It takes many hands to provide good care. At CHI St. Alexius Health in Williston, the hospital Auxiliary is one of those facets that is continually pursuing the well-being of patients.
On June 3, the hospital Auxiliary will be hosting the 29th annual Garden Party fundraiser at First Lutheran Church to raise funds for new bedside tables in patient rooms at the hospital.
“(The Auxiliary's) whole mission is to work for things that will enhance patient care,” said Marilyn McGinley, a member since 1971 and hospital gift shop manager. The Garden Party is an extension of this work by raising money for various projects throughout the years. In the past, they have used the funds to donate a bili light, sleep chairs, TVs, clinic decor, blanket warmers, baby snuggies and many more items.
This year, the Garden Party will begin with a continental breakfast in the fellowship hall of First Lutheran Church. Andrew Kuester from Handy Andy’s will present on spring and fall perennials, followed by special music by Wilkinson Elementary’s music teacher Christina Winslow. Four vendors will be set up in the church courtyard: Lori Kirby, Country Floral, Patty’s Creations and Grenora Plant Place.
Raffle tickets will be sold for $5 with items donated by Fulkerson Funeral Home, Everson-Coughlin Funeral Home, Elite Designz, Hospital Gift Shop, Dakota Printing, Country Floral, Donna Hansen and Patty’s Creations.
The hospital Auxiliary started in 1953 and has been the fundraising arm of the hospital since its beginning. The members and volunteers continue to be instrumental in fulfilling the hospital's mission to provide quality and compassionate health care to the community. Each year the Auxiliary puts on a Halloween popcorn sale, a bake sale at Christmas and the gift shop decorates a winter wonderland.
“For patients, we do little treats on their breakfast carts on May Day and Christmas,” McGinley said. “It is fun and they really enjoy it.” One of the Auxiliary volunteers makes over 200 baby caps per year to gift to the newborn babies. The hospital is in the process of getting all new patient beds. To accompany those, this year’s Auxiliary fundraising money will be going toward furnishing new bedside tables.
The Garden Party will be held this Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at First Lutheran Church. Tickets are $10 and can be bought at the door or in advance at the hospital gift shop.