Reid Health Auxiliary supports patient care with annual gift to Reid Health Foundation
Nov. 25, 2024 -- Reid Health Blue Brigade Volunteer Auxiliary will gift $300,000 to Reid Health Foundation to support areas of patient care.
The auxiliary
presented a check to the foundation during the Thanks For Giving event held Nov.
20 in Lingle Hall.
Money is raised
year-round with special sales and through the Ginkgo Boutique, the hospital
gift shop. All proceeds from the gift shop and other fundraising activities are
presented to the foundation annually.
Since its
formation in 1948, the auxiliary has given nearly $5.7 million to the foundation. The
money is used to support patient care at Reid Health.
Auxiliary President
Jim Spon said the net proceeds from sales will go toward patient care needs for
equipment, technology, or to support community outreach programs. The auxiliary
board and hospital administration will prioritize Reid's wish list to decide
which items will be purchased for patient care for 2025.
Previous gifts
have provided for a fetal monitor, infant incubator, the playroom in the
hospital's Pediatric Unit, motorized parallel bars for physical therapy, the
grand piano, green roof garden, the Automated Electronic Defibrillator (AED)
program, Pediatric Cheer Fund, Challenge Day, Shoes for Kids, and College Internship
Program.
It's the collaborative
teamwork to take care of the community that's meaningful for Spon.
"I just have
the highest degree of pride in our volunteers and how they serve patients," Spon
said. "Reid Health is a committed hospital with medical providers and
volunteers who work there. People work hard to take care of our community, and it's
a team effort between the staff and volunteers. We're proud to have a small
part in what happens at Reid."
Shara Short, Reid's
Volunteer Services Manager, said the auxiliary 2024 sales for vendor- goods
included
The Nutman, Collective Goods Books Are Fun, and Nothing Bundt Cakes. Additionally,
all sales from The Ginkgo Boutique benefit patient care. The Ginkgo offers a
local, unique shopping experience for customers. New in fall 2024,
Ginkgo
revealed a new brand identity and product line selections.
Currently, the auxiliary is raising
funds with the Tree of Love and Life for participants to purchase a tag in
honor, memory, or celebration of a friend, family member, co-worker,
organization, or department. The tag will be placed on the tree near The Ginkgo,
located on the main concourse of Reid hospital.
The auxiliary's
officers for 2025 will include Spon as president, John Reddington as
president-elect and recording secretary, John Herig, past president, Pat Shuck
as treasurer, Virginia Thompson as assistant treasurer, Becky Russell as
assistant recording secretary, and Patsy Goble as corresponding secretary.
Short said volunteers are an important
part of the Reid team. Auxiliary
volunteers donate their time across Reid Health with some 120 active in various
departments donating 8,468 hours.
"Our volunteers are proud to
financially support several Reid programs," Short said.
For information about volunteering
at Reid, visit reidhealth.org/volunteer-opportunities.