Record-Setting Gala

Norwalk Hospital

The SoNo Field House in South Norwalk was the venue for Norwalk Hospital’s twentieth anniversary gala, which drew more than 530 supporters of the hospital. The gala raised a record $900,000 for the Bauer Center for Emergency Care, which was renovated fifteen years ago. Today, 50,000 people seek emergency care here on an annual basis. With the funds raised, the center will double in size and capacity. The center is named for Carol and George Bauer, who were honored at the gala for their contributions to Norwalk Hospital over the past thirty-three years. “We are so grateful to all of the guests, community organizations and event sponsors who turned out in force to celebrate and honor the Bauers.

Their leadership and dedication to Norwalk Hospital, its staff and the communities it serves is unparalleled,” says Mary Franco, president of Norwalk Hospital Foundation. “We are truly blessed to have their friendship, leadership and philanthropic support.” The week before the gala, an anonymous donor presented a challenge match of $250,000 if the foundation could raise $250,000 in the silent and live auctions. That amount was raised during the evening to secure the match. The gala was chaired by Jan Rissolo of Southport. The gala committee included New Canaan residents Kim Gilhool, Linda Harper, Karen Mierendorf and Joanne Perica Fleisher.