Make A Difference

Geno Leco volunteered for Kent’s first phonathon in 1987. As manager of the Kent Hospital Employees’ Federal Credit Union, Geno 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.

Nearly thirty years later, Geno continues to support 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.

Like many local residents who count on their community hospital for health care, trustee Laura Hilderley and her husband Dave realized soon after moving to Rhode Island how valuable a community hospital was for many of life’s events. As a result of their gifts, Laura and Dave became members of Kent's 1951 Society. Laura describes it, “Kent was there to celebrate with us in the joy of our daughter’s birth, and to support us in the grief of our son’s death.” They readily recognized the importance of ensuring that Kent remains a vital resource for central Rhode Island now and into the future by giving back to the hospital."

According to Laura, it was easy to say "yes" to giving back to Kent. As Kent grew and expanded its service area, Laura became more involved, reinforcing her belief that “it takes everyone's support to ensure that Kent Hospital is here for the future.”

Yet giving back can encompass many things and, as Laura acknowledges it can be more than just a “feel good” experience. She notes, “Sharing what you have, whether it’s time, talent, or treasure, is simply the right thing to do.”

It is not surprising that Laura and Dave have already moved forward with planned gifts for Kent Hospital as part of their estate plans. She explains, “It is one way that you can help to assure that the hospital is here for future generations while allowing you to achieve your financial, philanthropic, and estate planning goals.”

As a result of their gifts, Laura and Dave became founding members of Kent Hospital’s 1951 Society. Named in honor of the year of the hospital’s opening, the 1951 Society can offer tax and income benefits and allow one’s legacy to live on while ensuring the hospital’s vitality for future generations.

If you have already provided for Kent through a bequest intention or other planned gift, please notify the Foundation office so we may count you as a member of the 1951 Society. If you wish to be anonymous, we will be able to list you as such. There are a number of ways to support Kent Hospital through planned gifts.

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

When Ray Brigidi accompanied his daughter Brianna to Kent Hospital for outpatient shoulder surgery, he planned to help her check-in and then head to the cafeteria for breakfast. His plans changed when Brianna suddenly passed out and was immediately taken to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

“I was paralyzed with fear as my unconscious daughter was escorted away from me,” said Ray.

Once stabilized, Brianna was diagnosed with a life-threatening viral heart condition and placed on a ventilator; Ray was stunned and alone - but not for very long.

Kent’s nursing and medical staff, in addition to providing Brianna with the best possible medical care, quickly offered Ray moral support. “I felt more than supported. I felt like they were actually holding me up. It was very frightening and the staff never wavered in their commitment to Brianna or our family,” said Ray.

But it wasn’t just the emotional response that impressed him. “Their quick and skillful response to the initial, unexpected situation was impressive and saved her life. I will be eternally grateful.”

Brianna spent several days in ICU, but eventually recovered and is doing well today. Hers is just one example of the outstanding care that is given every day at Kent Hospital.

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