The CGH Auxiliary will celebrate their 75th year on Thursday, November 4, 2021. On this date in 1946, Mrs. Hellen M. Lawrence met with about 25 women in her home, to discuss the shortage of Nurses caused by World War II. Together, they had a vision to contribute to the community and serve the Sterling Public Hospital. This marked the start of the CGH Auxiliary.
News of the Auxiliary spread quickly, Soon, sewing groups from local churches and community clubs were organized to make hospital gowns and dressings. As the needs of the hospital grew and the nursing shortage continued, the women realized fundraising was needed. A Variety Show and Gift Sale were held in downtown Sterling during that first year. Because of their efforts, the hospital was equipped with a toaster, two chairs, bedside lamps, baby bottle sterilizers, and a modern incubator, among other items.
By 1949, the seed of volunteer service was planted not only in the minds of those in the Auxiliary, but also in the minds of hospital officials. Together, they installed a Library for hospital patients. Cart services soon followed, supplying patients with necessities and pleasantries. This CGH Auxiliary volunteer delivers amenities to hospital patients in the 1950s.
Seventy-five years later, their story continues to unfold. Their initial enthusiasm and success are still evident in the more than 20,000 hours of “hands-on” service they provide to our patients, visitors, and staff. The Auxiliary, whose membership now includes men, women, and teens, serves 25 CGH Departments, with activities ranging from escort and wheelchair transport to encouraging oncology patients, and assisting customers in the Hospital’s gift shop. In addition, with healthcare scholarships and holiday lighting as key projects, fundraising remains a priority.
“Down through the years, so many women deserve credit and thanks for making the Auxiliary what it is today,” says a scrapbook page on the Auxiliary’s early history. “We can call them by name, we can issue tangible awards, but the most fitting tribute we can pay to them is to carry on and build on what they started.”
“The list of everything the CGH Auxiliary does for our patients, visitors, employees, and physicians could go on and on,” said Dr. Paul Steinke, CGH President and CEO. “This is a group of truly dedicated volunteers who give their time, talent, and expertise selflessly. We truly appreciate all that they do and for carrying the tradition onward.”
The CGH Auxiliary will celebrate its 75th Anniversary in November. However, a celebratory event, delayed due to COVID-19, will be held at the McCormick Event Center in Rock Falls, IL, on Friday, March 4, 2022. A VIP reception for Auxiliary members and Past Presidents will be held, followed by a “Friends of the Auxiliary” event that will include hors d’oeuvres, desserts, musical entertainment, and memorabilia.
For up-to-date information on the event, visit www.cghmc.com/auxiliary75.
For more information please contact the CGH Auxiliary at 815-625-0400, extension 5727, or visit www.cghmc.com/auxiliary.