Geno Leco volunteered for Kent’s first Phonathon in 1987. As manager of the Kent Hospital Employees’ Federal Credit Union, Geno Leco thought it would be a great idea to form a volunteer group from the credit union’s Board of Directors and staff a Phonathon for the hospital. Since 1963, the hospital has continuously supported the credit union’s mission of “People Helping People” and Geno saw it as an opportunity for the credit union to reciprocate.

The first Phonathon was dedicated to raising funds for the expansion of Kent’s Emergency Room and to help meet the goal of $150,000. From the moment the Phonathon kicked off, Geno discovered it was a fun and rewarding experience. “With a friendly competition to raise funds, a light supper, plenty of refreshments and a great sense of pride for our community hospital, we took to the phone with enthusiasm for our mission,” Geno recalls. Not surprisingly, within a couple of hours the group had raised thousands of dollars in pledges.

Twenty-four years later, Geno continues to participate in Phonathons and is proud that the credit union has raised over $200,000 for the hospital. He cites that it’s been a “great experience for each and every one of us” and offers this advice for anyone considering a Phonathon: “I guarantee if you volunteer for a Phonathon once, you will continue to volunteer again and again. It’s very gratifying and very worthwhile.”

If you would like more information, please contact the Kent Hospital Foundation at 401-737-7000, ext. 31257 or email foundation@kenthospital.org.