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 this years 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, Café DePaul and Boutique
•  “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 $2.4 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

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.

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.

1984 - $25,000 for medical equipment.

1985 - $10,000 to support the work of the DeMarillac Clinic for women unable to afford prenatal care.

1987 - $25,000 to help purchase a pediatric respirator.

1988 - $30,000 for Sweet Shop renovations.

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.

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.

1996 - $350,000 pledge toward the $4.4 million campaign for the Radiation Therapy facility. The pledge was paid in full in October 2000.

1998 - $50,000 for construction of the Lourdes Gift Shop and Café DePaul in the new Atrium.

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.

2003 - 2001 pledge increased to $1 million.

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.

2006/7 - Years two and three of the “Making Wishes Come True” grant program, with approximately $5,000 awarded annually.

2007 - At its annual dinner in October, the Auxiliary paid the final $100,000 on the $1 million pledged in 2001!

Become a Member!

To become an Auxiliary member, print and mail this form.  For more information, call 798-5213.