The Woman’s Board of Day Kimball Hospital (WBDKH) announced the completion of a three-year, $200,000 pledge in support of renovations to Day Kimball Hospital’s (DKH) Burdick Family Birthing Center, and presented a check in the amount of $5,882 to DKH leadership at its quarterly membership meeting held on March 10. Funds for this commitment were raised through the gift shop at Day Kimball Hospital and various fundraisers sponsored by the Woman’s Board. 

The Birthing Center renovation project began in October 2018 and has provided aesthetic updates to fourteen patient rooms including new counter tops, privacy curtains, sleep couches and rocking chairs, artwork from local artists, and more.  

“Since 1894, Day Kimball has counted on the support of our community to enhance the quality and services we provide, and we are extremely grateful for the generosity of the Woman’s Board who have continuously been an active and significant partner to us in this effort for 127 years,” said Kyle Kramer, chief executive officer, Day Kimball Healthcare. “These funds will enable DKH to continue to provide critical women’s health services for our community, and will make such a difference in the lives of countless families across Northeast Connecticut.”

Woman’s Board President, Valentine Iamartino, spoke to the Board’s fundraising efforts amid the pandemic that pushed the organization to think strategically and complete its commitment.

"As President of our 170 member non-profit, I could not be more proud of this group for all the hard work and determination they endured to pay off our $200,000 pledge commitment that commenced three years ago to renovate the patient rooms within the Burdick Family Birthing Center at Day Kimball Hospital,” Iamartino said. “With two of those years involving the 127 year institution being under the stronghold of a pandemic, the Woman’s Board was determined to keep moving forward no matter what, by rallying the troops, rethinking fundraising strategies and never losing sight of the goal. Adaptability, perseverance, and member commitment and involvement, no matter how insignificant, were undoubtedly key in our success," she said.

Also announced at the meeting was the Woman’s Board’s newest pledge of $250,000 to support the purchase of a new da Vinci surgical system for Day Kimball Hospital, which will enhance surgical capabilities and enable surgeons to perform minimally invasive surgeries including both laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgical procedures across multiple surgical services. 

“As part of our commitment to clinical excellence and providing the most advanced and accessible options for care, Day Kimball is excited to begin fundraising for a da Vinci surgical system,” Kramer said. “This novel technology will allow us to extend surgical services in urology, colorectal surgery, gynecologic surgery, urogynecology, and general surgery. The Woman’s Board’s generous pledge toward the procurement of this cutting-edge technology will significantly contribute to helping us reach our goal,” Kramer said.

The mission of the Woman’s Board is to raise funds to enhance the quality and services of Day Kimball Hospital. Since its establishment in 1894, the Woman’s Board has raised nearly $2 million to support important and necessary medical equipment needs at the Hospital, including the Hospital’s first ambulance in the early 1900s.  For more information about the Woman’s Board of Day Kimball Hospital visit www.daykimball.org/womansboard. 

PHOTO CAPTION: Members of the Woman’s Board of Day Kimball Hospital gathered with Kyle Kramer, chief executive officer, Day Kimball Healthcare, at Grille 37 in Pomfret, CT on Thursday, March 10 to present the final check completing the Board’s $200,000 pledge.

Back row (l to r): Kristen Willis, DKH Director of Development and WBDKH member; Deb Cornman, WBDKH Corresponding Secretary; Patti Bernier, DKH Director of Ancillary Services and WBDKH member; Valentine Iamartino, WBDKH President; Kyle Kramer, DKH Chief Executive Officer; Heidi Hare, WBDKH Asst. Treasurer;  Kim LeCuyer, WBDKH Treasurer & Gift Shop Manager; Elaine Turner, DBDKH member.

Front row (l to r): Cheryl Medlyn, WBDKH Fundraising; Linnea Sarantopolous, WBDKH Fundraising; Nancy Weiss, Director, DKH Board of Directors and WBDKH member; Wanda Mineo, WBDKH Vice President & Membership.