Click here for a larger view

(Honesdale, April 26, 2007)… The Wayne Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, a group of more than 200 volunteers, set a new record this year. On April 21, at a volunteer luncheon at Ehrhardt’s on the Waterfront in Tafton, Auxiliary offices handed over a check representing $80,000 to hospital officials: the most ever raised by Auxilians in one year. Hospital Chief Executive Officer David Hoff was awed.

      “When I tell people outside the area about our Auxiliary, they’re amazed at how strong this group is. And frankly, they’re jealous!” Hoff thanked the Auxiliary for all their hard work and their commitment to the hospital, healthcare and the hospital’s capital campaign Operation Vital Signs.

      “We are closing in our pledge to Operation Vital Signs,” said Mary Radell, Auxiliary President, “and I cannot thank our members enough not just for all their hard work but their enthusiasm and good will. It’s great!”

      The WMH Auxiliary vowed to raise $300,000 by 2008, the end of the capital campaign. They are only $35,000 shy of the total as of now, and Radell said she wouldn’t be surprised if the Auxiliary raised more than they pledged.

      How do they do it?  The WMH Auxiliary has three shops (The Gift Box in the hospital, the Other Shop in Honesdale and the Other Shop Two in Hawley) and holds numerous fundraising events every year, including the Mistletoe Ball, Showtime at the Ritz, an annual yard sale, jewelry and uniform sales at the hospital and more. 

      For their pledge, the Auxilians earned a naming opportunity: the new Women’s Imaging Center. An open house for the public will be held at the Center on Sunday, June 3rd from 1-3pm.

      Pictured left to right: Jessie Davis, WMHA President El