Hospital Auxiliary presents check to St. Joseph president, CEO

Submitted by Presence St. Joseph Hospital Auxiliary

The Presence St. Joseph Hospital Auxiliary presented a check to Dr. Eugene McMahon, hospital president and CEO in the amount of $242,489.29 at its December meeting.

The auxiliary projects its total 2012 gift to the hospital will reach well over $250,000 at the end of the month. This is the largest annual gift by the Auxiliary in recent years.

According to Pat Winesburg, auxiliary president, the auxiliary raises thousands of dollars annually through the operation of a gift shop, BrewStirs coffee shop, as well as several communitywide fundraisers including a golf outing, fashion show and gala.

“We are thrilled to help the hospital in this way. It’s an honor and a privilege to serve as the president of this wonderful organization and I thank the entire membership for all they do in our service to the hospital,” she continued.

All funds raised during 2012 are designated to build two healing gardens on the hospital campus. Construction on the first garden will begin in April.

McMahon announced, “As a tribute to her life and community service and leadership of more than 30 years, the hospital will dedicate the first healing garden to our beloved Sister June Does, who passed away last August.”

The auxiliary has nearly 300 volunteer members. Annually, this group of volunteers donates more than 40,000 hours of time to the hospital. The Auxiliary celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2012.

Rhonda Huber, vice president of the foundation, noted, “Thanks to work of the Auxiliary and the support of many others, our patients and their families where have a place they can to and relax and get a breath of fresh air as we complete the healing gardens.”