October 7, 2024
Pictured Above: The inaugural class of the 1916 Society celebrates at the group’s annual reception hosted by Charlotte Hungerford Hospital at Litchfield Country Club. Pictured left to right: Paul Joseph Scalise, MD, Regional VP for Medical Affairs; Debbie Bender, Director of Philanthropy; John J. Capobianco, SVP of Operations; Dan Whalen, Cynthia J. Oneglia, 1916 Society Honorary Chair; Robert Lindenberg, MD; Gladys Y. Cerruto; Andrea Lindenberg; Frank Vanoni, MD; Patricia Sullivan, Senior Director of Operations; Maria Capobianco, Manager of Respiratory Services; Erinne Houton, Regional Vice President for Patient Care Services; and Hemal Patel, MD. Members not pictured: Joseph and Barbara Ellis; John and Roberta Janco, John C. Lundgren, Dr. William and Mrs. Jeanne McGeehin, and Rosalie Strano.
Charlotte Hungerford Hospital honored and inducted the first members of the hospital’s newly launched 1916 Society at the group’s first annual meeting at Litchfield Country Club on September 19. 2024.
The 1916 Society was established to recognize donors who are planning gifts today that will provide significant benefits in the future for everyone in the hospital’s care. There are several ways to participate in the 1916 Society, including a bequest in your will, beneficiary designations, appreciated securities, and life income plans.
Several hospital supporters and colleagues, who committed to include Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in their estate planning, were recognized during a pinning ceremony led by 1916 Society Honorary Chair Cynthia Oneglia and Charlotte Hungerford Hospital’s John J. Capobianco, Senior Vice President of Operations, and Debbie Bender, Director of Philanthropy—each of whom were also inducted into the 1916 Society themselves.
“We have grateful patients and community members who recognize the necessity and luxury of having a hospital nearby…when the baby comes, when the accident happens, when the stroke, heart attack, or overdose occurs, Charlotte Hungerford Hospital is here to meet our needs,” said Oneglia to her fellow members. “On behalf of the 1916 Society, I am here to ask for your ongoing support of this precious gift of Uri Hungerford and, most of all, to thank you for being here and renewing your commitment to the legacy that we celebrate today.”
Robert Lindenberg, MD, a retired gastroenterologist, a current member of the Hartford HealthCare Northwest Region Board of Directors, Chairman of the Board’s Credentialing Committee, and Charlotte Hungerford Hospital Corporator, was also inducted into the 1916 Society and shared his views on the hospital and hopes for its future.
“I gave as much as I could through expertise and compassionate care, but it was also important to me to give back in this fashion,” shared Dr. Lindenberg. “This community has given a lot to me—and it’s because of my love and respect for the people and caregivers with whom I had a close relationship that I am still involved and here today.”
“We are so grateful to Cynthia Oneglia and to each of our 1916 Society members for helping us build a culture of philanthropy and for putting our community in a position to succeed and be healthy for years to come,” said Debbie Bender. “For your belief in us, we will remain committed to upholding our values, while providing the best, most accessible, and equitable care to you, your loved ones, neighbors, and the future generations of northwest Connecticut.”