Auxiliary

Membership • Board Members • Meetings
Scholarships • Gift Shops • Fundraisers

"Dedicated to serving our healthcare community."

The Auxiliary has distinguished itself as an integral part of the hospital. Its multi-million dollar fundraising efforts have been responsible for contributions to major undertakings at the hospital.

The Auxiliary is rich with a history of providing ideas, financial support and volunteerism to complement the ever-spiraling growth and technological needs of healthcare.

History

The Auxiliary at New Britain General was formed on March 25, 1899, as the “Woman’s Hospital Board” with dues of $1.00 per year and a membership of 294 women. Our Auxiliary is one of the oldest in the country and first served wounded soldiers from the Spanish-American War. In 1928, the name was changed to the “Women’s Auxiliary of New Britain General Hospital”, and women could work in the hospital from 10:00-4:00 on Thursdays; 186 volunteers signed up. Duties were to solicit bed linens, kitchen supplies, utensils, and reading material; fundraising activities included collecting hospital donations at churches.

The name remained as such until 1968 when it was renamed “The New Britain General Hospital Auxiliary". In 2006, New Britain General Hospital and Bradley Memorial Hospital merged to form one hospital while maintaining two separate campuses. The Auxiliary’s name then became The Hospital of Central Connecticut Auxiliary at New Britain General. As discussed in detail below, the role of Auxiliary members has changed but continues to be involved in numerous programs and services that benefit patients, visitors, and staff at the hospital as well as residents of the community that we serve.

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Join the Auxiliary

Join the Auxiliary and discover the power of community and the importance of a welcoming place in which you may contribute your talents and knowledge to further our fundraising efforts!

Membership is available at several levels with no required monthly meetings to attend. It is open to men and women regardless of age.

We Make A Difference

“The Auxiliary at New Britain General has contributed countless hours and extraordinary talent to support the life-changing technologies and programs that put patients first at The Hospital of Central Connecticut.”

- Gary Havican, President of the Hartford HealthCare Central Region

We Are Dedicated To

Serving our healthcare community. The Auxiliary has distinguished itself as an integral part of the hospital with a rich history of providing ideas, financial support, and volunteers to complement all programs at THOCC. Our multi-million dollar fundraising efforts are responsible for contributions to major undertakings at the hospital, as listed (in part) below.

What We Do

• $910 to distribute 185 poinsettias to all in-house patients at New Britain General
• Presented five $1,000 scholarships to area students pursuing a career in Allied Health
• $1,000 donation to the Nursing Advanced Education Fund to assist nurses seeking professional and advanced certification or recertification
• Collected more than 200 newborn and preemie PJs and personal care items for the moms in the Family Birthplace
• $400 donation to enhance the collection for moms in the Family Birthplace 
• $4,000 to fund a Fried Dough Food Truck for all NBG nurses during National Nurses Week
• $5,000 to support HOCC’s Medical and Well-Being Mission in New Britain
• $5,000 to support purchase of Therapeutic Activity Carts for dementia patients as part of the “Fall Prevention Plan”
• $1,500 to fund blood pressure cuffs for post-partum patients in the Family Birthplace
• $4,200 to fund the purchase of a hand-held Slit Lamp for the Emergency Department

What We Offer

The Auxiliary at New Britain General offers much to the members of this organization.

Fellowship: Through social events, the gift shop, and fundraising events, you will enjoy the camaraderie of the Auxiliary members. Working as a group toward a common goal, whether focusing on a fundraiser or deciding on gifts (monetary or equipment), this group works together cooperatively to attain our stated goal.

Networking: Through volunteering and/or attending meetings, you will have an opportunity to meet new people and socialize with friends and hospital staff.

Education: Through diverse presentations at in-house seminars by the hospital staff and by being on the Auxiliary, you will be made aware of the event and speaker information available to you. This, along with volunteering at the hospital, will acquaint you with the inner workings of the hospital and healthcare at large. Various healthcare offerings are also available to you, such as flu shots and some vaccinations.

Publications

• The Department of Philanthropy’s Giving Thanks newsletter features the generosity of its donors and how their efforts benefit the hospitals of the Central Region.
• Volunteer News is a Central Region newsletter that highlights various volunteer assignments and activities as well as acknowledges the commitment of so many dedicated individuals.
• Hartford HealthCare Heartbeat provides updates and news from all of Hartford Healthcare 

Membership Application Forms

• New Britain Campus
• Bradley Memorial Campus

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The Auxiliary at New Britain General Advisory Board Members

President – Carin Mancini
President Elect – Lee Schreiner
Recording Secretary – Gail Millerick
Corresponding Secretary – Lindy Martin
Treasurer – Paul Salina
Chairperson Gift Shops – Annette Salina
Treasurer Gift Shops – Anastasia Rulkowski

Directors

• Barbara Andrews
• Patricia Bedard
• Cyndi Brown
• Maureen Carlson
• Nancy Cavaliere
• Dorothy DiLernia
• Hibeh Dilzer
• Julie Dyson
• Janet Fontana
• Antonietta Fraello
• Edward Grzes
• Sadia Hoxha
• Anthony Labato
• Patricia Maerz
• David Obedzinski
• Sylvia Rulkowski
• Marianne Salerno
• Jon Small
• Gail Steele
• Laura Whitaker

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New Britain General Campus Auxiliary

The New Britain General Campus Auxiliary meets the second Tuesday of every month and holds its annual meeting in November (no summer meetings).

The New Britain Auxiliary has adopted a Strategic Plan that provides a road map for our goals and development. We have established the following committees: Image, Website Development, Education, Membership and Presidents' Council.

Bradley Memorial Campus Auxiliary

The Bradley Memorial Campus Auxiliary board of Directors meets the second Monday of the month at 7:00 PM at the Bradley Memorial Campus, conference room A.

Joint Meeting

The Executive Boards of the New Britain General and Bradley Memorial Auxiliaries meet together once annually.

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The HOCC Auxiliary at New Britain Scholarship Program (for students residing in Berlin, Kensington, New Britain, Newington, Plainville, or Southington)

Download an application

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The Auxiliary at New Britain General manages and finances two gift shops: The Wishing Well at New Britain General and Simple Comforts at the Cancer Institute of the Hospital of Central Connecticut. The Auxiliary is proud to direct the shops’ proceeds to support the New Britain General Campus and the Cancer Institute.

Both shops offer a variety of items for patients and visitors. Fresh and artificial flowers, candy, balloons, cards, and gifts are always available. New items are added continuously during the different seasons and around the holidays. Examples of items stocked in our gift shops – The Wishing Well at New Britain General and Simple Comforts at the Cancer Institute – are as follows:

Jewelry

• Designer costume jewelry featuring John Michael Richardson
• Watches
• Earrings - including Silver Forest
• Bracelets
• Necklaces

Gifts

• Willow Tree
• Stuffed animals, toys, dolls
• Wall and table accent items
• Baby gifts
• Books and magazines
• Sunglasses and reading and magnifying glasses

Accessories

• Scarves, hats, mittens, & gloves (seasonal)
• Dresses and tops - featuring Magic Scarf
• Slippers
• Handbags from Joy Susan, Myra and Signare

Cosmetics

• Camille Beckman
• Naked Bee

Locations

The Wishing Well Auxiliary Gift Shop at New Britain General Campus
860.224.5260
Mon & Fri: 10am to 3pm
Tue, Wed, Thu: 10am to 7pm
Every other Sat & Sun: 10am to 2pm
*Please note-hours may be subject to change
Free Parking

Simple Comforts Gift Shop at Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute at The Hospital of Central Connecticut
860.696.4910
Mon – Fri: 10am to 4pm
Free Parking

The Auxiliary is proud to donate funds from the gift shops’ proceeds to support the programs, services and areas of greatest need at the New Britain General Campus and the Cancer Institute.

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Save the Date!  2025 GALA “Motown Magic”

The Auxiliary will hold its biennial gala, “Motown Magic” on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Aqua Turf. This Motown-themed event will benefit The Hospital of Central Connecticut at New Britain General and its mission to improve the health and healing of all.

More information to follow.

Proceeds of $64,000 from the 2023 GALA benefitted the Cancer Institute at the Hospital of Central CT.

The Auxiliary wishes to thank all who participate – new and returning friends and new and returning sponsors.

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