Bridgeport Hospital Auxiliary presents $100,000 gift to support renovations, scholarships and toys for young patients; More than 200 attend annual gala

The Bridgeport Hospital Auxiliary presented a $100,000 check to the hospital during the group’s annual spring gala May 23 at the Birchwood Country Club in Westport. The funds will be used to renovate the SurgEase ambulatory surgery center area as well as for nursing scholarships and the Dr. Tom Kennedy Toy Closet for hospitalized children.

More than 200 people attended the gala, which honored the United Illuminating Company (UI) for its support of the hospital’s Connecticut Burn Center and other critical care services. UI has donated nearly $500,000 to the hospital over the years, most recently to help support the extensive Burn Center modernization project completed in 2012.The co-chairs of the gala were Marlene Fischer and Kathleen Sauer, both of Southport.

“We are very grateful to all those who attended the gala and helped raise funds that will support patient care and nursing education at Bridgeport Hospital,” said Auxiliary President Ulla Atweh of Westport.

Since it was established in 1959, the 400-member Bridgeport Hospital Auxiliary has donated more than $4 million to Bridgeport Hospital facility improvements, equipment purchases, nursing scholarships and other projects.

The Auxiliary sponsors a variety of fundraising activities throughout the year and operates the hospital gift shop, profits from which are donated to the hospital. Many Auxiliary members are also active volunteers who contribute their time and energy in patient care and support areas of the hospital.