Fall 2022
Message from the President and Foundation Board Chair
of Rhode Island and Hasbro Children’s Hospitals
Dear Volunteer Leadership Council Member,
Welcome to the fall eNews for our family of volunteer leaders. We applaud you for your dedication and commitment to Rhode Island and Hasbro Children’s hospitals.
Today, we write to share an update on our hospitals, to introduce you to our newest members of the Board of Governors, and recognize a few of our loyal Volunteer Leadership Council members for going above and beyond in helping us strengthen our institution’s philanthropy.
Here are a few updates:
Summer fundraising events exceeded goals!
The spirit of generosity soared to new heights as the community came together at the 2022 Heroes Ball in August to raise a record $1.3 million for Hasbro Children’s Hospital. This year, after two years of pandemic-related restrictions, the hospital’s signature event returned to a celebratory in-person gathering on the grounds of the Moses Brown School in Providence. This successful event was led by event chair Melisa Verrecchia and co-chairs Denise Chakoian and Keith and Lynne Kelly.
Generous supporters also came together at Rhode Island Country Club in July to enjoy a day on the golf course while raising $402,000 in critical funds for the hospital’s pediatric neurology program, Child Life, Healing Arts, and the Child Protection Program under the leadership of event chairs, Lawrence A. Aubin, Sr., and James "Jamo" Carr, Jr. Since its inception in 1996, this annual tournament has raised nearly $6 million.
Financial headwinds challenge the Lifespan system
As you may have heard, Lifespan is facing some serious financial headwinds. To put this in context: we are not alone. Hospitals across the country continue to be financially challenged by the labor shortage, increased cost of supplies, and overall inflation.
The good news is that Lifespan has a solid financial recovery plan in place and is working with business, community, and state leaders to fine tune it. The plan includes implementing strategies to build out Lifespan’s talent pool, recruit additional staff, decrease reliance on contract labor, improve operational efficiency, and resume elective surgeries. Stay tuned for more on this initiative as we move into the new year.
Alarming rise in pediatric respiratory illness—and the mental health crisis continues
Since the winter of 2020, the pandemic brought with it an unprecedented surge in pediatric behavioral health patients to hospitals across the country including Hasbro Children’s. This increase in volume, primarily related to trauma and stress, has required additional specialized space and experts are predicting that it will likely extend for two or more years.
This fall has also seen pediatric respiratory illnesses ramping up earlier than expected in several states, including Rhode Island. This combined with the continued surge of pediatric behavioral health patients has put our Hasbro Children’s Hospital at 115 percent capacity and extra patients are in the emergency department while they wait for a bed.
Needless to say, the demands on our front-line team and hospital leadership are considerable. Nevertheless, we are determined to meet the challenge at hand and make strategic choices on how to utilize limited space and resources available to best meet the needs of our patients. In closing, as we reflect on the theme of Thanksgiving this month, our gratitude turns to you and other volunteer leaders who help us strengthen philanthropy for our hospitals. It is truly heartwarming to have your partnership and friendship. Together we are an amazing team of 300 strong whose efforts make a difference in the lives of the children and families in our region each and every day. We hope you enjoy reading this eNews.
With sincere appreciation and warmest wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving,
Saul N. Weingart, MD President, Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children’s Hospital |
Robert K. Vincent Chair, Rhode Island Hospital Foundation |
P.S. Please feel free to contact either one of us with your questions or feedback.
Introducing the 2022 Slate of New Board of Governors
Join us in welcoming Rhode Island Hospital’s newest members of its Board of Governors:
Kay Cooper
A philanthropist who has made significant gifts in support of both Rhode Island and Hasbro Children’s hospitals focused on innovative Orthopedic Research.
J. Michael Falvey
President and CEO of Falvey Insurance Group, started in 1995, which specializes in providing marine cargo cover for the high-tech and life science industries.
Thomas Guerra
Managing Partner at The Foundry, based in Providence. His family has been loyal supporters of Hasbro Children’s Hospital through individual giving and corporate sponsorships.
Leslie (Dougherty) Parker
Selected to be part of Providence Business News’ (PBN) “40 Under 40” in 2022, Leslie is a shareholder with Adler Pollock & Sheehan focusing on commercial matters and health care regulatory law.
Kathryn Rattigan
An attorney at Robinson & Cole in Providence, Kathryn has won numerous awards including “Up and Coming Lawyer” by Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly in 2021 and “40 Under 40” by PBN in 2020.
Kim Teves
Award-winning real estate agent with the brokerage Homesmart Professionals who serves on the Greater Providence Board of Realtors.
Jonathan Turmel
Executive Director and President of The John Martins Foundation.
Volunteer Highlight –
Celebrating Sandy Delli Carpini Entrepreneur,
Hands-On Philanthropist Extraordinaire, and New Rhode Island Hospital Trustee
Why have you chosen Hasbro Children’s Hospital as an area of focus for your philanthropy and your time?
My parents, Mario and Valia Coletta, were so very generous. Arriving in the US from Italy when he was just 10 years old and not knowing English, my father knew what it was like to have to rely on the kindness of strangers. From those humble beginnings, he entered the army during the Korean War, lost an eye during his service, then became a mechanic for a gas station that he and my mother eventually rented and turned into the amazing family business we have today.
My parents’ passion for giving was both inspirational and contagious. So, when my mother needed a kidney in 1990, I immediately offered to be a donor without hesitation. I then went on to pursue a career in medical technology and worked for more than five years at Fatima Hospital before joining my family’s company. A piece of my heart still belongs to the medical field, which nurtured my empathy for patients and the dedicated staff who cares for them.
As I watched my parents grow their gas station into Seasons Corner Market (which today includes 60 establishments in RI, MA, and NH), charity was always at the heart of their business. Our entire family made it a point of pride to involve ourselves in our community. And...it officially started with selling hot dogs to benefit children in Rhode Island Hospital, before Hasbro Children’s was even constructed.
Today, with my husband, Andy, as the CEO of Seasons Corner Market, my parents’ insatiable passion for helping our community remains integral to our mission and is woven into the fabric of our company.
Over the years, we have not only continued to support Hasbro Children’s Hospital but have expanded our giving to other organizations by organizing golf tournaments, running 5K road races, building a playground in honor of one of the Sandy Hook victims who had the same birthday as my father, serving meals for the sick, sponsoring blood drives, and even throwing a bucket of ice water over our heads. I’m proud to say that we strive to involve each of our employees in one or more of our charity efforts.
All that being said, supporting Hasbro Children’s Hospital continues to be a joy and is our top priority in Rhode Island. Our giving is not just with money but with time as well. From initially selling hot dogs to benefit the hospital, we now offer several opportunities for our company and our patrons to give. Whether it’s by way of “the giving pump”, an idea that my husband Andy developed (and Shell Oil has since been suggesting it to their partners across the country) where a portion of one’s gas sale goes to the hospital or this year’s “Kick for Kids” with New England Patriot’s punter Jake Bailey (for every field goal he makes during the regular season, Jake will make a donation to Hasbro Children’s which we will match), or helping out at hospital cookouts and providing goodie bags to front-line workers just to put a smile on their faces and let them know we care.
What advice do you have for other members of our Volunteer Leadership Council in their quest to assist in strengthening philanthropy for our hospitals?
My advice for new members of our Volunteer Leadership Council is to spend a few hours or more volunteering at the hospitals. Perhaps one could help out at a summer cookout in Hasbro Children’s garden flipping hamburgers and talking with patients and their families. Or one might like to accompany the hospital’s “Wellness on Wheels Cart” as it makes its rounds offering books, beverages, and light snacks to patients and staff. Joining in an activity with a child in one of the hospital’s playrooms is yet another option. By participating in a hands-on experience in the hospital, you not only get a chance to see and meet some amazing staff, but you also get an inside look into how patients depend on these front-line workers to take care of them day in and day out.
Our hospitals are invaluable to everyone in our community. They are there to keep us and our loved ones alive whenever we need them and to comfort us when the inevitable happens. Supporting them is like an insurance policy for our future.
I have to admit that I can’t do what I do without my wonderful husband. Andy’s love and passion for giving back has played a key role in what we have accomplished together as a couple and with our company. The rewards are endless. As I look to the future, my hope is that my children, their children, and all employees at Seasons Corner Market, find fulfillment in being kind and stepping up to help others along the way.
Please join us in thanking Sandy for her commitment to “giving back” and welcoming her to the Rhode Island Hospital Foundation Board.
Special Acknowledgements