Event honors Donna and Rick Forman for leadership, philanthropy, and community impact
(Camden, NJ) –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.
About Donna and Rick Forman
Rick Forman is the founder of Forman Mills, a leading discount retail chain, and a philanthropist with a long-standing commitment to health care and community initiatives. Donna Forman is the First Vice Chair of The Cooper Foundation Board and continues to make a meaningful impact on patients and families throughout the region. Donna and Rick Forman are long-time supporters of Cooper University Health Care, celebrated for their leadership, philanthropy, and dedication to the community. Together, they have advanced cancer care, championed programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and supported major capital projects.
About The Cooper Foundation
The Cooper Foundation supports the patients, services, research and educational programs of Cooper University Health Care, one of the largest health systems in southern New Jersey. By partnering with the community, we help Cooper thrive and do more for the people of South Jersey. Generosity allows Cooper to deliver research that leads to cures, growth and development that transforms communities and care that goes beyond the ordinary for patients and their families. Learn more by following The Cooper Foundation:
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About Cooper University Health Care
Cooper University Health Care is a leading academic health system affiliated with Cooper Medical School of Rowan University. Cooper, headquartered in Camden, New Jersey, has revenues of more than $2.4 billion and an A+ credit rating from both S&P Global and Fitch Ratings.
Cooper has nearly 14,000 team members, including nearly 1,600 nurses, more than 1,000 employed physicians representing 95 specialties and subspecialties, and more than 600 advanced practice professionals.
Cooper operates MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper as well as three hospitals – its 663-bed flagship Cooper University Hospital in Camden, its 229-bed Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional in Cape May Court House, and Children’s Regional Hospital also in Camden.
Cooper University Hospital in Camden is the only Level 1 trauma center in South Jersey and the busiest in the region. The hospital has been recognized as a top-performing regional hospital by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals annual survey for six years.
More than 2.4 million patients visit Cooper’s facilities annually. Cooper’s ambulatory network encompasses three outpatient surgery centers, several urgent care centers, a wound care center, and more than 130 physician, physical therapy, and radiology offices extending from the Delaware River to the New Jersey shore.
Cooper was named one of America’s Best Large Employers for 2025 by Forbes, ranking among the top 200 in the nation. Visit CooperHealth.org to learn more.
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