Auxiliary donates over $39,000 to Fitzgibbon Hospital

May 09, 2022

     Thanks to the hard work of the Fitzgibbon Hospital Auxiliary Ambassadors, a check was presented to Angy Littrell, President and CEO of Fitzgibbon Hospital for $39,189.92 at the Auxiliary’s 31^st annual banquet held on May 2. The funds were raised through several events throughout the year, including the annual Holiday Bazaar, sales in the Auxiliary Gift Shop, rummage sale, and special event sales in the hospital atrium including uniform sales, bake sales, The Nutman sales and annual Books Are Fun sales.

     “Since the Fitzgibbon Hospital Auxiliary’s founding in 1966 by Mrs. George Buckner, this organization has grown into a vibrant and essential part of the hospital,” said Littrell addressing the auxilians. “Your fundraising efforts make possible improvements in patient care services and education for our staff. This is our 99^th year of operation, and your continued support is a vital part of our next 100 years.”

     In establishing the “wish lists,” various departments within Fitzgibbon Hospital and The Living Center identify needs that could directly benefit patient care. Departmental representatives then petition the Auxiliary board for these items, and the board makes the determination to fund the requests based on the amount of money raised. Some of the items receiving funding this year include a chest compression system for the Emergency Department, a web hand therapy device and balance platform for the Physical Therapy department, and thermometers for the ICU and Women’s Center, to name a few. The Living Center also received clothing hampers to aide in processing residents’ laundry as well as a lift and scale and a tilt scale. Continuing its focus on mental health, the Behavioral Health Unit at the hospital received funding for a new game table with safe chairs for the unit in addition to contributing $5,000 to the Fitzgibbon Hospital Foundation’s Fund-A-Need segment at this year’s ‘The Fling,’ proceeds from which were earmarked for mental health.

      Another component of the work of the Auxiliary includes funding scholarships for those receiving education to begin a career in healthcare, or for those who are continuing their education and currently work for the organization. The Auxiliary has budgeted $4,500 for these scholarships in addition to $6,000 utilized for continuing education opportunities for Fitzgibbon Hospital staff.

            The annual banquet also serves as the annual business meeting for the installation of new officers for the upcoming year. Due to the last two years of pandemic operations, the Auxiliary decided to maintain its officers for the upcoming year. Officers are as follows:

• President – Melisa Shannon
• Vice president – Jacque Hare
• Recording Secretary – Rachel Hayworth
• Treasurer – Mendy Fann
• Historian – Amy Green
• Corresponding secretary – Janet Bryan
• Parliamentarian – Nancy Kleinschmidt
• Legislative – Susan O’Neal
• Scholarship – Jane Huff

            Since its inception, the Fitzgibbon Hospital Auxiliary Ambassadors organization has contributed more than $1 million to Fitzgibbon Hospital. Membership in the organization costs just $15 a year, and all are welcome. Join online at www.fitzgibbon.org under Auxiliary in the menu.