By Nancy Henry
Highlands Hospital Auxiliary was formed in 1924 with the purpose to render services to Highlands Hospital and its patients and to assist the hospital in promoting the health and welfare of the community.
Over the years, the auxiliary has contributed more than $655,000 to the hospital.
Membership in Highlands Hospital Auxiliary is open to the public. Current members represent various interests and talents, which are used for auxiliary projects.
Fundraising activities include a style-show luncheon, Chinese basket auction, Festival of Christmas Trees, jewelry sale events in the lobby, book sales and uniform sales. Proceeds have allowed the auxiliary to donate significant funds to hospital projects, including a $5,000 refrigerator for the lab; many of the recliners with trays for patient rooms at a cost of more than $6,000; and a truck frame straightened and the truck painted.
“We have been able to fund both small items and costly projects. For instance, we purchase material and supplies to make Boo Boo Babies for children being treated in the ER and lab, and we have also given the Emergency Department a much needed face-lift at the cost of $20,000,” said Kitty Reed-Strawn, treasurer. “The ED improvements purchased by the auxiliary include shield technology privacy curtains and window treatments (blinds and valances) that are flame-retardant and include anti-bacterial and water-repellent technologies.”
Strawn said auxiliary members are dedicated to supporting the community hospital.
“Our most recent donation is a $22,000 Ford cargo van purchased locally from Davies Ford that is used for emergencies, such as transporting blood, which, of course, requires a reliable vehicle,” she said. “We also make a monthly donation for fuel for the Highlands Hospital van, which we previously bought, and we donate $200 monthly to Tranquility for patient needs.”
The auxiliary’s Giving Tree is placed in the lobby at Christmas time. Employees and the community bring items in to hang on the tree or to place under the tree, Items than are donated to Connellsville Area Community Ministries to distribute to the needy for the holidays. Items appreciated include paper towels, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, hats, scarves, gloves, mittens and toys.
The auxiliary has 37 members and two honorary members. Meetings are the first Monday of each month.
Auxiliary officers are: President Eleanor Huggins; President-elect Pamela Laymon; Vice President Dorothy Ridgway; Treasurer Kitty Reed-Strawn; Corresponding Secretary Ruby Meyers; and Secretary Delores Ruck.
Auxiliary member volunteers operate the gift shop from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Gift shop manager is Loretta Prinkey and treasurer is Shirley Ferencuha.
The auxiliary sponsors Employee Appreciation Day for Highlands Hospital employees.
“I have been a member of the Highlands Hospital Auxiliary for over 25 years. It is a great organization,” Huggins said. “We have been very helpful to the hospital over the years, sponsoring many worthwhile projects. We have a very strong group of members who are very dedicated to helping the hospital upgrade in many areas. We welcome new members.”
“The Highlands Hospital Auxiliary has been a vital part of our facility for numerous years,” said Michelle Cunningham, hospital CEO. “The members of the auxiliary work tirelessly to raise funds, which are then utilized to enhance services, purchase equipment and develop new programs. All of the funds raised are used to benefit patients. The board of trustees, medical staff and employees are appreciative of the efforts, dedication and commitment of the Highlands Hospital Auxiliary. They are truly remarkable women.”
Several new improvement projects for the hospital that will be funded by the auxiliary already are approved by the group and will begin soon.
Nancy Henry is a contributing writer.
Source: triblive.com