Norwalk Hospital Gala Raises Record $900,000 for New Emergency Department

The following is a release from Norwalk Hospital:

More than 530 guests enjoyed Norwalk Hospital’s 20th Anniversary Gala held on October 13 at the Sono Field House in South Norwalk. Long-standing friends and supporters, Carol and George Bauer were honored for their invaluable contributions to Norwalk Hospital, especially the Emergency Department. A special video paid tribute to the many ways in which the Bauers have contributed to Norwalk Hospital’s growth and success over the past 33 years.

“We are so grateful to all of the guests, community organizations and event sponsors who turned out in force to celebrate and honor the Bauers. The Bauer’s leadership and dedication to Norwalk Hospital, its staff and the communities it serves is unparalleled and the Gala was a wonderful venue to recognize them,” shared Mary Franco, President of Norwalk Hospital Foundation. “We are truly blessed to have their friendship, leadership and philanthropic support.”

The week before the Gala, a very generous Anonymous Donor presented a challenge match of $250,000 if the Foundation could raise $250,000 in the silent and live auctions and paddle raise. Thanks to the spirit and generosity of the guests, more than $250,000 was raised during the evening to secure the match. Gala proceeds total $900,000 which will benefit the Hospital’s plans to expand the Emergency Department and purchase a new ambulance.

About The Bauers

The Bauers share a 33-year history with Norwalk Hospital and have contributed endless hours as volunteers, trustees and community ambassadors. Carol currently works as a Hospital Chaplain and George serves as a Trustee of the Hospital Board. Carol was the former President of the Volunteer Board and was the Chairman and Founder of the Emergency Department Reception Volunteers.

A Hospital Trustee for 19 years, Carol was the first woman elected as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. After retiring from a 31-year career with IBM in 1987,
George became involved with the Hospital, joined the Board of Trustees and played an important role in encouraging IBM to become an active supporter of Norwalk Hospital. As Trustee, George currently serves on the Finance, Investment, Compensation  and Strategic Planning Committees.

The Bauers are among a small group of local philanthropists who are helping transform health care at Norwalk Hospital to benefit residents throughout Fairfield County. Their generosity over the years has enabled the construction of The Bauer Center
for Emergency Care and The Jeffrey Peter Bauer Newborn Intensive Care Unit, as well as endowed The Carol Bauer Nursing Scholarship Fund.

The New Emergency Department

Renovated 15 years ago to treat 25,000 patients annually, today, 50,000 people seek emergency care each year. With the support of the community, The Bauer Center for Emergency Care will double in size, offer larger exam rooms and feature dedicated treatment areas for pediatric, behavioral health and urgent care patients. Two trauma suites and a rooftop helipad will enhance the Hospital’s ability to manage the timely treatment of trauma patients.

Open 365 days a year, the Emergency Department assists adult and pediatric patients with urgent and non-urgent medical needs. An estimated 70% of the Hospital’s admissions originate from the Emergency Department and children account for 20% of the annual visits.

Gala Committee

The 2012 Gala Committee Chair, Jan Rissolo of Southport, is joined by volunteer committee members from all over Fairfield County.

Fairfield - Jetti McClure
New Canaan - Kim Gilhool, Linda Harper, Karen Mierendorf, Joanne Perica Fleisher
Norwalk - Sandi Bass, Jackie DeLise, Donna DiScala, Marianne Lawther, Julie Murray, Allison Passero, Alison Scavone, Gigi Schmidt
Southport - Janet Andrews, MD
Weston - Cathleen Crowley-Piscitell, Kathy Meighan, Vicki Smetak, MD
Westport - Kathryn Benedett-Lupoli, Liza Emilio, MaryGrace Gudis, Eva Trefz
Wilton - Nancy Capelle, Saras Nair, MD

Gala Table Hosts & Sponsors

Platinum - Dave & Jane Lehn, Phyllis & David Komansky, RBS
Gold - The Hour, Eva Landegger, Philip & Mary Beth Morris, Norwalk Pathology Associates, P.C. Purdue Pharma, Alison Scavone & Bob Schmidt, Mrs. C. Anthony Whittingham & Family
In Kind - Diageo, Newday Communications, Printech, Moffly Media

Learn more at www.norwalkhospitalfoundation.org