Sumner Family Trust makes major gift to Hospital Foundation
Following a long family tradition of support for Windham Hospital, the Sumner Family Trust has made a major gift of $100,000 to the Windham Hospital Foundation. The funds will be used for a complete renovation of the dining area of the cafeteria, which is used by patients, staff, physicians and visitors to the hospital. The comfortable and appealing new space will be renamed the Sumner Family Trust Café to honor the Sumner family whose commitment to the Hospital has spanned generations.
Stanley Sumner was a Corporator from 1933 to 1985 and served on the Board of Directors from 1938 to 1983, serving as President of the Board from 1957 to 1960. Helen Sumner was also a Corporator from 1954 to 1967. Jack Sumner followed in his parents footsteps as a long standing member of the board until January 2010. He served as President of the Hatch Hospital Corporation Board from 1975 to 1980 and was Chairman of the Hospital Board from 1992 to1993. He was a Corporator for more than 35 years and served the Hospital Board from 1985 to 1999 and again from 2001 to 2009. During their time on the board, both Stanley and Jack were known for their generosity and sharp business sense and helped to guide the Hospital through periods of growth and accomplishment.
Jack was one of the first babies born in Windham Hospital in 1933 and has always had a soft place in his heart for the Hospital. “I am happy to be able to do this for the Hospital, as I have seen so many positive changes over the years, “ noted Sumner as he presented his check to Mona Friedland, Executive Director of the Foundation and Dick Brvenik, President and CEO of the Hospital. “ We are overwhelmed by this philanthropic gesture and so appreciative of the many contributions Jack has made to our Hospital over the years, “commented Brvenik. In his retirement, Jack volunteers at Windham Hospital greeting staff and patients as he delivers the mail. He always has a smile on his face and a big hello for the many people he has gotten to know here over the years.
“It has truly been inspirational to see the impact Jack and his family has had on the Hospital and to know the pleasure Jack has expressed in making this gift,” noted Friedland.
The Windham Hospital Foundation generates resources that assist the Hospital in meeting the health needs of our community. Windham Hospital is an acute care hospital providing a wide range of health and community services to 19 towns in northeastern Connecticut, and is an affiliate of Hartford Healthcare. For more information about Windham Hospital visit www.windhamhospital.org.
Jack Sumner talks with Mona Friedland, Executive Director of the Windham Hospital Foundation at a donor recognition luncheon at which time his gift was announced. |