Serving Up Care: $2.5M Gift Fuels Expansion & Future Café at Connecticut Children’s

Located near the hospital’s main entrance, the new Chase-Bear-Dyer Family Café will offer a bright and welcoming space with an 82-seat dining area, diverse culinary options, and ample natural light from expansive windows. The thoughtfully designed space will provide a much-needed sanctuary where families can take a break, recharge, and refuel without leaving the hospital. 

“The new family café will be a spacious, comfortable sanctuary for patients, families, and our dedicated team members,” said Dr. Jim Shmerling, President and CEO of Connecticut Children’s. “The amazing generosity of the Chase, Bear, and Dyer families will alleviate some of the daily stresses our patient families experience and allow them to focus on what matters most—their child’s well-being.”

The Chase and Bear families have long been dedicated supporters of Connecticut Children’s and its mission to improve pediatric healthcare. Cheryl Chase, a longtime donor and advocate, emphasized the importance of investing in children’s health: “Our family cares deeply about the community, and making sure children have the medical and mental health care they need is absolutely essential for a vibrant future. We know there is no better place for kids and families than Connecticut Children’s, so we’re proud to support their vital expansion.”

The new clinical tower represents the most ambitious expansion in Connecticut Children’s history. Designed to enhance patient care and improve access to specialized treatments, the tower will feature:

✔ An expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
✔ An Advanced Cellular and Gene Therapy Unit
✔ An Acuity Adaptable Unit
✔ A state-of-the-art Fetal Care Center

This expansion will allow Connecticut Children’s to provide cutting-edge treatments and life-saving care to more children and families across the region.

Connecticut Children’s is the only health system in Connecticut 100% dedicated to kids. With over 30 pediatric specialties and 40+ locations across Connecticut, Eastern New York, and Western Massachusetts, we’re committed to providing world-class healthcare from birth through young adulthood.

At Connecticut Children’s, we push boundaries through breakthrough research, innovative treatments, and strong community partnerships—helping families focus on what truly matters: their child’s health and well-being. When you choose Connecticut Children’s, you choose care Beyond Imagination.