MARY IMMACULATE AUXILIARY HELPS WISHES COME TRUE

Mary Immaculate Hospital’s Auxiliary is the oldest, most loyal and most generous of the hospital’s donors. The group has grown with the hospital and now has more than 200 members. Through their donations of time and money, Auxiliary members have also helped Mary Immaculate grow. In 2003, the Auxilians donated more than $69,000 and provided more than 35,400 hours of volunteer time.

Each year, the group works with Mary Immaculate Administrator Patricia Robertson and the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters to develop a hospital “wish list.” Most recently, the Auxiliary donated $100,000 to the new Surgical Pavilion and $22,000 to Women’s Services. They donations helped upgrade the hospital’s garden in the courtyard, install audiovisual capabilities in the Chapel to enable broadcasts in patient rooms, and endowed items such as “gerichairs” that make it easier to pick up patients. They funded equipment and furnishings, including a bladder scanner, extra large wheelchairs and bedside tables. The Auxiliary raises funds through its annual Mardi Gras celebration, thrift shop, gift shop, and candy and jewelry sales.