Auxiliary celebrates 65th annual meeting

Sylvia Greene, YNHH Auxiliary co-president; Richard D’Aquila, YNHH and YNHHS president; and Ellen Highkin, YNHH Auxiliary co-president.

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More than 80 members and supporters of the Yale New Haven Hospital Auxiliary came together Sept. 26 for the organization’s 65th annual meeting. The evening celebrated the many accomplishments and initiatives the Auxiliary conducts on behalf of YNHH throughout the year.

“Collectively, the number of volunteer hours Auxiliary members contributed between October 2016 and September 2017 totaled nearly 2,400,” said Sylvia Greene, co-president, in remarks detailing the organization’s numerous projects and programs that support YNHH.

A highlight of the evening was a presentation by Charles Fuchs, MD, director, Yale Cancer Center, and physician-in-chief, Smilow Cancer Hospital. He spoke about future initiatives, including a growing program of advanced clinical trials and development of new therapies for a wide range of cancers.

“With faculty that are recognized as national and international leaders in cancer care and research, and an outstanding record of research that spans the breadth of investigation, we must relentlessly advance cancer care and research and stand as a recognized leading cancer center,” Dr. Fuchs said.

At the meeting, held at the New Haven Country Club, the Auxiliary presented Toy Closet awards to organizations and families that supported the program, which provides toys to YNHH pediatric patients. Award-winners were: Matt Gagliardi of Madison; Lisa Reisman of Branford; Louise Pellitier of Stone Academy; the Rignoli family of Orange; and the Cheshire Police Union.

YNHH Auxiliary Officers for 2017-18 were installed, including Sylvia Greene and Ellen Highkin, co-presidents; Annemarie Chuckrey, president-elect; Chris Dowling, treasurer; Maureen Herbert, assistant treasurer; Judy O’Connor, recording secretary; and Mary Jane Celentano, corresponding secretary.

Board of Managers members also elected at the meeting include: Anne Andrews, Alyce Block, Randi Calabrese, Albina Cannavaciolo, Evelisse Cardozo, Mary Ann Connors, Peggy DeZinno, David Gannon, Cathi Greenstein, Maureen Herbert, Ellie Jones, Edith Kufta, Betty LaBonia, Beverly Lewis, Diane Petra, Jane Snaider and Ginny Steller.

Consider joining the YNHH Auxiliary

The Auxiliary is a diverse, dedicated and dynamic group of women and men, including many hospital employees, who devote their free time to developing initiatives that help support the hospital’s mission. Members can be as active as their schedules allow – joining committees, helping out in the Thrift Shop, attending educational lectures and social activities or participating in philanthropic endeavors such as the Toy Closet or scholarship program. New members are always welcome and contributions in any amount are appreciated. Call 203-688-5717 to learn more.