Report from the William W. Backus Hospital Auxiliary
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For the past 14 years, I've been a proud member of Backus Auxiliary. But during the past two years, when it has been my honor to serve as Auxiliary President, I have developed a deeper appreciation for the impact this organization has on our hospital, and our community. Our Auxiliary's hard-working and dedicated members make good things happen.
Here are just a few examples:
We have helped build a better Backus. Through our commitment of a five-year pledge totaling $600,000, the Backus Auxiliary was one of the largest donors to our hospital's most extensive facilities enhancement project ever. The new spaces and new technologies offered, and the facilities provided to our hospital's talented staff, are improving the quality of care, and the quality of life, for our region's residents.
We are giving tomorrow's caregivers a head start. The Auxiliary provides scholarships to young men and women who are pursuing healthcare careers. This past year, we increased the amount by $2,000 - making a total of $6,000 available for up to three promising scholarship recipients each year. This is the sort of investment in the future that makes me proud to be a Backus Auxilian.
We improve the patient experience. Dedicated volunteers devote their handiwork to help make a hospital stay or a medical procedure more comforting. Our patients are comforted with after-surgery camisoles and cure-chiefs (hand-sewn head dressings) for chemotherapy patients; tray favors cheer patients during the holidays; colorful surgical caps brighten the faces of pediatric patients. Our File of Life card - a handy place to keep emergency medical information - is an important patient safety tool, and an important Auxiliary undertaking. The unseen hand of the Auxiliary is there - helping to make Backus the welcoming, comforting hospital it is.
We fulfill our pledge with pride - and fun. Our vendor sales are popular with hospital staff, as well as visitors. The reputation of the Backus Gift Shop is known far beyond the walls of the hospital; it has truly developed into a community boutique shop, filled with interesting and unique items. And, of course, our annual mini golf tournament, which just celebrated its fifth year, continues to grow more successful and more fun.
The impact of the Auxiliary can't be measured in dollars raised or volunteer hours alone. Its true measure is the support and dedication of our Auxilians, who cherish their hospital and give unselfishly of their time and talent.
It has been an honor to serve as Auxiliary President, and to witness that dedication and devotion first-hand. I extend congratulations and best wishes to incoming President Elizabeth (Betty) Trudelle, and my sincere thanks to hospital staff and volunteers, Medical Staff, Auxiliary officers and chairs of our Standing Committees, the hospital's Board of Trustees, administration, and all who support and sustain our efforts.
Janice A. Stewart
Auxiliary President