A force in fundraising

The Bridgeport Hospital Auxiliary supports the hospital,
one project at a time.

The all-volunteer Bridgeport Hospital Auxiliary partners with Bridgeport Hospital and its Foundation to raise funds for specific projects. Since its inception almost 60 years ago, the Auxiliary has contributed over $4.5 million to Bridgeport Hospital.

“We have a chance to look at what is needed both inside and outside of the hospital,” explained Bonnie Molloy, current Auxiliary president. “We raise money for both large and small projects.”

The Auxiliary’s work is evident throughout the hospital — from the cascading water wall in the Grant Street lobby atrium, to the gift shop and the expansion of the Emergency Department. Since Molloy became president in 2014, the group raised $450,000 for the Outpatient Surgery Center at Park Avenue Medical Center in Trumbull. Currently, they are raising funds to support the new Allison Family Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

The Auxiliary fundraises through community outreach, sponsorships and events such as a major spring gala and a smaller event in the fall. In 2017, proceeds from the “Dancing with the Hospital Stars” Gala benefited the NICU renovations, Dr. Tom Kennedy Toy Closet and the Ahlbin
Rehabilitation Centers, along with other hospital initiatives. Director of Trauma Services and Emergency Preparedness Paul Possenti won the dance contest. The date is already set for “Dancing with the Hospital Stars #3” to take place on April 27, 2018.

“Dancing with the Hospital Stars is really a fun event,” said Linda Antignani, future Auxiliary president. “We have an auction and great community sponsors. It’s an exciting format for a fundraiser.”

“We work to get the community involved in our events,” said Molloy. “We are lucky to team up with great companies as our sponsors, and we’ve received enthusiastic support from the hospital staff.”

Ulla Atweh, Auxiliary president from 2012–2014, currently oversees the hospital’s gift shop. The water wall inside the grand entrance to the hospital was one of the projects completed during her presidency.

“The hospital leadership are all so approachable,” said Atweh. “It’s inspiring to be a part of this hospital and this community.”

Antignani joined the Auxiliary to give back to the hospital in a big way. “This hospital has meant so much to me. I was born there, my children and grandchildren were born there and my husband still works there,” she explained.

Currently, the Auxiliary has 239 total members but is looking to increase their base. “If you would like to do some great work in support of Bridgeport Hospital, you are invited to join us,” said Antignani.

For more information on the Auxiliary’s support of Bridgeport Hospital, visit https://www.bridgeporthospital.org/about/community/auxiliary.aspx