The Lippolis Family’s Commitment to Blythedale Children’s Hospital

For more than two decades, Carmine Lippolis and his family have been dedicated supporters of Blythedale Children’s Hospital. What began with a simple phone call and a desire to learn more about the hospital has grown into a lasting commitment to children, families, and the broader Blythedale community.

In a recent episode of Journeys of Hope, Blythedale’s podcast, Carmine joined his daughter, Michelle Parinello, to discuss their family’s connection to the hospital, the impact of community support, and the importance of creating a legacy of giving.

A Chance Encounter That Changed Everything

Carmine’s involvement with Blythedale began around 2005, when he was president of the Westchester County Licensed Electrical Contractors Association. The organization was looking for a charitable partner, and although Blythedale was not initially one of the organizations being considered, Carmine had long been curious about the hospital.

He had frequently passed the hospital while visiting his sister and wondered what happened inside.

That curiosity eventually led him to contact Blythedale. After speaking with Lena Cavanna, who was involved with public relations at the time, Carmine visited the hospital.

The experience made an immediate impression.

During his visit, Carmine saw a dedicated community of doctors, staff, teachers, security personnel, and others caring for children who needed specialized support. He also reflected on how fortunate he was to have three healthy children of his own.

That 45-minute visit became a turning point.

Carmine left the hospital determined to make a difference. Shortly afterward, he invited Lena to a gathering of approximately 200 electricians, where they set up a table and collected donations for Blythedale. The effort raised approximately $20,000.

What started as a single fundraising effort became the beginning of a relationship that would span more than 20 years.

The Fall Golf Classic: Bringing People Together for a Purpose

One of the most significant parts of Carmine’s involvement with Blythedale has been his leadership of the Fall Golf Classic.

Over nearly two decades, the event has raised close to $5 million under his leadership. But for Carmine, the success of the event has never been about one person.

He credits the many friends, family members, golfers, sponsors, volunteers, and committee members who have continued to support the event year after year.

The golf outing brings people together around something they enjoy while giving them an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children and their families.

For Carmine, that message is simple: the money raised through the event helps change lives.

And the impact extends beyond the golf course.

Over the years, people who became involved through the golf outing have found additional ways to support Blythedale. Sponsors have taken on other initiatives, participants have become involved with different hospital programs, and members of Carmine’s own family have found their own ways to contribute.

That ripple effect is one of the accomplishments Carmine is most proud of.

Passing the Legacy to the Next Generation

For Carmine, philanthropy has also become a family affair.

His daughter, Michelle, grew up seeing her father’s involvement with Blythedale. When she was younger, she viewed the golf outing and her father’s work with the hospital as simply part of his job.

That changed as she got older.

After seeing Carmine honored by Blythedale and hearing him speak passionately about the hospital and its mission, Michelle began to understand the broader impact of his work. She eventually became involved with the golf outing and later joined Blythedale’s Advisory Council.

Today, Michelle focuses in part on introducing Blythedale to younger professionals and people who may not already know about the hospital.

She sees an opportunity to make philanthropy feel accessible and personal, encouraging people to learn more about Blythedale, take a tour, volunteer, spread the word, or find another way to contribute.

Her involvement represents an important part of the family’s legacy: creating opportunities for the next generation to build their own connection to Blythedale.

Support That Extends Beyond Fundraising

While fundraising has been an important part of the Lippolis family’s involvement, Carmine emphasizes that community support can take many forms.

Over the years, he has watched Blythedale expand its programs and resources, including efforts designed to help families care for their children after they leave the hospital.

For families caring for children with complex medical needs, the transition home can bring new responsibilities and challenges. Parents may need to learn how to manage medications, feeding tubes, and other aspects of their child’s care.

Carmine has seen these programs evolve throughout his relationship with Blythedale and considers that progress one of the things he is most proud to have witnessed.

He also points to smaller, everyday needs that can make a meaningful difference for families. From supplies to resources that help parents organize their child’s medical necessities at home, these seemingly simple items can have a significant impact.

Making Blythedale Accessible to Everyone

Michelle hopes more people realize that supporting Blythedale does not require a major financial commitment or a significant time commitment.

One of the best ways to begin, she says, is simply to visit.

Taking a tour of the hospital can help people understand its mission and see firsthand the work being done to support children and their families. From there, people can decide how they want to become involved.

They might volunteer, participate in an event, help spread awareness, make a donation, or simply introduce someone else to Blythedale.

The important thing is taking that first step.

Looking Toward the Future

Both Carmine and Michelle see opportunities for the Blythedale community to continue growing.

For the Fall Golf Classic, that includes bringing more people into the committee and expanding the network of supporters. Carmine believes that creating a diverse group of people who can bring their own connections and communities to the event will help strengthen its future.

Michelle also sees an opportunity for younger generations to become increasingly involved.

As children of longtime supporters and community members become adults, the hope is that they will continue the traditions of giving and community involvement that their parents began.

For the Lippolis family, that is what legacy truly means: not simply continuing one event, but inspiring other people to find their own way to make a difference.

Finding Hope in the Community

When asked what hope means to him, Carmine described it as continuing forward, even during difficult times.

For families facing the challenges that can come with having a sick child, hope can come from many places — a doctor, a member of the hospital staff, a supportive community, or simply the faith that things can get better.

That idea is at the heart of Carmine and Michelle’s story.

Their involvement with Blythedale began with curiosity and one visit to the hospital. More than two decades later, it has grown into fundraising, volunteering, leadership, family involvement, and a commitment to bringing others into the Blythedale community.

Their story is a reminder that meaningful change does not always begin with a grand plan. Sometimes, it starts with a question, a phone call, or a willingness to walk through the door and learn more.