Benefit Brings School-Based Health Center Closer to Opening Its Doors

Supporters Unite to Raise Funds, Honor Founders’ Legacy

Zufall Health is nearing the opening of its first school-based health center in Franklin Township (Somerset County), thanks to its annual fundraiser, the Be Well Benefit. The October 9 event at Brooklake Country Club raised funds to outfit the new facility, set to open in 2025. 

“Since 2022, we have provided services to students in the district using our mobile van, and we’ll soon expand capacity with a state-of-the-art, standalone center on the Franklin Middle School campus,” said Zufall President and CEO Fran Palm. “Thanks to a wonderful partnership with the school district and the municipality, we have made great progress, but we still need help funding essential equipment and supplies.” 

The event also celebrated the legacy of Zufall Health’s late founders, Dr. Bob and Kay Zufall. Their daughters, Peg and Kathy Zufall, accepted the Founders’ Award on their behalf. A moving video tribute shared the story of the health center’s origins and included testimonials from patients whose lives were transformed by the care they received as children. 

“Expanding our school-based program is a fitting way to honor the Zufalls’ legacy,” added Palm. “There is so much evidence that children who have access to health care do better in all aspects of their lives, including in school.”

Longtime Zufall patient and recent Harvard graduate Alejandra Iglesias agrees. “I came to Zufall at 14 while my mom and I were living in a shelter,” Iglesias told guests. “Though there was so much instability in my life at that time, Zufall ensured my access to health care, including medical, dental, and behavioral health care, was always stable. The compassionate care I received helped me through school, ultimately becoming the first in my family to go to college.” 

Superintendent of Franklin Township Public Schools Dr. John Ravally added: “When I joined the district, it quickly became clear that our students needed better access to quality health care. Children often missed school because they couldn’t get the services they needed. Partnering with Zufall Health has made all the difference. Providing our students with health care services is vital to keeping them healthy, in school, and ready to learn. I look forward to the next phase of our partnership.” 

The event also received support from elected officials, including Assemblywoman Aura Dunn and Senator Anthony Bucco, with Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill sending a certificate recognizing the Zufalls. 

The benefit was made possible by the generosity of Valley Bank, Sanofi, Horizon BCBS, Penn Medicine Princeton Health, Aetna Better Health of New Jersey, Benco Dental, Brio Benefit Consulting, Cooperman Barnabas Health Center/RWJ Barnabas Health,  Day Pitney LLP, Fingerpaint,  Fulton Bank, LabCorp, Luma Health, Provident Bank, Riker Danzig LLP, United Health Care Community Plan, Yolo Promo and many other dedicated partners who share Zufall’s vision of access to high-quality health care for everyone. 

Thanks to the funds raised from the Be Well Benefit, Zufall Health is close to fully equipping the school-based center, but additional assistance is still needed. Fundraising remains ongoing, and every contribution helps to create a welcoming health care home for the community. Make a donation online or by mail to Zufall Health Attn: Development, 18 West Blackwell Street Dover, NJ 07801.   

Photos, clockwise from top left: 1) Amy Bucco, former Zufall Health President nd Foundation Trustee Eva Turbiner, and New Jersey Senator Anthony Bucco enjoyed the festive atmosphere at Brooklake Country Club; Assemblywoman Aura Dunn expressed strong support for community health care; 3) President and CEO Fran Palm shared plans for the new Franklin Township school-based health center 4) Four individuals discussed their personal experiences with Zufall’s comprehensive pediatric program. Left to right: Dr. John Ravally, Superintendent of Franklin Township Public Schools; Kathleen Riewe, MD, Pediatrician at Zufall Health; Alejandra Iglesias, patient; and Jade Duncan, DDS, MEd, SVP of Dental Services at Zufall Health; 5)  Kathy Zufall (right) and Board member Peg Zufall proudly accepted the Founders’ Award on behalf of their parents. Credit: Hal Brown.