Meet Our 2025 Gala Honorees

On September 13, Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation will host its 2025 gala at Monmouth University. The event will raise funds for the organization’s Be The Difference campaign, and honor two extraordinary philanthropists: Mary Ellen Harris, the current president of The Golden Dome Foundation, and Lawrence Inserra, Jr., chairman and CEO of Inserra Supermarkets, Inc., and the Inserra Family Foundation.

The Golden Dome Foundation, based in Holmdel, NJ was founded in 2015 by the late Dr. Robert H. Harris and Mary Ellen Harris. A professional researcher, Dr. Robert H. Harris brought Advil to market and the patent, Vimpat, an epilepsy drug used to treat partial onset seizures in adult epileptic patients. Mary Ellen, through The Golden Dome Foundation, honors her dearly departed husband’s legacy by generously supporting causes dear to his heart. 

Through The Golden Dome Foundation, Mary Ellen has provided transformational contributions to Hackensack Meridian Health. Since 2018, she has funded vital advancements at Bayshore Medical Center (including the state-of-the-art Dr. Robert H. Harris Emergency Care Center), Ocean University Medical Center (home to the Dr. Robert H. and Mary Ellen Harris Heart and Vascular Center) and Jersey Shore University Medical Center, notably supporting the Dr. Robert H. Harris Neuroscience Treatment Center and The Dr. Robert H. and Mary Ellen Harris ZAP-X Center for Noninvasive Neurosurgery with its groundbreaking technology. 

Likewise, Larry, who sits at the helm of one of the largest family-owned and operated supermarket chains in the metropolitan area, operating ShopRite stores throughout New Jersey and New York, has a rich history of giving back. The Inserra Family Foundation was established in 1986 to support organizations formed for religious, charitable, scientific, literary or educational purposes, including prevention of cruelty to children and animals.

For 38 years, the Inserra Family Foundation has hosted the Carl Inserra Memorial Golf Outing in which all monies raised are donated to national, local and community charitable organizations. With the generous support of our community, corporate sponsors and associates, The Inserra Family Foundation is able to provide funding that helps patients, families, customers, students, associates and neighbors in need.

Larry’s giving to Hackensack Meridian Health has spanned the gamut, including supporting numerous programs dedicated to helping individuals with diabetes through the Inserra Family Diabetes Institute at Hackensack University Medical Center. Additionally, he serves as the chair of both the Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation and Hackensack Meridian Carrier Clinic board of trustees, and as a member of the Be The Difference campaign committee.

To learn more about how you can support the 2025 Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation Gala, sponsor the event, or join us to celebrate these outstanding individuals, please visit GiveHMH.org/Gala.