A perfect summer evening set the stage on Thursday, July 12, as Newport Hospital welcomed nearly 500 friends and supporters to the historic Eisenhower House for its 2018 Summer Celebration, A Salute to Health. Representing the hospital’s largest annual fundraiser, the event raised $934,350 in support of patient care and life-saving programs while also honoring longtime hospital advocate and philanthropist, Norey Dotterer Cullen.

Of the total raised, the event’s special fund-a-need generated $533,550 to support the expansion of services at the Lifespan Cardiovascular Institute at Newport Hospital, allowing the hospital to provide both Cardiac CT for Calcium Scoring and Coronary CT Angiography testing. Each represent the latest in state-of-the-art diagnostic testing for those with risk factors for coronary disease.

With picturesque views of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay as its backdrop, the celebration began with a sparkling cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception. Among those to serve their artisan creations were Russell Morin Catering & Events, a locally-sourced raw bar by Open Oyster, wine tasting by Vickers’ Liquors, and a selection of craft beers provided by Tyler Cullen of Norey’s Restaurant. Throughout the reception, the soothing sounds of the Michael Walsh Group filled the air.

The program was kicked off by Lifespan President and CEO, Timothy J. Babineau, MD, who welcomed guests and thanked Newport Hospital leadership, led by Peter Capodilupo, Chair of the Newport Hospital Foundation Board. Hospital president, Crista F. Durand took to the podium next and spoke of the hospital’s recently announced “Beyond the Building” capital campaign to transform the emergency department and intensive care unit. She then spoke to the importance of expanding the hospital’s Cardiovascular Institute’s services.

“Tonight, we have the opportunity to bring the most advanced and reliable diagnostic tools to Aquidneck Island so that we can detect the early stages of heart disease and intervene appropriately,” said Durand. “We are beyond grateful to our generous donor community for the support that will help to make our vision a reality and lead to our loved ones and neighbors living longer, healthier lives.”

Guests raised their bid numbers high and often during the exciting and fast-paced fund-a-need, led by event co-chair Anne Hamilton and Thomas McGue, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Newport Hospital.

At the conclusion of the fund-a-need, Crista Durand, the event’s co-chairs and Dr. McGue were joined on stage by retired Newport Hospital surgeon, Orest Zaklynsky, MD, who honored Norey Dotterer Cullen for her immeasurable contributions to the hospital as an advocate and philanthropist. As part of honoring Norey, Congressman David Cicilline prepared a special certificate of recognition, and the City of Newport issued a proclamation, making July 12 Norey Dotterer Cullen Day.

“Throughout her many years of involvement, Norey’s sense of compassion and unwavering dedication to our hospital personifies the heart and soul of the Newport community,” said Dr. Zaklynsky. “All of us here have gathered together, not only to honor Norey for her generous gifts of time and talent, but also to say thank you for the impact her efforts have had on the lives of others.”

Newport Hospital’s 2019 Summer Celebration was co-chaired by Holly M. Bannister, MD, Anne Hamilton, Kimberly Palmer, and Sharon Wood Prince. Among the event’s many corporate and individual sponsors were Wellness Champion Sponsor, Suzie Schochet; Fitness Star Sponsors, Sarah M. and Bernard S. Gewirz, Ginny and Jim Purviance, and Diane B. Wilsey; and Wellness Star Sponsors, Norey Dotterer Cullen, Mrs. John R. Donnell, Molly and Guillaume de Ramel and the de Ramel Foundation, Patricia and Michael Kidder, Helene and Archbold van Beuren, and Happy van Beuren.

Since 2008, Newport Hospital’s summer benefit has raised more than $5.3 million for critical programs and related equipment.

Featured Photo – Left to right: Peter and Eaddo Kiernan, and Matt Hamilton at Newport Hospital’s 2018 Summer Celebration. Representing the hospital’s largest annual fundraiser, the event raised $934,350. Photo Credit: Andrea Hansen