Fred Hassan Honored for Founding of Event Thirteen Years Ago

Amicus Therapeutics and PTC Therapeutics CEO’s Recognized for Cutting-Edge Research

In spite of the economic downturn, nearly 450 guests turned out to support Community Hope's annual gala and pay a special tribute to Fred Hassan, outgoing Chairman and CEO of the Schering-Plough Corporation, who founded the event in 1997. Special honorees John Crowley, President and CEO of Amicus Therapeutics, and Dr. Stuart Peltz, President and CEO of PTC Therapeutics, were recognized for their companies’ cutting-edge research.

The Annual Sparkle of Hope Dinner Auction was held on October 27, 2009 at the Birchwood Manor in Whippany, New Jersey. The charity event raised $450,000 and the proceeds will provide such basic essentials as housing, heat, food and daily living assistance to more than 300 individuals in recovery from mental illness, including homeless veterans residing at Community Hope's Hope for Veterans Program.

Dr. Sol Barer, Chairman and CEO of the Celgene Corporation and Honorary Chair of the event, presented the awards to the Honorees. He credited Mr. Hassan for his vision in founding the charity event that has raised over $4.25 million and enabled Community Hope to expand its programs six-fold while addressing such urgent social issues as widespread homelessness among veterans.

Alex Gorsky, Johnson & Johnson’s Worldwide Chairman of Medical Devices and Diagnostics Group and Master of Ceremonies recognized the gala chairs and Event Sponsors for the successful fundraising event

Fred Hassan, (third from left) who received a special tribute for founding the gala, poses with gala chairs and honorees (from left) Kevin Rigby of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; David Norton of Johnson & Johnson; Community Hope President Carmela Lunt; honorees John Crowley of Amicus Therapeutics and Dr. Stuart Peltz of PTC Therapeutics; Dr. Sol Barer of Celgene Corporation; Community Hope CEO J. Michael Armstrong, and Alex Gorsky of Johnson & Johnson