Backus Hospital Benefactors Saluted at Backus 'Bennies' Event

Norwich, CT – Celebrating the hospital’s history and how it has laid the foundation for current success was the theme of the fifth annual Backus Bennies—the hospital’s annual awards ceremony for benefactors.
 
Held in the East Region System Support Office in Norwich on April 1, the event had a movie theme and Academy Awards flavor. But the glitz and glamour was overshadowed by an emotional moment involving the Coletti family, which has been synonymous with Backus for two generations.
 
“This is a community that remembers its kin,” said Backus Surgeon and Treasurer/Secretary of the Backus Hospital Medical Staff David Coletti, MD, who presented the Bennies Heritage Award to his father and mother Dr. Larry and Elaine Coletti.
 
“Those two years I got to work with my father [in the Operating Room] were very special,” said Coletti who began working at Backus in 1998, two years before his father retired. “I got to work with my best friend.”
 
The presentation to the Colettis, which included a video tribute to the former Backus surgeon and his wife, was one of the highlights hosted by Director of Women’s Health Services Daryl Hurlock and Communications Specialist Steve Coates. Also during the event, The Backus Auxiliary was presented with the Partners in Care Award for their continued support of the hospital, specifically
for the expansion of the Backus Boutique for cancer patients.
 
“The Backus Auxiliary is our largest donor and is always there when we need them, from major expansions to the Backus Boutique,” said East Region President Bimal Patel who presented the award. “In my short time here I have come to know the long and important history of the Auxiliary, and how their generosity has benefited our patients in so many ways.”
 
Shop Rite Supermarkets received the Bennie for adopting the hospital’s Just Ask program to provide low sodium, low fat choices for shoppers. And, Norwich Free Academy was presented with the Youth in Philanthropy Award for its students’ long history of community and hospital support including developing activities and raising funds during Cancer Awareness Month in October.
 
The program concluded with special thanks to all the donors in the room from Genevieve Schies, Development Office Program Manager.
 
“Thank you for supporting our annual appeal, golf tournaments and other events throughout the year. Your support is truly making a difference in the lives of our local families and friends,” Schies said.
 
PARTNERS IN CARE
2016 Backus Bennies Award Recipients
 
Partners in Care Award: The Backus Hospital Auxiliary
Community Health Champions: ShopRite Supermarkets
Backus Heritage Award: Dr. Larry and Elaine Coletti
Youth in Philanthropy Award: Students of Norwich Free Academy
Special Recognition: The Edward and Mary Lord Foundation and Mrs. Elizabeth A. Trudelle