May 12, 2025
Explore the 2025 Black & Red Photo Gallery
Hartford Hospital hosted its most successful Black & Red to date, raising an unprecedented $6 million in support of Hartford HealthCare’s Center for Education, Simulation & Innovation (CESI)—a global leader in medical education and training. The sold-out gala welcomed more than 1,100 guests to The Bushnell on Saturday, May 10, and showcased Hartford HealthCare’s commitment to accessible, world-class care.
Jeffrey A. Flaks, President & CEO of Hartford HealthCare, opened the evening by celebrating organizational milestones and outlining the bold, future-forward vision for Hartford Hospital and CESI. Flaks also recognized 25 Hartford Hospital Heroes, peer-nominated by their colleagues for embodying Hartford HealthCare’s core values.
“Black & Red is more than a fundraiser—it’s a reflection of what makes this community so special. Every year, we come together not just to support the critically important work of Hartford Hospital, but to elevate and strengthen our community. It’s an evening that celebrates generosity, compassion, and the unshakable belief that we’re stronger when we stand together for a shared purpose: to transform care, advance innovation, and expand access for all.”
Flaks introduced Cheryl Ficara, RN, MS, the newly appointed President of Hartford Hospital and Hartford HealthCare’s Hartford Region and the first woman and nurse to hold the leadership role.
“It’s my great honor to lead the thousands of colleagues who made Hartford Hospital one of the best, most innovative, and most trusted in the nation for care,” Ficara shared with the audience. “We are so grateful for your extraordinary philanthropic support—it represents an investment in our shared community and the future of healthcare in Connecticut.”
After sharing that $3 million had been raised through Black & Red, Ficara announced to great applause that a $3 million matching gift from the Tallwood Family had brought the event’s grand fundraising total to $6 million for CESI.
“I am profoundly grateful for this extraordinary generosity,” said Jeffrey A. Flaks, President & CEO of Hartford HealthCare. “Raising $6 million for CESI is a transformational moment—not just for Hartford Hospital, but for the thousands who train and learn at CESI every year. CESI is where ideas become breakthroughs, where learning becomes lifesaving and where the next generation is trained. I could not be prouder of this extraordinary support from our community ensuring that CESI continues to lead boldly and teach with purpose through the power of innovation, education, and collaboration to shape the future of healthcare.”
In another historic moment, the Hartford Hospital Lifetime Achievement Award was presented for the first time to two honorees, both celebrated for their exceptional impact on Hartford Hospital, the communities it serves, and the healthcare landscape: Steven J. Shichman, MD, Executive Director of CESI and Physician-in-Chief, Tallwood Urology & Kidney Institute; and Stephen Donahue, MSM, RRT, Director of Operations, CESI.
The evening included a live performance by Train, the Grammy® Award-winning and diamond-selling band known for chart-toppers Drops of Jupiter, Drive By, and Hey, Soul Sister.
“We are grateful for the time, leadership, and philanthropy of so many who made this year’s Black & Red a historic success for Hartford Hospital and CESI,” said Lynn B. Rossini, Vice President of Philanthropy at Hartford Hospital. “Thanks to our generous community, we continue to deliver advanced, compassionate care to those who rely on us.”
Rossini extended special thanks to Honorary Chairs Luisa and Frank Borges, Committee Co-Chairs Dr. Lauren and William Chase, and members of the Black & Red Committee, as well as Corporate Philanthropy Partners, sponsors, and donors.
Since 1992, Black & Red has raised $35 million in support of Hartford Hospital and its transformative programs. Details about the 2026 event will be announced in late 2025.
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