Griffin Hospital honors volunteers at annual recognition dinner


Griffin Hospital Volunteer Scholarship winners are, from left, Melanie Antony, Sai Kulkarni, and Olivia Zak.   

They are joined by, from left, Todd Liu, Griffin Vice President of Accountable Care and General Counsel, Patrick Charmel, Griffin President & CEO, and Kimberlee Richard, Griffin Vice President Patient Care Services./ Contributed photo


DERBY - Griffin Hospital honored its volunteers for selflessly giving their time and talents to the hospital in 2021 at its Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner. 

The event was held at The Inn at Villa Bianca in Seymour.

A total of 128 hospital volunteers logged more than 14,800 hours last year while serving as ambassadors, candy stripers, bakers, shuttle drivers, soft touch therapy providers, writers of vital patient stories and many more roles that benefited hospital patients, visitors and staff.

“Whether it is making fresh-baked treats for patients and caregivers who are missing home, providing healing comfort with a soft touch massage, or simply being a cheerful face and a listening ear to someone who feels lonesome or anxious, each volunteer service represents priceless moments of caring and compassion that make Griffin so special,” said Patrick Charmel, president and CEO of Griffin Hospital. “It is your unconditional kindness that makes Griffin exceptional.”


Students honored

Griffin Hospital also awarded its annual scholarships of $1,500 and $1,000 to high school volunteers going on to college next school year.

For 50 years, Griffin Hospital has awarded scholarships to community students pursuing advanced education. 

To qualify for these scholarships, the students must have volunteered over 100 hours at the hospital, been in high academic standing, have been accepted into an accredited college or university, demonstrated initiative and perseverance and possess exemplary moral character.


This year’s winners are Melanie Antony of Masuk High School, Sai Kulkarni of Biotechnology Research & Zoological Sciences Inter-District Magnet High School, Fairfield Wheeler Campus, and Olivia Zak of Oxford High School.



This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.