Auxiliary Office: (757) 984-7192, sentarawmbgauxiliary@yahoo.com
2009 President—Barbara Smith: (757) 229-8884, TheBarbaraSmith@cox.net
Gift Shop Manager—Katy Suiter: (757) 984-7188, MKSuiter@sentara.com
The Auxiliary of Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center -- nationally recognized recipient of the 2002 H.A.V.E. Award (Hospital Award for Volunteer Excellence) -- is the fundraising branch of the volunteer team.
Our auxiliary was established on November 20, 1962. The membership currently numbers more than 320 members, including 47 charter members. Membership is open to men and women over 17 years of age, who are willing to dedicate time and energy to the support of the hospital’s mission to provide optimal health care to the community.
Auxiliary members contribute thousands of hours of service annually.
Members attend general membership meetings, such as the January Election and Installation of Officers Luncheon, the April Appreciation Tea and the Fall Membership Coffee. Each function includes an interesting and health-oriented speaker.
Our fundraising events include the July 4th Ice Cream Social, the Festival of Lights and Gala, and in-house vendor sales, such as $6 jewelry, leather handbags and luggage, books and gifts. We also sponsor a health fair.
The hospital’s Pineapple Gift Shop is our largest fundraiser. The exceptional shop is located in the main lobby entrance and maintained by volunteers. It is stocked with items for patients, as well as gifts, plants, gently used books and seasonal items. Volunteers work four-hour shifts, and all proceeds go to the auxiliary.
The auxiliary also provides four to six scholarships annually to outstanding high school students who plan to further their studies in the health care field.
The mammogram and bone density programs were created by the auxiliary to provide uninsured people in our community the opportunity to undergo these tests. To date, we have provided more than 2,200 mammogram procedures and 258 bone density tests.
A Special Service Involving Stricken Travelers (ASSIST) Program is another example of the auxiliary’s commitment to meet public needs. When tourists or visitors are hospitalized, this program arranges for transportation, assistance in obtaining accommodations for family members and other support to ease the situation for the individuals and family members involved.
In the spring and fall of 2008 we initiated Adult Health Screening Day at Olde Towne Medical Center for uninsured adults in our community. Approximately 65 people attended each screening.
We entertained the children of the hospital employees with a Hot Diggity Dog Dinner with Santa. It was a fun time for all who attended, including the volunteers.
Auxiliary membership applications may be obtained at the Auxiliary Office inside the Volunteer Office (757) 984-7195), which is located in the lobby of the hospital.