News and Information
Centerpoint Fall 2008 (PDF)
Inspiring Others to Give through Leadership
During a recent interview in his Hartford office, United Technologies Corp. (UTC) President and CEO Louis Chênevert shared his philosophy on giving, “Companies and people have to lead by example. If UTC gives support and shows leadership, perhaps others will be inspired to give.”
Mr. Chênevert, co-chair of the current Smilow Cancer Hospital fundraising campaign and a member of the Yale Cancer Center Director’s Advisory Board for the last seven years, has become one of the largest supporters of Yale Cancer Center. In July, he announced a $1 million gift from UTC to the new Smilow Cancer Hospital. In addition, he and his wife Debbie made a personal contribution to the new hospital, which is slated to open in spring 2010.
Mr. and Mrs. Chênevert have been touched by cancer, as both lost their fathers to the disease in 2000. After experiencing such personal loss, they began to passionately support Yale Cancer Center. “I think there are a lot of opportunities to find more cures with this new cancer hospital. This integrated facility creates a more patient-friendly environment,” Mr. Chênevert said.
In Connecticut, UTC contributes approximately $5 million to non-profit organizations each year. “The Smilow Cancer Hospital is important to the residents of this region because every week too many families have to deal with the devastating news of a loved one who’s been diagnosed with cancer,” Mr. Chênevert said.
Construction of the 14-story Smilow Cancer Hospital began in 2006, and the 497,000-square-foot building is expected to be complete in late 2009. The hospital will house 112 inpatient beds, outpatient treatment rooms, expanded operating rooms, diagnostic imaging service, infusion suites, therapeutic radiology and a specialized Women’s Cancer Center with a reception area recognizing UTC’s contribution. “UTC’s contribution to the Smilow Cancer Hospital is an investment in our local community and our support of the Women’s Health Center complements our efforts to promote diversity,” Mr. Chênevert explained.
Mr. and Mrs. Chênevert, the parents of two daughters, personally donated $540,000 to name the pediatric oncology waiting area and a private inpatient room in the new facility. These new spaces will bear their names and will serve as a lasting reminder of their devotion to cancer care and Yale Cancer Center’s mission.
“Yale has a superb track record of finding new ways and different methods to treat this disease, which is why I have high confidence in this institution,” Mr. Chênevert said. “Now with Smilow Cancer Hospital plus the new research center [Yale’s new West Campus], the tools are there.”
The Smilow Cancer Hospital Fundraising campaign is being co-chaired by Jonathan and Jody Bush, Marvin and Helaine Lender, and Louis and Debbie Chênevert. Together the co-chairs are determined to raise $100 million for the new hospital. To date more than $92 million has been pledged to the new hospital.
