$5 Million and Counting

For just about as long as Memorial Hospital has been serving the community, so too has been a steady, supportive fundraising arm—the Auxiliary of Memorial Hospital of South Bend. Standing loyally by the hospital’s side for more than a century, the Auxiliary is growing and changing right along with it. Even though many of the Auxilians have volunteered at the hospital for more than 40 years, they’ve embraced change to give a new purpose to this non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for Memorial.

Since its inception, the Auxiliary has donated an amazing $5 million to Memorial Hospital, enabling the purchase of lifesaving medical equipment.

“The Auxiliary is an important part of the patient care through the invaluable volunteer services that many of the Auxiliary partners provide, as well as the significant money that is donated to purchase many critical patient-care devices and equipment,” says Ray Gans, Auxiliary president.

Gone are the days when the Auxilians pushed the “Jolly Trolley” on the patient floors and sponsored elegant charity balls to raise money. Today, Auxilians run the Cottage Place Gift Shop and sponsor special fundraising sales throughout the year, with all revenue going to support hospital initiatives.

Today’s Auxiliary, which is 150 people strong and is composed of volunteers and community leaders, is a completely self-sufficient organization that does not accept any hospital funding. When you sign up for the Auxiliary, you become a “partner,” rather than a member, and you make a donation, rather than pay dues.

The Auxiliary has turned its fundraising focus to Memorial Children’s Hospital. Over last two years, the Auxiliary has purchased four Giraffe warming beds for the Newborn Intensive Care Unit at $40,000 apiece, providing the most advanced care for preemies. The Auxiliary’s financial goal over the next five years is to raise $600,000 for the Children’s Hospital.

“We see miracles happen here all the time, and that’s why our commitment to the Children’s Hospital is so important,” says Phyllis Nielsen, Cottage Place Gift Shop director.

Want to join the Auxiliary?
Membership is open to anyone at Beacon or in the community who is interested in supporting Memorial Hospital.

Contact Marlene Reed at 574-256-5924 or MJRCReed@sbcglobal.net.