Your Stories: Decorating our Christmas Trees with Gratitude

The Auxiliary of Saint Francis is continuing the holiday tradition of ribbon sales to honor or memorialize loved ones.

Barbara Lentini, the widow of longtime Saint Francis Board member David Lentini and a member of the Auxiliary who led the annual ribbon sales for two decades, recalls the trees, all decorated with ribbons, greeting everyone who arrives at the hospital’s main entrance. “It has become an important celebration of both health care and community at the hospital,” she notes.

Kathy Corbalis, Auxiliary Board member who is chairing the program for the second year, concurs. “Holiday traditions provide comfort for people, especially after the pandemic. So, too, does reflecting on gratitude for those who care for others throughout the year.”

Auxiliary members will inscribe the ribbons with the name of the honoree and place them on one of the trees.

"We offer gold and silver ribbons to honor or memorialize a friend or family member,” said Kathy, explaining the different colored ribbons on display. “A purple ribbon celebrates the continued dedication of special physicians, nurses, caretakers who work at Saint Francis Hospital, Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital, and other health ministries.”

Debra Pasquale, wife of Dominick Pasquale, MD, retired head of the Hematology/Oncology Department, is passionate in her support of the program. “Dom and I have seen how meaningful it is for physicians and caregivers to be honored in this way. We’ve personally remembered many friends and colleagues over the years. It is a gift to the family to know their loved one remains cherished.”

The ribbon sales, which will conclude on December 10, will culminate in a community celebration on December 17 at 1:00 p.m. in the Rotunda, with the lighting of the decorated trees, followed by a Carol Sing. Each year, Saint Francis colleagues are joined by community members and friends, filling each level of the Rotunda overlooking the trees. Proceeds from the ribbon sales always support a special need or department at the hospital. This year, colleagues from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) will be present to receive a special check from the Auxiliary’s Ribbon Program.

Please join the Auxiliary in this festive opportunity to make someone a part of your holiday season with their own special ribbon. Purple ribbons honor physicians, nurses and colleagues. Gold or silver ribbons memorialize or honor a friend, relative, or a loved one. Along with honoring your caregiver or loved one, your gift will also help us provide Saint Francis Hospital with funds necessary to better serve our community. We kindly request a $5 donation per ribbon.

Those interested in purchasing ribbons may do so by visiting Auxiliary members at their sales table on Tuesdays in front of the Gift Shop and on Fridays outside Repetitions from 12:00-2:00 p.m. Additionally, for those who purchase items from the Gift Shop or Repetitions, order forms for the ribbons will be tucked into your bag when you check out. You can also visit the Auxiliary website HERE and click the “Donate” button or send cash or check made payable to:

The Auxiliary of Saint Francis Hospital
114 Woodland Street
Hartford, CT 06105
Attn: Christmas Ribbons

Submitted by Cynthia Rockwell, Auxiliary of Saint Francis Hospital.

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