The Auxiliary of Lawrence + Memorial Hospital and the Community of Hope are pleased to announce a new partnership, 2 Hearts 1 Sound Mind, aimed at raising awareness about mental health and addiction.

“Community of Hope is thrilled to partner with the Auxiliary of L+M for the 2 Hearts 1 Sound Mind event, as we work together to raise awareness about mental health and shine a light on the incredible resources our community offers. Collaboration is key—when we join forces, our voices become stronger, and we can achieve so much more in supporting mental health and wellness for everyone,” said Annette Eldridge, Executive Director of Community of Hope.

The partnership will kick off with this grand gala on February 14, 2025, at The Crocker House Ballroom in New London. The evening’s theme is “Mental Health Through the Years: Darkness, Hope, Freedom” and will include an introduction to the new collaboration, spotlight stories from those who have struggled with mental health, and feature mental health resources, a silent auction, dinner, dancing and more. Proceeds from the gala will be divided equally between the Auxiliary of Lawrence + Memorial Hospital and the Community of Hope to support their respective missions.

Kathy Greene, president of The Auxiliary of Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, added that, “The Auxiliary of L+M has, for 110 years, focused on its mission, to support the hospital in all its efforts to improve the health of the community. Our partnership and collaboration with Community of Hope only strengthens those efforts. It is so important to come together when important issues such as mental health need a stronger spotlight to bring more awareness to our community. The spotlight shines brighter and stronger with these two powerful partners.”

About the Auxiliary of Lawrence + Memorial Hospital:

The Auxiliary is a non-profit, founded in 1914, after the opening of the Joseph Lawrence Free Public Hospital. What started out with a small group of dedicated women has grown to a membership of over 200 members, to include both women and men. Our fundraising efforts over the past 110 years, have provided for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Department Remodel, Smilow Cancer Center, Wadsworth Healing Garden, Patient Relations Special Needs Closet, Pediatric Emergency Medicine Department, Child Life Emergency Department, Breast Health Sciences Library, Cardiac Rehabilitation Department, Volunteer Services and much more.

About the Community of Hope:

Community of Hope is a non-profit, founded in 2006, with the mission is to help women affected by abuse, addiction and homelessness, re-establish life while in a safe and healthy living environment that reflects the love of a family. Hope House was opened in 2011 to fulfill that mission for women ages 18-70 who are coming out of addiction, abuse, homelessness and/or incarceration. The Kindness Connection is another program Community of Hope provides, with connection to other agencies serving a similar population in the region, to help over 2000 men and women in the community with gift cards for food, gas, clothing, transportation, housing help and more resources.

About 2 Hearts 1 Sound Mind:

2 Hearts 1 Sound Mind was formed in 2024 for the express purpose of bringing awareness to mental health issues and addiction, providing resources to help those struggling in those areas and raising funds to support each organization’s mission, both of which include providing resources and working to improve the mental health of our community.

2 Hearts 1 Sound Mind 2025 Grand Gala

Mental Health Through the Years

Team Members