Hasbro Children’s Hospital raised more than $900,000 to fund critical programs and services for patients and their families at the annual premier fundraiser for the hospital, reaching a new record high for the event. The gala also featured the presentation of the Hasbro Children’s Hospital 2008 Inspiration and Recovery Award to Tedy Bruschi of the New England Patriots. The event was held on Saturday, March 15 at the Rhode Island Convention Center and drew more than 800 attendees. All proceeds from the gala will support numerous critical programs and services with the greatest needs at Hasbro Children’s Hospital.

In addition to dinner and dancing, attendees took part in raffle sales and both a live and silent auction to assist with fundraising. Additional funds were collected through ticket sales for the event and corporate sponsorships. The annual Hasbro Children’s Hospital gala has raised nearly $6 million since its inception in 1994. This year’s event was presented by Hasbro, Inc., Toys“R”Us and Bank of America.

During the evening’s program, Inspiration and Recovery Award recipient Tedy Bruschi spoke about his commitment to give back to his community and to help inspire people who have experienced stroke, particularly through his foundation called Tedy’s Team. During his acceptance speech, Bruschi stated his reassurance in knowing that a high caliber children’s hospital, such as Hasbro Children’s Hospital, was available to his family.

More than 50 corporate sponsors supported the event. This year’s major sponsors included:
• Title sponsor: Hasbro, Inc.
• Presenting sponsors: Bank of America and Toys “R” Us
• Platinum sponsors: KPMG, Michael and Elizabeth Perik, William Morris Agency

Pictured above, left to right at the Hasbro Gala are, Providence Mayor David Cicilline and George Vecchione, President and CEO, Lifespan, and Interim President and CEO of Rhode Island Hospital.

Pictured above, left to right are, Bill Hatfield, Rhode Island Market President of Bank of America, and Event Chair for the Hasbro 2008 Gala; Tedy Bruschi, linebacker of the New England Patriots and recipient of the Hasbro Children’s Hospital 2008 Inspiration and Recovery Award; and Al Verrecchia, Chief Executive Officer, Hasbro, Inc., and honorary co-chair for the Hasbro 2008 Gala.

Pictured above, left to right are, Bill Hatfield, Rhode Island Market President of Bank of America, and Event Chair for the Hasbro 2008 Gala; Al Verrecchia, Chief Executive Officer, Hasbro, Inc.; Gerald Storch, Chairman and CEO, Toys”R”Us; and Robert Klein, MD, Interim Pediatrician-in-Chief, Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Mr. Storch is holding artwork designed for him from the patients of Hasbro though its Healing Arts Program.