It was all about supporting Greenwich Hospital’s tiniest patients as almost 400 guests attended the sold out Under the Stars event at the Riverside Yacht Club on June 25. The annual benefit raised funds for the institution’s Pediatrics Department and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The former serves children from birth to adolescence, and includes a team of pediatricians, subspecialists, nutritionists, psychologists and more. The latter is a Level III-A NICU, with infants monitored 24-7 by neonatologists and nurses with the most high-tech equipment available.
This year’s al fresco event featured a “Havana Nights” theme, with a Latin influence present throughout the evening, from flavorful cocktails to bold décor by Sebass Events and Entertainment. Highlights included a performance by salsa dancers from the Arthur Murray Grande Ballroom in Greenwich, a live auction (with prizes like sailing on the famed America’s Cup racing yacht), a photo booth and dancing. Tony Capasso, maître d of Gabriele’s Italian Steakhouse, served as master of ceremonies, while Gideon Fountain acted as auctioneer. Greenwich Hospital President Norm Roth as well as U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal addressed the crowd and a plated dinner of filet mignon and white sea bass was served. Mini desserts—from coconut macaroons to key lime tartlets—were a sweet ending to the evening.
The fundraiser was co-chaired by Janet Delos and Jenni Salinas, and honored Maureen Bonanno and Dana Rogers, who helped launch Under the Stars after meeting and forging a friendship while their children were in the Greenwich Hospital NICU together. Those children, now young adults, attended to support the cause that their mothers have contributed to in such a significant way.
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Photographs Courtesy of Greenwich Hospital