Greenwich Hospital announced that it received a first-of-its-kind gift to establish an endowment to honor Dr. James R. Sabetta, Chief of Infectious Diseases at Greenwich Hospital. The $5 million gift will create a permanent fund for this position in infectious diseases and will maintain and grow the hospital’s regional reputation for innovation and excellence in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. It will help to advance the education of physicians, medical students and key staff in infectious diseases services.
A former chairman of the board of trustees and volunteer at Greenwich Hospital, Don Kirk, along with his wife Mimi, a dedicated, longtime volunteer, made the generous gift to endow a position in infectious diseases in honor of Dr. Sabetta. The gift recognizes his talent as a physician and his efforts for establishing the Section of Infectious Diseases, comprised of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Infection Prevention.
“I hope others will follow your wonderful example and be inspired to endow other positions in other sections and departments, thereby benefiting additional patients cared for at Greenwich Hospital,” said Dr. Sabetta. “I cannot thank you enough. I am humbled by your gift to the hospital.” Dr. Sabetta also serves as chief of staff and is a current member of the board of trustees.
“This is a groundbreaking investment in Greenwich Hospital as it recognizes the extraordinary talent of one of our revered physicians while ensuring the future of infectious disease services in Dr. Sabetta’s honor in perpetuity. Mimi and Don are leading the way in support of our Greenwich Hospital endowment with a gift that combines outright funding with a legacy gift. We are thrilled to welcome them into our Elias C. Benedict Legacy Society,” said Norman G. Roth, president and chief executive officer of Greenwich Hospital.
Trustee Emeritus Donald J. Kirk, a member of the board of trustees of Greenwich Hospital for 26 years, served as chairman of the board at an auspicious time in the hospital’s history. During his tenure (1996-2000), Kirk and the board made the decision to sign a partnership agreement with Yale New Haven Health. The important affiliation continues to have tremendous significance to the community to this day. Mimi Kirk began volunteering at Greenwich Hospital in the early 1990’s with the Art Cart, bringing artwork to individual patient rooms. Today, she enjoys volunteering at the front desk, welcoming the community as they visit the hospital, a role that Don served during his tenure as a volunteer. “Greenwich Hospital is a treasure in our community and this investment is an opportunity for us to show our gratitude for the many dedicated professionals who take care of patients every day. Dr. Sabetta deserves this special recognition to honor him today and for years to come,” said the Kirks.
As Greenwich Hospital embarks on a multi-year growth plan, permanent endowed positions honoring its physicians will lead to unique funding opportunities, in perpetuity. Each clinical department has a select and limited number of these opportunities, which are granted to attract and retain the most talented physician experts. Endowments of this kind carry with them the prominence of a named position honoring the donor and physician.
