Think PINK! September is designated as Membership Signup Month for CHWC-Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary! Local “Pink Ladies” encourage members to renew their annual membership and welcome anyone who would like to join the auxiliary for a minimal annual dues donation. Auxiliary volunteers in pink jackets will be promoting memberships at Miller’s New Market, Whitaker Way, Montpelier, Wednesday, Sept. 25th. Life memberships are also available.
The local Community Hospitals & Wellness Centers-Montpelier auxiliary chapter meets regularly October through June on the second Monday of each month usually at 1 p.m. in the conference room with a varied program featuring local speakers. The auxiliary’s main purpose is to offer financial support to the local hospital, supply volunteers for the hospital gift shop, show appreciation to the hospital staff for their continuous efforts in patient care, and educate hospital auxiliary members in various health concerns.
Auxiliary projects include the hospital gift shop which is open to the public, offering a variety of items including books, snacks, greeting cards, stuffed animals, games, toys, dolls, handmade slippers, towels, figurines, personal hygiene items, and new this year—silk flower arrangements in a reasonable price range. Since the hospital gift shop started operations in 1991, receipts have totaled over $32,000. Due to recent hospital renovations, the gift shop has been relocated next to the main waiting area near the admissions office.
Other auxiliary projects include semi-annual book fairs, memorial and luminary program, staff appreciation tea, celebration of doctor’s day and nurse’s week, monthly distribution of patient favors, soup and salad luncheon, silent auction and June and Christmas luncheons.
Since its organization 60 years ago, the auxiliary has donated over $230,000 to assist in purchasing hospital equipment, other necessary items and monetary gifts to CHWC Share Foundation. Recently the auxiliary donated over $3000 in local artwork to CHWC for display at the hospital and more is planned.
Current auxiliary officers serving two-year terms through June 2014 are President Deanna Gipe, Vice President Joyce Schelling, Treasurer Barb Dietsch, Secretary Jean Young, and Past President Ruth Smethurst. Vivian Brown serves as gift shop manager and sunshine & recreation chairman. Other volunteers serving as committee chairmen are Ruth Cooley, magazines; Marty Brace, historian; Armeda Sawmiller, programs; and Joyce Schelling, publicity.
Board members met Monday, Sept.9th to discuss plans for the new year starting with the Monday, Oct. 14th meeting in the conference room at 1 p.m. with Phil Ennen, CHWC President & CEO, who is scheduled as speaker.
uxiliary members are encouraged to bring guests to the meeting. Plans are underway for the annual Memorial & Luminary Program set for Sunday, Dec. 1st at 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Montpelier, sponsored by CHWC-Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary.
For more information regarding the auxiliary, please contact President Deanna Gipe 419-485-4964 or Treasurer Barb Dietsch 419-485-3229.
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