Saint Marys Hospital Auxiliary Celebrating 50 Years

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

ROCHESTER, Minn. — For over 30 years, Charlene Kyle has been walking through her backyard to Saint Marys Hospital — but not to work a typical job. First, in the gift shop, and now in the patient library, Kyle has been an active volunteer in Saint Marys Hospital Auxiliary since 1975, with nearly 8,000 hours of service.

"It doesn't seem that long to me," says Kyle. "It grows on you, and you just kind of want to keep on going."

Kyle and other volunteers have done just that — kept the auxiliary going. This year, the Saint Marys Hospital Auxiliary is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a kickoff event on March 17, commemorative displays and publications, and other events throughout the year.

"It's really an honor to be celebrating this milestone," says Susan Pronk, volunteer coordinator for Saint Marys Hospital Auxiliary. "We get to look back at what all the volunteers have done, and look ahead to how we'll continue meeting the needs of Saint Marys patients, their families and staff."

Saint Marys volunteers serve in ways both seen and unseen. From making handmade gifts for infants to staffing the information desk, to playing with children at Mayo Eugenio Litta Children's Hospital, to taking a cart of wall art options to patient rooms, Saint Marys auxiliary members are dedicated to the patients, families and staff they serve. "We're really service volunteers," says Kyle. "Our main purpose is to serve the patient and their relatives."

Being an auxiliary member is like being part of a family. "As a volunteer, you have a very close connection with the auxiliary, the Sisters and the hospital leaders," says Kyle. "Everyone is very appreciative of our work."

What:
Saint Marys Hospital Auxiliary 50th Anniversary Kickoff Event

Where:
Rochester International Event Center
7333 Airport View Drive S.W.

When:
Monday, March 17, 2008
11:30 a.m., registration and punch
noon, luncheon/program

Who:
Mayor Ardell Brede will present a proclamation from the City of Rochester.

Saint Marys Hospital Auxiliary Facts and Figures Membership: from 33 in 1958 to 330 members today Total volunteer hours in 2007: 37,074 Largest single gift: $1 million to the Mayo Eugenio Litta Children's Hospital, 1992

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