Staff writer
St. Luke Hospital Auxiliary was celebrated last week for the group’s achievements and for a state award earlier this year.
Auxiliary members were feted with a dinner Thursday to reward their service and dedication.
Members who attended were entertained by Sound of the Heartland Chorus, a women’s singing group from Newton.
“It was a really great evening,” foundation director Michael Perigo said. “The auxiliary does so much for the hospital. They are the No. 1 source of philanthropic donations that we have.”
The auxiliary shop is the closest thing to a department store Marion has, he said.
“They just awarded more than $8,000 today for a lift device for the hospital,” Perigo said.
Perigo said the auxiliary is always looking for volunteers to help with the shop.
Since its formation Nov. 16, 1973, the auxiliary has raised more than $1 million for the hospital. The group operates its thrift shop on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings, with proceeds going to support the hospital.
In September, members attended Hospital Volunteers of Kansas in Wichita, where the auxiliary received a Gold Award of Excellence for completing requirements from the Kansas Hospital Association and Hospital Volunteers.
Janet Herzet, president of the auxiliary, accepted the award.
Requirements include community support, attendance at district and state meetings, publishing information about the auxiliary, celebrating care providers, and providing scholarships for students entering the health care field.