"A Night for Sturdy Health" Raises Over $1 Million to Support New Emergency Department Building

Attleboro, MA (May 16, 2025) – The Sturdy Health Foundation announced today that it raised more than $1 million at its fundraising dinner, A Night for Sturdy Health, to support construction of the health system’s new state-of-the-art Emergency Department.

Held the evening of Wednesday, May 7, at the Lakeview Pavilion in Foxboro, the event brought together community leaders, employees, physicians, and partners in support of the critical investment in Sturdy Health’s future. The new 38,000 square foot facility – announced in November and expected to cost $113 million – will double the current capacity with 54 beds, including four rapid triage bays and two trauma rooms. It will also include a 12-bed behavioral health unit and a dedicated imaging and CT suite.

Donna N. Kimmel, Chair of the Sturdy Health Board and a North Attleboro resident, spoke to the heart of Sturdy’s mission. “What makes Sturdy so special is that it treats every patient with the same compassion and excellence – regardless of who they are,” said Kimmel. “My family and I have always been met with warmth, clarity, and kindness. That kind of care is Sturdy’s DNA. And it’s why we are gathered to help build the future of emergency care for this community.”

Sturdy Health President & CEO Aimee Brewer said the event was an incredible success.

"Raising over $1 million in a single evening showcases the extraordinary dedication of our community to Sturdy Health. Tonight sets the tone for what we can accomplish together to support world-class medical care close to home,” she said.

The evening was highlighted by a powerful video presentation that featured patient Barry Blanchard and his personal experience in the Emergency Department. Blanchard, who underwent emergency surgery, detailed the compassionate care he received in the department despite an overcrowded atmosphere. He emphasized the importance of having first-class emergency care in the community.

“They saved my life...if I could go back there and see everyone who was there to help me through, I’d say ‘thank you’ and give them a hug,” said Blanchard.

Brewer said she was especially grateful to the evening’s sponsors and attendees, who made significant contributions in acknowledgement of the great need for a new Emergency Department.

"It is our responsibility to ensure timely emergency care is available to everyone, all the time," Brewer said. "We’re thankful our supporters understand this and partner with us to keep this care accessible to the community."

Presenting Sponsors included Dr. Jean Siddall-Bensson and Dr. Steven Bensson, Aimee Brewer, Steven and Susan Burlone, Consigli Construction Co., Cryan Landscape Contractors, Donna N. Kimmel, and the Marathon Company.

Table Sponsors included Brewster Ambulance, Bristol County Savings Bank, Kaufman Hall, Rose and Bill Larson, MagMutual, and University Orthopedics.

The event served as a kick-off to a broad fundraising effort by Sturdy, to help support the completion of the project. Construction on the new Emergency Department is currently underway, with completion expected in 2027. To support the Emergency Department, visit www.sturdyhealth.org/give.