Valley Donates $500K to Ridgewood Schools

Ridgewood schools received a financial boost a few weeks ago when Valley Hospital pledged to donate $500,000 over the next five years toward health education initiatives.

According to a joint press release issued by the two institutions, the donation will go toward health education, fitness and wellness and disease prevention programs for students, faculty and parents. 

"Examples to be considered include adolescent health and wellness education, diabetes education, injury prevention, and nutrition," the statement reads.

Valley Hospital CEO Audrey Meyers, who was at the school board meeting Monday to formalize the agreement, said Valley has a "long history of supporting" Ridgewood students.

"Examples include past sponsorships of annual events, the provision of ongoing health and wellness education, and the sponsorship of the Ridgewood Academy for Health Professions," Meyers said in the news release. "I am very pleased that Valley is able to continue this tradition of support with this donation to the Ridgewood Public School System, especially since it will be used to enhance the health and wellness of Ridgewood's teachers, students and their families."

School board president Sheila Brogan thanked the hospital for its "generosity" in offering the five-year grant.

"The Valley Hospital has long been a good neighbor to the Ridgewood Public Schools and a valuable partner in several programs that support the district’s mission of excellence," Brogan said.

"The Ridgewood Academy for the Health Professions, ongoing classroom speaker series and funding of special projects through the Ridgewood Education Foundation are but a few examples of our ongoing and successful relationship with Valley. Their continued support through this grant will enable us to continue our mutual commitment to the health and wellness of our students."