Rhode Island Hospital Foundation Raises $250,000 at Pursuit of Excellence Dinner
(posted June 23, 2009)
PROVIDENCE, RI - The Rhode Island Hospital (RIH) Foundation celebrated its inaugural fundraising event, the President’s Pursuit of Excellence Dinner, on June 10, 2009, at the Westin Hotel in Providence with more than 530 guests in attendance. The Foundation exceeded its goal, raising nearly a quarter-million dollars to support the hospital’s three-part mission of high-quality patient care, education and cutting-edge research. These funds are an important resource for RIH, as they reinforce research and other operational initiatives that otherwise may not receive funding.
“The overwhelming success of our inaugural Pursuit of Excellence Dinner demonstrates the importance of Rhode Island Hospital’s role in the community,” said Timothy J. Babineau, MD, Rhode Island Hospital president and chief executive officer. “Philanthropic efforts and the generosity of our supporters are vital to helping Rhode Island Hospital achieve its mission as a non-profit academic medical center, and to helping us fund our clinical programs and services.”
The theme of the event - Where Would Rhode Island Be Without Rhode Island Hospital? - reinforced the hospital’s impact on the community, from care and treatment of patients to its role as a leading academic medical center; from its position at the core of a growing knowledge- and life sciences-based economy, to its role as the largest partner in the Lifespan system, which is the largest private employer in the state.
The evening also included recognition of three champions for their commitment and dedication to Rhode Island Hospital. Lawrence A. Aubin Sr., chairman of the RIH Board of Trustees, was named Individual Champion; Amica Insurance was named Corporate Champion; and Team Tarro, Inc. was named Community Champion.
Lawrence A. Aubin Sr. has been involved with Rhode Island Hospital since 1991, when he joined the capital campaign to build Hasbro Children’s Hospital. A board member for 15 years, Aubin was named chairman of the board in 2007. He has given immeasurable gifts of time and talent to Rhode Island Hospital.
Amica Insurance has a long history of supporting the mission and vision of Rhode Island Hospital - dedicating resources to provide patients in the community with access to the highest quality care. Amica’s recent support of The Carter Clinical Educator for Nursing Professional Development and Research position exemplifies its ongoing support of the academic mission of the hospital.
After receiving her own devastating diagnosis, Mary E. Tarro founded Team Tarro, Inc. to raise funds to support local efforts in battling breast cancer. Tarro rallied her friends, family and coworkers to support her fundraisers - a 5k walk and wine tasting. Through these events, Team Tarro, Inc., raised tens of thousands of dollars to generously support The Anne C. Pappas Center for Breast Imaging at Rhode Island Hospital. Tarro lost her courageous fight with cancer in May 2009. Since her passing, Team Tarro, Inc. has been flooded with donations and presented an additional $15,000 gift for the Pappas Center to Dr. Babineau at the dinner.