Virtual Heroes Ball Raises Over $880,000 for Hasbro Children’s Hospital
A quick pivot from an in-person event to a virtual 2021 Heroes Ball gala – a decision made due to the rise in transmission rates of the Delta variant of COVID-19 – did not stop attendees from generously supporting Hasbro Children’s Hospital. In total, the event raised more than $880,000 for the hospital’s areas of greatest need.
On Thursday, September 23, attendees logged onto their computers to enjoy this year’s Heroes Ball live from the comfort of their homes. The lively event was hosted by on-air personality Jessica Schiano of 92 PRO-FM, who was joined on stage by professional auctioneer Tom Stebbins for a spirited auction and fund-a-need appeal.
Although this year’s gala had a different format, it once again paid tribute to courageous children and remarkable caregivers while raising critical funds in support of the hospital’s mission. Without philanthropy, many of the hospital’s programs, such as Child Life and the Healing Arts, would simply not exist.
“It is humbling to be joined by so many people who support our hospitals with such passion and commitment,” Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children’s Hospital President Saul N. Weingart, MD, said in his remarks. “Simply put, we are here for the families we care for because you are here for us, and for that I am deeply grateful.”
This year’s fund-a-need appeal generated $116,000 to benefit pediatric neurology’s comprehensive care and innovative treatment options for children living with neurological conditions. Each year, more than 13,000 kids suffering from a wide range of disorders of the nervous system seek care at Hasbro Children's department of pediatric neurology. When a child is suffering from a brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerve disorder, the hospital’s team of experts are there to evaluate, diagnose, and deliver world-class care while also supporting their family.
Pediatric neurology patients and their families, including 16-year-old Sophie Artery; Mary and Anthony Saladino, parents of 18-month-old patient Henry; and Verena Valle, mother of 13-year-old patient Melissa, shared moving stories of hope and healing resulting from the care they have received at Hasbro Children’s.
“Everybody at Hasbro Children’s has been so amazing to us, in many different ways,” said Mary Saladino. “Not only were they skilled practitioners who didn’t shy away from a rare disease that most doctors haven’t heard of, or don’t ever see in their lifetime, they dove right in and made us feel well cared for.”
The 2021 Heroes Ball was made possible thanks to event chairs Deanna and Scott Donnelly; co-chairs, Melisa Verrecchia and Andy Marr; presenting sponsors CVS Health and IGT; platinum sponsors Brown Physician’s Inc., Citizens Bank, Nerves & Bones, Raytheon Technologies, and Textron; and dozens of other sponsors who contributed to the event’s success.