An integral part of Lourdes Hospital since 1955, Lourdes Auxiliary has
adapted as needed to fulfill its mission to promote and advance Lourdes
welfare. Auxiliary members - both men and women - represent a cross section of
our community. New members are always welcome!
View photos from the 2010
Lourdes
Ball
History
Perceiving a need for Catholic women to participate in service to the
community, Msgr. Joseph Toomey, the first director of Catholic Charities in
Binghamton, formed the Patronesses in 1937. In 1954, Lourdes Hospital
administrator Sister Celeste requested that the Patronesses organize a
women's auxiliary. On February 2, 1955, in response to letters sent to
interested individuals and women's groups of all faiths, 84 women met to
launch Lourdes Hospital Auxiliary.
The need for separate entities - Auxiliary and
Volunteer - became evident as
the hospital grew. The Auxiliary would focus on fund raising and social
activities while the Volunteers, under the direction of Volunteer Services,
made contributions of time and talent to many areas of the hospital.
The Auxiliary Today
Auxiliary activities include raising funds for hospital projects and
supporting Lourdes employees, patients and the community. Some examples:
-
Establishing
and overseeing Lourdes Gift Shop and Café DePaul.
- "We Care" bags for cancer patients
- Baby photographs
- "Making Wishes Come True" grants for hospital departments and off-site
offices
- Employee Appreciation Day
- Lourdes Ball fund raiser
- In-house fund raisers (e.g., book and jewelry sales)
- "Spotlight" newsletter
- Membership directory
Lourdes Auxiliary is a member of HANYS (the Healthcare Association of New
York State) and has been recognized by that organization for excellence in
hospital advocacy.
Auxilians are invited to an annual dinner and installation of officers each
fall. Other social events are held throughout the year to keep members
informed and connected.
Financial Contributions
Over the years, the Auxiliary's monetary contributions to Lourdes - paid
pledges toward capital improvements, as well as other gifts - have totaled
approximately $2.6 million! In addition, the Auxiliary has assisted
deserving local agencies such as Mom's House, Samaritan House and Danielle
House, and awarded scholarships to student volunteers. Highlights include:
Auxiliary Donations to Lourdes
2007 - At its annual dinner in October, the Auxiliary
paid the final $100,000 on the $1 million pledged in 2001. In November
2007, the Auxiliary pledged ANOTHER $1 million to help fund "Mission
2012" the hospital’s
new and extensive capital improvement project!
2006/7 - Years two and three of the "Making Wishes Come True" grant
program, with approximately $5,000 awarded annually.
2005 - The Auxiliary celebrated its 50th anniversary by instituting
the "Making Wishes Come True" grant program. Lourdes employees were invited to
apply for funds to purchase items that would enhance their departments.
Awards totaled approximately $5,000.
2003 - 2001 pledge increased to $1 million.
2001 - $600,000 pledge for renovations to the Women & Children's
Center, Intensive Care Unit, Ross and Seton floors, and construction of the
Medical Oncology building.
1998 - $50,000 for construction of the Lourdes Gift Shop and Café
DePaul in the new Atrium.
1996 - $350,000 pledge toward the $4.4 million campaign for the
Radiation Therapy facility. The pledge was paid in full in October 2000.
1992 - $250,000 pledge toward the $3.5 million campaign to expand
the Emergency Department, build a new nursery, and assist in Center/West
construction. The pledge was paid in full in October 1995.
1989 - $285,000 pledge to fund construction of an on-campus child
care center. In honor of Nelson Ellis, the Auxiliary named the facility The
Kathryn and Nelson Ellis Child Care Center. The pledge was paid in full in
October 1991.
1988 - $30,000 for Sweet Shop renovations.
1987 - $25,000 to help purchase a pediatric respirator.
1985 - $10,000 to support the work of the DeMarillac Clinic for
women unable to afford prenatal care.
1984 - $25,000 for medical equipment.
1983 - $225,000 pledge toward the $4 million Campaign for Lourdes
to purchase a CT scanner, Nuclear Medicine equipment, monitors for the
Intensive Care Unit and other items. The pledge was paid in full in October
1986.
1981 - $22,000 for Emergency Department two-way radio system to
enable ambulances to call and receive instructions, and $20,000 for Nursery
equipment and furnishings.
Become a Member!
To become an Auxiliary member,
print and mail this form.
For more information, call 798-5213.