Connecticut Children's Friends

Gift Shop
Storybook Gala
Program and Equipment Support
Membership
Newsletter
Contact

Connecticut Children’s Medical Center Friends, a 100% volunteer organization, was founded in 1968 to support Newington Children’s Hospital, predecessor to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. Today, the Friends continue to support the mission of the Medical Center through fundraising activities ranging from the friends Gift Shop to the annual Storybook Gala, Connecticut Children’s signature fundraising event. Funds raised by the Friends are used in a number of different ways including purchasing vital equipment at the Medical Center and supporting a variety of programs for patients families, staff and others throughout the Greater Hartford Area. Friends board members also serve an important role as ambassadors for Connecticut Children’s in the community.

Membership with the Friends is open to anyone who has ever been touched by the incredible care that is provided at Connecticut Children’s. Friends members represent all ages, gender, cultures and professions. All Friends members are invited to become actively involved with the group in a variety of different ways – by becoming involved with a fundraising event, volunteering at the Friends Gift Shop or if you prefer by simply letting your membership dues work for the good of the Medical Center. No matter how involved you choose to become, your membership will make a positive difference to the children, families and staff at Connecticut Children’s.

Gift Shop
The Friends manage the Gift Shop, which is located on the second floor of the Medical Center. Volunteers are always needed and welcome to work in the Gift Shop. The shop offers a wide array of unique children’s toys, books and games, Connecticut Children's logo wear, a creative array of distinctive gift items for all occasions, and much more.
Phone orders may be placed for same day delivery by calling the Gift Shop at (860) 545-9385. Gift Shop hours are 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Mon-Fri.

Storybook Gala
The Storybook Gala, produced annually by the Friends since 1993 is the signature fundraising event of Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. The Gala draws together friends and businesses from the Greater Hartford area each fall for a special evening of Fundraising. This formal event features a children’s author and/or entertainer, dinner, dancing and auctions. Featured guests have included Lemony Snicket, Walter Wick, Suzy Kline, Henry Winkler, Ben Vereen and Tony Orlando. For more information on our upcoming 2010 Gala, please click here.

Program and Equipment Support
Children, families and staff at the medical Center benefit each year from the generous efforts of the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center Friends. The Friends provide annual funding for new equipment, patient and family and staff related programs and support for local community initiatives. Since Connecticut Children's was established in Hartford in 1996, Friends has provided nearly $100,000 a year in funding from its Gift Shop and annual gala event to the Medical Center. Past contributions from the Friends have included:

State of the art medical equipment
Sleeper sofas for patient families
Annual Department Grants that support children and staff needs.
Funding for the Family Advisory Board and Council, the sickle Cell Pain Management Program, the Hearing Aid Loaner Program and the Caregiver Wellness Program
Friends scholarship for children of Connecticut Children’s employees and the Betty Sieniuc Volunteer Scholarship
Support for community programs such as Nurturing Families and Safe Kids Connecticut.
Annual Employee Recognition Programs.

Membership
You can support Connecticut Children’s patients, families and staff by joining the Friends. Your membership dues will work to make a positive difference at Connecticut Children’s. With your Friends membership dues you will receive: