From left: Co-chairs Keith and Lynne Kelly, Denise Chakoian, Heroes Ball Chair, Melisa Verrecchia and Lawrence A. Aubin, Sr., Chairman, Lifespan Board of Directors.
The spirit of giving and ohana (family) filled the air as 600 attendees gathered for a tropical, Hawaiian-themed Hasbro Children’s Hospital Heroes Ball on the grounds of Rocky Hill Country Day School in East Greenwich.
The annual event, held on August 19, 2023, was chaired by Melisa Verrecchia and co-chaired by Denise Chakoian and Keith and Lynne Kelly and raised $1,137,450 to support the hospital’s mission. Of the total raised, $293,350 benefited the evening’s fund-a-need for the hospital’s nationally renowned medical psychiatric program.
Donors’ inspiring generosity will allow Hasbro Children’s Hospital to significantly expand outpatient services for patients who have co-existing medical and psychiatric needs, ensuring that all children get the care they deserve and need after discharge. Patient speaker Shamikia Perry shared her journey of hope and healing from Crohn’s Disease and depression thanks to care she received at the hospital several years ago.
“I’ll always be grateful for the outpouring of love and support I felt from the staff at Hasbro Children’s Hospital,” said Shamikia, who is now a security guard at the hospital and a pre-nursing student. “It helped me feel, for the first time, like I mattered. And that’s a feeling all kids deserve to have.”
The crucial need for funding was shared through a video highlighting 13-year-old Gabby’s life-changing experience with the hospital’s medical psychiatric program. Gabby received care at Hasbro Children’s partial hospital program for functional neurological disorder, a medical condition where patients experience neurologic symptoms that can be impairing but are not caused by any identifiable medical condition.
The fund-a-need appeal kicked off with two generous $25,000 donations, and at the $2,500 level, Hasbro Inc. announced they would generously match up to $50,000 in donations. Auctioneer Tom Stebbins invited Gabby to stage to help count $2,500 donations. In the end, 23 donors raised their paddle and Hasbro Inc. agreed to match the $57,500.
Later in the fund-a-need appeal, 8-year-old Gemma and 11-year-old Ethan, the hospital’s 2023 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Champion Child, both Hasbro Children’s patients, gleefully helped auctioneer Tom Stebbins rally more of the crowd and high-five donors.
In addition, funds to support the hospital’s areas of greatest need were raised during a competitive live auction. Coveted items included dreamy travel vacation packages; a private chef’s dinner for 10 prepared by the owner of the Providence restaurant Persimmon; and luxury suite packages for New England Patriots and Boston Bruins games. Guests also had the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win three luxurious jewelry prizes donated by Providence Diamond Company.
Faux palm trees and other colorful décor; tropical food and drink; and Hawaiian music, hula, and fire dancing performances also added to the festive atmosphere.
“The Heroes Ball is a celebration of everything that makes Hasbro Children’s Hospital so special,” said Lifespan Board of Directors Chairman Lawrence A. Aubin Sr. in his remarks, which included a moment of silence for those recently affected by the devastating wildfires on Maui.
Hasbro Children’s Hospital extends its appreciation and gratitude to everyone who helped make the 2023 Heroes Ball possible, including event chair Melisa Verrecchia, co-chairs Denise Chakoian and Keith and Lynne Kelly, the event committee, presenting sponsors Friends of Jack Foundation, Hasbro, Inc., and IGT, platinum sponsors Brown Physicians, Inc., Citizens, and Greenwich Business Capital, and many other sponsors and donors.