The William W. Backus Hospital Annual Report 2005
This is where our future begins.

Message from the William W. Backus Hospital Auxiliary

Jamie Block, Auxiliary President

The William W. Backus Hospital Auxiliary has always existed to support the Hospital in any way we can. So, when the Hospital embarked on its truly massive expansion project, Backus Auxilians knew they had an important role to play. It is with great pride that we pledged $600,000 over five years to the BackusCare campaign for community support.

This significant contribution — the largest ever for our Auxiliary — adds to an impressive legacy of giving on the part of an organization that has helped the Hospital throughout its history.

We knew it was the right thing to do, because we are truly dedicated to helping the Hospital achieve its mission of improving the health of the community, and this expansion project will help do that for many years.

For us to continue to support the Hospital, we must remain dedicated to our fundraising activities. In the past year, we led two very successful fundraising events: a Desserts, Cards and Game Party in the Hospital cafeteria; and our second annual Miniature Golf Tournament held at the Odetah Campground in Bozrah. We are thankful for the support we receive from the community, including the Adelman family for their generosity and assistance in making the golf tournament such a wonderful and successful event.

The proceeds from these events, as well as profits from regular vendor sales, membership dues, the Canteens and Gift Shop, allow us to remain vital contributors to the Hospital and all of its important endeavors.

The Auxiliary continues to oversee the Gift Shop that offers shopping seven days a week for visitors and staff; two Canteens that offer light refreshments; a Gift Cart that offers patients reading material and gift items; Backus Buddies that provide hand-crafted stuffed animals for our younger patients and a “File of Life,” a packet designed to provide a person‘s medical profile in case of emergency.

Additionally, the Auxiliary gives after-surgery camisoles and “cure-chiefs” to cancer patients; as well as two $2,000 scholarships to high school graduates pursuing studies in a health-related field. The tray favor program provides small items for patient trays during various holidays, and our two open meetings give members and non-members opportunities to become familiar with the goals and achievements of the Auxiliary.

All of the Auxiliary's accomplishments are the result of the commitment, dedication, and talents of numerous individuals who are always there to volunteer their time. At this half-way mark in my term as President of the Auxiliary, I wish to personally thank the Auxiliary officers, the chairpersons of our Standing Committees, our paid employees and the volunteers who staff and stock the Gift Shop and Gift Cart, and all of our members who either volunteer or support our fund-raising events, plus all the other generous and caring individuals who support our goals.

Jamie Block,
Auxiliary President