Greenwich Hospital Receives $5 Million Gift

GREENWICH, CT — Last week, Greenwich Hospital announced it has received a "first-of-its-kind" $5 million gift to establish an endowment to honor James R. Sabetta, the hospital's chief of infectious diseases, by establishing a position in infectious diseases. As a result, a permanent fund will be available to help further educate physicians, medical students and key staff in infectious diseases services.

The gift was provided by Don Kirk, a former chairman of the board of trustees and volunteer at the hospital, and his wife, Mimi, herself a longtime volunteer at the hospital.

"The gift recognizes [Sabetta's] extraordinary talent as a physician and his efforts for establishing the Section of Infectious Diseases, comprised of infectious diseases, microbiology and infection prevention," the hospital said in a prepared statement.

Sabetta, who also serves as the hospital's chief of staff and is a current member of the board of trustees, said he was "humbled" by the Kirks' gift and could not thank them enough.

"I hope others will follow [the Kirks] wonderful example and be inspired to endow other positions in other sections and departments, thereby benefiting additional patients cared for at Greenwich Hospital," Sabetta said in a statement.

CEO Norman Roth said he was "thrilled" to welcome the Kirks into the hospital's legacy society as a result of their generous gift.

"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," Roth said in a statement. "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."

Don Kirk, who previously served as chairman of the board, and his wife said Greenwich Hospital is "a treasure" in the community, and their investment is an opportunity "to show our gratitude for the many dedicated professionals who take care of patients every day."