virtua’s Eat Well programs many times and is helping to generate wider awareness of the programs. Earlier this year, Garces and Virtua collaborated on a series of social media videos demonstrating simple ways of preparing nutritious foods like salmon, avocado, and sweet potatoes – all items available at deeply discounted prices onboard the Eat Well Mobile Grocery Store.
Two additional vehicles will be added to the Eat Well mobile fleet in 2025. Proceeds from the Virtua Health Gala will help sustain all the Eat Well food access programs.
“We are so grateful to our generous philanthropic investors for joining Virtua Health in our mission to improve the lives of others,” said Sarah Fawcett-Lee, FAHP, CFRE, senior vice president and chief philanthropy officer for Virtua Health. “Everyone who played a role during this year’s gala – whether as a sponsor, guest, or honoree, reflects the kindness and generosity that make South Jersey so special.”
“Both Dr. George and Chef Garces exemplify the transformative power of being service-oriented,” said Dennis Pullin. “They are visionary leaders who identify opportunities to help others, take action, and, as a result, create communities of wellness.”
For more information about Virtua Health’s Eat Well programs, visit Virtua.org/EatWell. To learn more about the Virtua Health Gala and its generous supporters, visit GiveToVirtua.org/Gala.