Auxiliary News

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Auxiliary of Manchester Memorial Hospital Presents Hospital with Gift of $148,500!

The Auxiliary of Manchester Memorial Hospital held their Annual Meeting during a luncheon at Manchester Country Club on October 1, 2012. Upon arrival, the guests were delighted to behold an autumn-themed room filled with a variety of tables to catch the eye. Among the guests in attendance were members of the ECHN administration and trustees, ECHN Community Healthcare Foundation, and Auxiliary members, volunteers and staff. Before the bountiful lunch was served, the guests were treated to opportunities to purchase items presented by local vendors – handmade jewelry, cooking oils, soy candles, serving dishes and utensils, and handmade scarves. A raffle of gift items and silent auction of handbags were also available.

During lunch, Bob Eckert of Imagine Main Street gave a presentation on how his organization is revitalizing Main Street in Manchester through the arts. The business portion of the meeting consisted of approval by the Auxiliary members in attendance of a slate of nominated officers and a budget for the next fiscal year. The Auxiliary then presented a check to Manchester Hospital in the amount of $148,500 - the proceeds of the hospital Gift Shop, Boutique and Café at the John A. DeQuattro Cancer Center, and the Penny Saver Thrift Shop over the past year. On behalf of ECHN, Chair of the Board Dr. Dennis O’Neill thanked the Auxiliary for their generous gift, while recounting a brief history of the Auxiliary as it enters its 90th year of existence.

Deborah Parker, Sr. VP of Patient Care Services & Chief Clinical Officer at ECHN, then described the items that will be purchased with the Auxiliary gift, including: a bariatric stretcher for Ambulatory Services, a hi-lo mat platform for lifting patients, 88 white boards for use in patient rooms, a vital signs monitor, and several other items. Also, $55,000 will again support the Total Joint Program as in previous years. Ms. Parker also hailed the Auxiliary as the “silent partner” of the hospital, as they are always there in the background, ensuring the success of the hospital in delivering high-quality, compassionate healthcare to their patients.

The meeting was capped off with an intriguing floral arranging demonstration by Robin Weir, a professional floral designer, who showed the guests how to create unique fall table décor.

The Auxiliary of Manchester Memorial Hospital always welcomes new members to help at the Penny Saver Thrift Shop on Broad Street, Manchester, as well as in the hospital Gift Shop and the John A. DeQuattro Cancer Center Boutique and Café. If you would like to find out more or volunteer your time, contact Roberta Irish, president of the Auxiliary, at rirish@echn.org or 860.647.4760.