Backus at a Glance

Auxiliary 83rd Annual Report 2005 - 2006

President's Message | Committee Reports | Board of Directors

Committee Reports

Backus Buddies  -  Backus Buddies continue to be popular with the young children who are presented with the cuddly, stuffed animals when they come to the Hospital either for medical treatment or upon admission. The colorful Backus Buddies – which could be a bird, duck, whale or teddy bear – are made by volunteers from within the Hospital and the Rose City Senior Center. The Auxiliary wishes to thank the many caring individuals who have made this project possible.

Canteen – The two vending machine refreshment facilities situated within the Hospital contribute substantial income towards the Auxiliary budget. Hospital patients, visitors and employees find a wide variety of beverages and snacks available in the Canteens, located along the main corridor (near the Gift Shop) and adjacent to the Emergency Department waiting area.

Consignment – The consignment area in the Gift Shop is doing well. The main purpose of having consignments is to encourage more people to show their crafts in the attractive venue of the Shop and provide “different” items to offer our discriminating customers. Many people now come in to the Shop looking for these handmade items. We also continue to encourage new crafters by offering 3 juries a year and by approaching crafters at various craft shows throughout the year to urge their participation in the Shop’s consignment program.

Education – Speakers this year included Chuck Seeman, president and CEO of United Community and Family Services, a local service agency, which provides high quality, comprehensive primary medical care, dental and behavioral health to the community; and dermatologist Howard W. Rogers, MD, PhD, who discussed skin diseases and the importance of skin care.

File of Life – During the year 2005-2006, File of Life packets were distributed through AARP 55-Alive Driving Classes, at our Auxiliary Gift Shop, and in answer to individual telephone requests as well as at programs presented at AARP and Senior Center Meetings. Requests were also received from the Cardiac Rehab program here at the Hospital and community service organizations.

Fund Raising – As part of our fund-raising efforts to help meet the needs of the Backus Hospital during the 2005-2006 fiscal year, a Desserts, Cards, and Games Party, and a Mini-Golf Tournament at the Knolls and Holes Course on the Odetah Campground in Bozrah, CT, were held.

Gift Cart – The Backus Auxiliary Gift Cart, attractively stocked with merchandise from the Gift  Shop, visits patient floors every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday morning. Popular items include reading materials, sweets, toiletries and cuddly stuffed animals. In order to offer this service more often to our patients, we encourage volunteers to call 889-8331, ext. 2265.

Gift Shop Buyers – The Gift Shop Buyers Committee works to seek out and provide interesting and affordable items for the pleasure of the Gift Shop’s customers.

Membership – Auxiliary membership currently is 600 Regular and Life Members. Annual dues for regular members are $20 ($10 for those 60 and older). A one-time contribution of $100 (or four quarterly payments of $25) ensures Life Membership. Annual dues are payable in October of each year. New members joining after June 1 are considered paid for the ensuing fiscal year. The Auxiliary is always seeking new members to bring ideas and energy to its committees. Current members are encouraged to recommend membership to their friends. Remember, members receive a 10% discount on most items in the Gift Shop!

Open meetings – The Annual Luncheon was held on Tuesday, Oct 11, 2005, in the Conference Rooms on the first floor of the Hospital. Attendance was at full capacity. Once again, the very capable staff of the Hospital’s Food and Nutrition Department served a sumptuous luncheon. Sister Rita Johnson, SSND, gave the invocation. Hospital President and CEO Thomas P. Pipicelli presented an update on the construction of the Outpatient Care Center and the Matlack Drive parking facility. Additionally, Auxiliary President Jamie Block presented President Pipicelli with a check for $120,000, representing the first installment of the Auxiliary’s $600,000 commitment. The Annual Spring Coffee was also held on Tuesday, May 9, 2005, in the Hospital’s Conference Rooms. Co-chairpersons Jane Seder and Colleen Cummings orchestrated a festive event with the exceptional assistance from the Hospital’s Food and Nutrition Department. Our two scholarship winners, Xibei Jia and Joseph Fournier, were also introduced to our membership.

Policy – The Policy Committee continues to oversee the parliamentary procedures of The William W. Backus Hospital Auxiliary Board of Directors.

Scholarship -  The Scholarship Committee provides two $2000 scholarships to high school graduates pursuing post-secondary study in a medical field. To be eligible for the awards, applicants must be current Hospital employees or children, grandchildren, or legal charges of a Hospital employee or volunteer.

Tray Favors – At each major holiday throughout the year, the Tray Favors Committee provides hospitalized patients with a creative favor for their dining trays. Contributors to this program include Girl Scout Troop #3838 of Griswold, Project Outreach at The Norwich Free Academy, RSVP, Disabled American Veterans, Sprague Senior Smilers, St. Jude Commons, Rose City Senior Center, and Delta Kappa Gamma.

Vendor Sales – Throughout the year, The William W. Backus Hospital Auxiliary sponsors vendors who offer a diversity of goods to employees and visitors at sales held on designated Fridays in the Hospital’s Conference Rooms. Recent vendors have sold handbags, jewelry, sportswear, uniforms, educational toys, household goods, and artwork. Proceeds are used for the Hospital.

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