HopeHealth Hospice & Palliative Care 50th Anniversary Gala Raises Over $410K

From left: Dr. Mukesh K. Jain, dean of the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and recipient of the Human Dignity award, Diana Franchitto, president and CEO of HopeHealth, and Nora Navas, HopeHealth hospice aide and recipient of the Spirit of Hope award, during HopeHealth’s 50 Years of Hope & Gratitude gala on Thursday, May 21.

HopeHealth, the second oldest hospice in the country, today announced that it raised over $410,000 during its 50 Years of Hope & Gratitude gala on May 21. Celebrating HopeHealth’s extraordinary 50 years of care at the WaterFire Arts Center were 400 supporters, community leaders, and advocates, including Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed.

The event also marked the public launch of HopeHealth’s The Gift of Hope campaign, which supports the organization’s growth and investment in three strategic priorities: providing support for seriously ill patients and their caregivers; expanding outreach to underserved communities; and providing hospice access through the Arthur S. Robbins Hope Fund, named in memory of the beloved community leader and former HopeHealth board member. Campaign Tri-Chairs Ruth Fain, Jonathan Fain, and Christopher Marsella announced that the campaign has quietly raised $4.2 million to date.

“HopeHealth has spent five decades caring for patients and their families, and the humanity of those we serve is at the center of everything we do,” said Diana Franchitto, president and CEO of HopeHealth. “Our 50th anniversary gala and the campaign are our way of celebrating the importance of HopeHealth to the health care system in Rhode Island and parts of Eastern Massachusetts and to jumpstart the growth of programs that are vital to our community.”

This year’s event featured the presentation of HopeHealth’s Human Dignity Award to Dr. Mukesh K. Jain, dean of the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, in recognition of his leadership and his commitment to human dignity, equity, and compassionate care. The recognition carries additional significance during HopeHealth’s 50th anniversary as the organization’s co-founder, Dr. Stanley Aronson, was also the founding dean of Brown’s medical school.

HopeHealth also presented its Spirit of Hope Award to hospice aide Nora Navas, who was nominated by her peers for her extraordinary skill and dedication to the patients and families she serves. Now in its third year, the award recognizes hospice aides as essential members of the care team whose work leaves a lasting impact on patients and their families.

The event was made possible through the support of sponsors and community partners, including the Robbins Family, Brown University Health, and the Samuel M. & Ann S. Mencoff Foundation. Additional lead sponsors include Maria Appenfeller and Rex W. Appenfeller, Bristol County Savings Bank, Dragonfly Health, Husch Blackwell, Edward W. Martin and Linda Resnik, Bender Strategies, Dr. Mayer and Mrs. Judy Levitt, Marsh McLennan, and The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.