Black & Red Gala 2019

Black & Red Nets $1.1M for the Brownstone Clinic

With more than 1,100 guests filling The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, January 26, Hartford Hospital’s signature fundraising event, the Black & Red, raised more than $1.1 million to support the Brownstone Clinic’s work in serving people who would otherwise have no place to turn for healthcare.

The clinic welcomes all in need, seeing over 40,000 visitors annually for adult primary and specialty care, and 17,000 for dental care, many involving complex medical conditions that require a specialist. Additionally, the clinic is home to the largest HIV facility in the region, caring for up to 800 patients. Many of the clinic’s patients are homeless and unemployed, struggling with psychiatric disorders, cultural barriers, and a lack of healthcare literacy. Without the clinic, many patients might wait months for an appointment with a specialist or forgo much-needed treatment altogether. Hartford Hospital physicians and specialists from all medical fields provide their time to the clinic so patients are seen by the very best physicians. With all that it does, the busy Brownstone Ambulatory Care Services has outgrown its Retreat Avenue location. A new clinic building at 132-138 Jefferson Street is scheduled to open this summer.

In addition to supporting the services provided through the Brownstone Clinic, the gala serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about issues important to the community. This year’s community education campaign, “Be Rxsponsible,” encourages everyone to dispose of prescription medications safely. Go to BeRxesponsible.org to learn the facts about prescription medication dangers and sign up to receive a drug deactivation kit.

Legendary singer, songwriter, and actress Cyndi Lauper was the gala’s marquee entertainment. Gala attendees also enjoyed dining by Max Catering, dancing to the band Flipside, and dueling pianos with Hartford Hospital’s Medical Staff President Dr. Matthew Saidel and pianist/vocalist Ricky Lauria. NBC Connecticut broadcast live from the event.

Click here to view the full gallery and to purchase photos from the event!