Co-chairs Holly Bannister, M.D., Dory Hamilton Benson, Norey Dotterer Cullen, Anne Hamilton, Kimberly Palmer, Isabella Dana Ridall, and Sharon Wood Prince created a stunning signature event to benefit Newport Hospital, and helped to raise $1,082,811 in support of patient care and hospital programs with the most pressing funding needs. Held at the historic Eisenhower House, A Salute to Health also served to honor the Prince family of Newport’s “Powered by Prince” Fund at Newport Hospital. The Fund sponsors activities and programs for underserved, school-age children throughout Newport County.
With a gentle breeze rolling off Newport Harbor, guests arrived and made their way to the landmark property’s lush lawn, enjoying the beauty and elegance of décor by Exquisite Events. As the music of Michael Walsh Quartet filled the air, the night kicked-off with a champagne tasting offered by Vickers’ Liquors, a locally-sourced raw bar by Open Oyster, delectable food stations and hors d’oeuvres prepared by Russell Morin Catering & Events, vegan treats and pressed juices by Power of Juice, and the classic refreshments of Del’s Lemonade.
A moving video featuring a grateful patient of Newport Hospital’s emergency department kicked off a spirited fund-a-need blitz, led by Anne Hamilton and Norey Dotterer Cullen. The blitz culminated in $638,781 to support completion of the emergency department expansion – the focus of the hospital’s “Beyond the Building Campaign.” The new ED, which should be completed by October of this year, will feature nearly double the current number of treatment rooms, a new behavioral health area, and a four-bed observation unit. The new ED will be a state-of-the-art patient-centered healthcare environment will have the capacity to serve more than 40,000 patient visits annually.
“I continue to be humbled and inspired by the generosity of our donor community.” said Crista F. Durand, President of Newport Hospital. “Your love for our hospital shined through tonight. We had an important goal to achieve, to bring the Beyond the Building capital campaign over the finish line, and with your help, we did it! Newport Hospital’s new state-of-the-art emergency department will make an enormous difference in the lives of our patients for years to come.”
The evening program concluded with a special presentation to honor “Powered by Prince” and the Prince family, led by Crista Durand. In 2010, Elizabeth “Lisette” Prince and her children, Guillaume de Ramel, Diana Oehrli, and Regis de Ramel, donated $3 million to establish the Frederick Henry Prince Memorial Fund at Newport Hospital to fund activities for children who otherwise might not have access to such opportunities. Today it is recognized as “Powered by Prince,” and since its inception, has granted more than $627,000 to dozens of organizations.
“Thanks to the vision of the Prince family and their incredible philanthropy, our hospital’s reach extends far beyond its walls to fulfill our mission of promoting health to the families in our community,” said Durand.
Among the event’s many corporate and individual sponsors were Wellness Champion Sponsors, Gruben Charitable Foundation, Elizabeth “Lisette” Prince, and Suzette Schochet, Sarah Schochet, and The Schochet Companies; and Fitness Star Sponsors, Skinpros, and Eddy and John J. Taylor III.
