Auxiliary holds annual banquet, donates more than $40,000 to Fitzgibbon Hospital

May 12, 2017

            The Fitzgibbon Auxiliary Ambassadors held their annual banquet on Monday, April 17, at St. Peter Catholic Church. One of the highlights of the evening was the check presentation to Fitzgibbon Hospital. All of the proceeds raised over the past year go toward equipment and programs which improve patient care across the Fitzgibbon Hospital organization. Funds are used to purchase “wish list” items for various hospital departments, pay for continuing education for staff and provide scholarships for graduating seniors who seek to enter the medical profession. This year, the Fitzgibbon Auxiliary Ambassadors raised $40,323.34 through these fundraisers.

            Three individuals received scholarships from the Auxiliary Ambassadors in the amount of $1,500. Lesli Alverenga, LPN, from the Women’s Center at Fitzgibbon Hospital, Julie Johnson, LPN, in the Behavioral Health Unit at Fitzgibbon Hospital, and Christina Byrd, Office Assistant at Elfrink Surgical, received the scholarship.

            In addition, Auxiliary volunteers were recognized for hours of service in the Fitzgibbon Hospital Gift Shop, as greeters at the hospital’s front desk and during other events. The top Auxiliary Volunteers for 2016 were: Marty Webster—250 hours; Nellie Bailey—215 hours; Barbara Pennock—211 hours; Carla Fricke—150 hours; Elizabeth Bullington—150 hours; and Kathy Williams—137 hours. In all, Auxiliary volunteers accumulated 3,139.5 hours of service in 2016, filling a vital role in the patient and visitor experience at Fitzgibbon.

            Installation of officers for the 2017 year also occurred during the banquet. The slate of officers for 2017 include Marty Webster as President, Mendy Fann as Vice President, Jacque Hare as Recording Secretary, Suzie Stallings as Treasurer, Janet Bryan as Historian, Melisa Shannon as Corresponding Secretary and Bonnie Faris as Parliamentarian. Additional board members include Barbara Pennock (Membership), Susan O’Neal (Legislative), Jackie Finnegan (Nominating), Jane Huff (Scholarship), Gina Glisson (Scholarship), Pam Thomescek (Scholarship), Nancy Blossom (Scholarship), Ginger McGraw (Gift Shop Coordinator) and Donna Smith (Auxiliary Coordinator).

            Since its inception, the Fitzgibbon Hospital Auxiliary Ambassadors organization has contributed nearly $1,000,000 to Fitzgibbon Hospital. Funds are raised through the annual Holiday Bazaar, the Gift Shop at Fitzgibbon Hospital, and uniform, book, garage and bake sales held periodically throughout the year. Membership in the organization costs just $15, and all are welcome. For more information about becoming a member, contact Ginger McGraw or Donna Smith in the Gift Shop at Fitzgibbon Hospital.