The Foundation and Auxiliary work together to support major hospital improvements.
In February, the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Hamilton Auxiliary presented a check for $20,000 to the RWJUH Hamilton Foundation. The funds support the hospital’s new radiation oncology suite, which has new equipment, including vein finders (small devices that help health care providers locate veins underneath the skin) and a renovated lobby. The funds also cover medications for patients who can’t afford them.
RAISING CRITICAL FUNDS
The Auxiliary, which will celebrate its 49th year this fall, has 56 paying members and about 20 active members. The volunteer group works more than 4,600 hours per year to raise important funds for the hospital. Members run the hospital gift shop, and half of the shop’s proceeds go to the Auxiliary. In addition, each year, up to 20 vendors set up tables outside the gift shop and sell a wide array of items, such as candy, scrubs, Tupperware, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics, purses, suitcases, sheets, towels and blankets.
A portion of the sales is given to the Auxiliary. Through this effort, the group raises about $12,000 to $15,000 per year, which goes to the Foundation. “The impact of the time and fundraising efforts of Auxiliary members is substantial and exceptional,” says Diane Grillo, Vice President, Health Promotion. “
Their donations go toward supporting patients and families in our community.” Over the years, the Auxiliary’s efforts have funded many key projects at the hospital: $50,000 for the Grounds for Healing at the Cancer Center; $175,000 for the Lakefront Tower Building; $50,000 for the pediatric Emergency Department; and $50,000 for the new Cancer Center. “I enjoy working for the community,” says Carol Holloway, president of the Auxiliary. “I’m always helping someone.” Once a month, Auxiliary members meet to stuff and sew handmade bears for pediatric patients in the Emergency Department and the same-day surgery unit.
As of April, they had made 6,211 bears. The group also collects new sweatsuit pieces for hospital patients who need clean clothes. “Auxiliary members represent the spirit and soul of the hospital,” says Bill Pritchard, Vice President of the Foundation. “Their commitment enables us to provide the best care for patients.”
ARTWORK FOR A GOOD CAUSE
The Lakefront Gallery at RWJUH Hamilton, located above the café, showcases work from local artists. A variety of paintings,
photographs and mixed media pieces are on display. The exhibits are maintained by the Princeton Photography Club, and the art is available for sale. Proceeds are given to the Foundation. The gallery is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Join the RWJUH Hamilton Auxiliary mission! To learn more, visit www.rwjbh.org/hamiltonauxiliary.