Hartford, CT—Connecticut Children’s, the state’s only healthcare system dedicated exclusively to the care of children, has received a $2.5 million gift from Cheryl Chase and Stuart Bear and their family to support the hospital’s new eight-story clinical tower, set to open in December 2025. In recognition of this transformative gift, the hospital’s new café, which features an 82-seat dining room and a host of diverse culinary options, will be named the Chase-Bear-Dyer Family Café.
“The new family café will be a spacious, comfortable sanctuary for patients, families, and our dedicated team members, a place to recharge and refuel,” said Dr. Jim Shmerling, President and CEO, Connecticut Children’s. “The amazing generosity of the Chase, Bear, and Dyer families will alleviate some of the daily stresses our patient families experience and allow them to focus on what matters most—their child’s well-being.”
Located near the main entrance of the expanded hospital, the new Chase-Bear-Dyer Family Café will give families convenient access to nutritious meals and refreshments without leaving the hospital. The café features extensive banks of windows, allowing ample natural light and family-friendly furnishings.
“Our family cares deeply about the community, and making sure children have the medical and mental health care they need is absolutely essential for a vibrant future. We know there is no better place for kids and families than Connecticut Children’s, so we’re proud to support their vital expansion,” said family spokesperson and long-time donor Cheryl Chase.
The new tower is part of the most ambitious expansion in Connecticut Children’s history, with new buildings, new capacities, and new services across the region—all designed to provide better outcomes for sick kids and provide the medical and mental health care they need close to home. The new state-of-the-art tower will be connected to the existing medical center in Hartford and will include an expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, an Advanced Cellular and Gene Therapy Unit, an Acuity Adaptable Unit, and a Fetal Care Center.
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About Connecticut Children’s
Connecticut Children’s is the only health system in Connecticut 100% dedicated to kids. That means high-quality care across more than 30 pediatric specialties in 40+ locations throughout Connecticut, Eastern New York and Western Massachusetts. One team on a mission to improve access to healthcare from before birth and into adulthood. One team pushing the limits with breakthrough research and community partnerships so we can help you focus on what matters most: your family’s wellness journey. When you choose Connecticut Children’s, you can expect care Beyond Imagination.
Connecticut Children’s is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to improve access to health care for all children.