Your Stories: Barbara Gordon’s Annual Backyard Barbeque Raises Funds for Saint Francis
June 18, 2025Categories: Events
Barbara Gordon’s 18th Annual “Hello to Summer” Backyard Barbeque was held on June 12, raising almost $30,000 in support of the Karl J. Krapek, Sr. Comprehensive Women’s Health Center at Saint Francis Hospital. The generous contributions will help fund free mammograms and provide financial assistance to patients and their families, helping to ease their burden so they are able to focus on healing.
Barbara Gordon (seated) and her daughter, Tracy Fox, RN, who serves as a nurse on 7-1 at Saint Francis, were joined by (L to R) Montez Carter, President & CEO, Trinity Health Of New England; Christina Metcalf, M.D., Division Director, Breast Surgery, Saint Francis Hospital; and Ryan, a grateful patient who received care from Tracy.
The festive summer kickoff once again brought the community together with live music from Dan Gabel and the Abletones, a food truck, and exciting raffle prizes. A special thank you to the West Hartford Fire Department, whose members not only grilled kosher hot dogs, but also generously volunteered their time to tend bar and support the cause.
Tim Stanton, Regional Vice President of Philanthropy, led a brief speaking program, thanking Barbara for her longtime support. Attendees also heard from Christina Metcalf, M.D., Division Director, Breast Surgery at Saint Francis, who shared how vital the funds raised are for patients who are under- or uninsured.
Barbara, who turns 90 in August, is already planning and looking forward to next year’s party. She and her family, including Tracy Fox, RN, a nurse on Unit 7-1 at Saint Francis, are tremendously grateful for the care provided to them at the hospital for many years. The event allows them to honor that care and give back to the hospital they love. The Saint Francis Foundation extends gratitude to Barbara, her son, Andy, and Tracy, for their unwavering dedication. To date, this event has raised an impressive $330,000, and we are so grateful for those who contributed to Barbara’s special event over the years.
If you were unable to attend, or would still like to support the event, click HERE to make a donation.
You can also click HERE to see photos from the evening.
Submitted by Whitney Hubbs Dionne, Senior Philanthropy Officer, Trinity Health Of New England.
Have a story you want to share? Submit your story at TrinityHealthOfNE.org/YourStories.