Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, the state’s only health system focused on children’s well-being, received a $1 million gift from Big Y to support the hospital’s new eight-story clinical tower, which opened on Dec. 4.
In recognition of the gift, the tower lobby’s visual centerpiece, a 30-foot-tall illuminated tree, will be named the Big Y Tree of Life.
“Big Y has been a cherished part of our community for generations, and we are deeply grateful for their commitment to our patient families and to our mission to deliver world class pediatric care close to home,” said Jim Shmerling, president and CEO of Connecticut Children’s.
“Their generosity will greet every child and family who walks through our doors. The Big Y Tree of Life represents growth, hope and a reminder of the strength of our community.”
Tree sculpture symbolizes growth and healing
As guests enter the new tower, they will be greeted by the Big Y Tree of Life, a floor-to-ceiling sculpture in the two-story glass and light-filled lobby. Designed as a symbol of growth and healing, the tree reflects Big Y’s commitment to families as the company approaches its 90th anniversary in 2026.
“In our 90 years as a family company, being an active participant in the communities we serve has always been at the heart of who we are,” said Mathieu D’Amour, Big Y’s VP of real estate and development. “We’re honored to support Connecticut Children’s as they continue to expand their provision of life-changing care for kids across the region.”
The new clinical tower is part of the most ambitious expansion in Connecticut Children’s history, with new buildings, new capacities and new services across the region, all designed to provide better outcomes for sick kids and provide the medical and mental health care they need close to home. The new state-of-the-art tower is connected to the existing medical center in Hartford and will include an expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, an Advanced Cellular & Gene Therapy Unit, an Acuity Adaptable Unit and a Fetal Care Center.
[RELATED: Big Y Plans New Store In Pembroke, MA]