Mt. Laurel, NJ – Today, Samaritan announced that Meteorologist Kathy Orr of FOX 29 News in Philadelphia will serve as emcee of its 2023 Celebration of Life Gala, presented by Holman Enterprises.
Samaritan’s 2023 Gala will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 6 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Cherry Hill, N.J. This marks the return to an in-person format for the annual fundraising event, which celebrates Samaritan’s 40+ years of providing quality, compassionate care to more than 11,000 families annually throughout Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Mercer counties.
“We are delighted Kathy has chosen to support Samaritan as the Master of Ceremonies for our 2023 Celebration of Life Gala,” said Phillip W. Heath, president and CEO of Samaritan. “Each year, our Gala helps us continue our mission of providing extraordinary compassion and professional expertise for our patients, clients and all those who care about them. With Kathy joining our event, we are certain this will be our most successful Gala to date!”
Orr first arrived in Philadelphia in 1998 as the first female meteorologist in the Philadelphia television market and joined the FOX 29 team in September 2015, as weather anchor for the FOX 29 News evening newscasts. Prior to joining FOX 29, she provided forecasts weekdays on CBS 3’s Eyewitness News at 5, 6 and 11 pm, as well as for The CW Philly at 10pm. She also provided forecasts for CBS 3’s sister radio stations, 94 WIP and KYW News radio.
Named “Rookie of the Year” by the Delaware County Times in 1999, Orr’s forecasting and reporting earned her eight Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards for “Best Weathercaster.” She also earned top honors from the Pennsylvania Associated Press Broadcasters Association and in 2008, was named “Best Weathercaster” in Philadelphia Magazine’s “Best of Philly” issue. In 2013, Orr was inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia’s “Hall of Fame.”
Orr resides in South Jersey with her family. In 2003, she was recognized by the New Jersey Governor’s Office for her “Orr at the Shore” series of summer reports that highlighted environmental awareness along the Jersey Shore. The Jersey shore is an issue dear to Orr’s heart, since her family has vacationed “down the shore” for more than 30 years.
“Kathy’s dedication to service, generosity and love for the South Jersey community makes her a perfect candidate to emcee this year’s Celebration of Life Gala,” continued Heath.
Samaritan’s 2023 Gala will feature delicious food, live music by Masquerade, dancing and more! It will also feature a variety of fundraising opportunities, including:
Individual tickets for this year’s Gala are $225 each. All proceeds from the evening, including the Delightful Dining raffle and online auction, will support direct care for Samaritan patients and their families throughout South Jersey. Please Note: Attendance is not required to participate in either the raffle or online auction.
For additional gala details, tickets, raffle or online auction information, visit www.SamaritanNJ.org/Gala or contact Katelin Spooner at (856) 552-3239 or [email protected].
About Samaritan:
Samaritan is a not-for-profit, independent organization locally founded in Moorestown, New Jersey in 1980 as one of the first hospices in the country. Samaritan is now one of the State’s leading providers of hospice care, palliative (comfort) medicine, at-home primary care, grief support and counseling, advanced illness care, education and advocacy. Samaritan serves people in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Mercer counties who are coping with the stresses of aging, serious illness or grief wherever they call home. Samaritan also has two dedicated inpatient hospice centers in Voorhees and Mount Holly. Beyond the services covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance plans, Samaritan annually provides nearly $1M in donor-funded non-reimbursed care for patients and families in the South Jersey region. A thrift shop in Westmont also supports Samaritan services and programs. Samaritan is accredited by The Joint Commission; a member of the National Partnership for Hospice Innovation; and is a four-star hospice in the national We Honor Veterans program. For more information, visit www.SamaritanNJ.org.