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
607-798-5213.
