Longtime Samaritan supporters and advocates Greg and Traci Button have been named 2025 honorary co-chairs of the organization’s annual Celebration of Life Gala.
“Greg and Traci truly embody the Samaritan spirit – passionately dedicated to the communities they serve, and exemplary champions for our mission,” said Phillip W. Heath, president and CEO of Samaritan, of the Moorestown couple.
“They are the perfect individuals for this important role, ensuring that this year’s Celebration of Life event is both impactful and memorable in so many different ways.”
Each year, Samaritan’s gala marks its own history and also honors individuals and organizations dedicated in their service to Samaritan and the South Jersey area. Its 2025 honorees are:
- Archer & Greiner, P.C.
- TD Bank
- Antonio D. Tillis, Ph.D., chancellor, Rutgers University-Camden
“The level of support and commitment exhibited by this year’s incredible group of honorees allows Samaritan to continue to expand and grow as an organization, so that we may support individuals exactly when and how they need it most,” Heath noted.
Samaritan’s Celebration of Life Gala, presented by Holman Enterprises, will be held at champion sponsor Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8. The annual fundraiser will celebate Samaritan’s 45 years of providing an expanding range of care to more than 11,000 patients and families in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Mercer counties.
“Let’s come together to celebrate,” said Chris Rollins, chief development officer at Samaritan, of the gala. “Let’s celebrate the work that we do, let’s celebrate the impact that we’re having across the communities that we serve, let’s celebrate the loved ones that we’ve cared for, and that guests and others are remembering and – we know – celebrating as well.”
The gala will feature food, live music by Masquerade and dancing. To further support fundraising efforts and engagement, Samaritan’s Gala will once again offer a dining raffle for the chance to win 12, $100 restaurant gift certificates valued at a total of $1,200 for $10 per ticket. A virtual auction will feature specialty items for bid. It will open for bidding on Feb. 1.
Attendance is not required for the raffle and auction. Tickets for both are available at www.samaritanNJ.org/Gala. Proceeds from the evening will support direct care for Samaritan clients.
Samaritan’s Tree of Life: Season of Light program is dedicated to remembering and honoring lost loved ones during the holiday season.
Samaritan will hold its annual Tree of Life: Season of Light illumination program at its headquarters in Mount Laurel tomorrow, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m. The ceremony is dedicated to remembering and honoring lost loved ones during the holiday season.
“At Samaritan, we understand that the holiday season can be especially difficult for those grieving a loss or coping with memories of a loved one,” Heath noted. “We are proud to provide a welcoming environment and moving experience where our community can come together to remember, honor and celebrate the lives of our loved ones during this special time of year.”
“Tree of Life is a chance to gather during the holiday,” Rollins observed, “because it can be such a difficult time to celebrate. And we deliberately use that word celebrate rather than to grieve, because it’s a time to celebrate the memories of our loved ones.”
All proceeds from the Tree of Life event will benefit Samaritan patients and families.
