 |
Cape Cod Hospital Auxiliary
Brief History of the Cape Cod Hospital Auxiliary
We are
proud to say the Cape Cod Hospital Auxiliary has been in existence for 63
years. Presently, over 700 members continue the work of our 18 founding
volunteers, who guide us on the road "to promote and expand Cape Cod Hospital
facilities and services to the highest quality and philanthropy."
Currently, we are engaged in our largest pledge of $1.5 million to the
Cardiac Care Center. Since 1953, when records were initiated, the
Auxiliary has, through specific pledges, contributed $6,338,871.00 which
included two one million dollar pledges for the hospital's first dual linear
accelerator and for state-of-the-art equipment at the Breast Care Center.
When we complete this pledge the total contribution will be $6,953,846.00
continuing the auxiliary's distinction of being the largest donor to Cape Cod
Hospital.
In 1930, small groups of women from Yarmouth and other Cape Cod villages met
in private homes to sew for Cape Cod Hospital. In 1942, the
auxiliary was officially organized by Mrs. Gorham Bacon, the wife of a New
York doctor and a Trustee of Cape Cod Hospital. Inviting 18 interested
women to her home for a buffet supper, she set forth her plan to organize an
auxiliary. After World War II, since it had grown substantially in size,
the group was divided geographically into village branches, forming the nucleus
of our present structure consisting of four branches (Barnstable, Yarmouth Port,
Orleans, Chatham).
Things haven't changed much since the early years. Branch meetings are
held monthly in order to plan fund-raisers, such as fashion shows, bridge
parties, raffles, craft sales, bake sales, a Holly Berry bazaar, a golf
tournament and Tag Day. Between formal branch meetings we gather as
committee members in our homes to organize each event. Two branches
continue to sew, one by making comfort pillows for surgical patients at the
hospital, and the other to make puppets for the pediatric patients, plus
knitting baby caps for the 1,000 newborns who arrive annually at Cape Cod
Hospital.
Our Gift Shop grew from a tray bearing goodies, to a cart, then a room, and
finally to its present location in the hospital lobby where beautiful gift items
and necessities can be purchased. Our Thrift Shop, rated as one of the
best in the state, carries superb gently used clothing, plus a large selection
of lovely gift and useful household items.
Members of the auxiliary are hard-working, dedicated volunteers.
Whether you are a member of a branch, contributing hours at one of the two
shops, or even participating in both activities, the camaraderie among the group
is unsurpassed and all consider it a labor of love, for there is no reward other
than one's own satisfaction.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Cape Cod Hospital
Auxiliary, please call the Cape Cod Hospital Volunteers Office at #
508-862-5259.
|
