Copley Auxiliary, Who Are They?

For Immediate Release

12/18/2006




Did you know that Copley Hospital Auxiliary was organized 1933, just a year after the hospital opened?   But, who are they - really?   Copley Hospital Auxiliary is a non-profit corporation organized for the purpose of providing service to the hospital.   Since the 1930’s their support has allowed Copley to maintain and replace life-saving equipment, provide quality health care to all in need, create a state-of-the-art birthing center, rehabilitation and physical therapy center and Center for Outpatient Services to better accommodate an increasing same-day surgery and procedure caseload.  Their contributions have been the basis for several important ongoing programs such as the Hospital Endowment Fund and Chaplaincy Program.

 
Even today, Copley Auxiliary continues to be one of the hospital’s largest donors.  “Since the late 1970s the Auxiliary has given Copley Hospital nearly $700,000, and this does not reflect the funds that support employee programs for education or other hospital department requests for smaller purchases,” said Peter Wright, Senior Director Planning and Development & Medical Group Operations. 

 
Fundraising efforts in the early on included dinners hosted by members, tag days and sponsored card parties.  In later years, other events included organ recitals, smorgasbord and a performance of the “Mikado.”  Today, much of the fundraising efforts stem from the sale of merchandise from the hospital gift shop and Second Chance (a thrift shop located in Morrisville), as well as membership dues, bake sales and other commissions.  

 
The gift shop, located in the hospital’s main lobby, has a little bit of everything.  The shop carries cloths, toys and stuffed animals for newborns, flowers, cards and basic care items for someone who is a hospital patient, and all occasion gift items for everyone else.  Yearly, the gift shop contributes over $4,000 to the Auxiliary, without paid staff, everyone from the sales clerk, greeter and manager are volunteers.

 
Second Chance, a store described by members of the community as a quaint little thrift shop, sells second hand clothes, household items and more.  With the exception of Christmas week when the shop is expected to be closed, normal business hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.,and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to noon.  Like the gift shop, Second Chance has over 40 volunteers that perform all the day to day operational tasks, overseen by a paid manager. 

 
Today there are over 100 Auxiliary members. Membership dues vary depending on the level of support you choose.  Becoming a member does not mean you are obligated to volunteer.  Some members bake occasionally for the bake sales while others enjoy attending the quarterly luncheons.  As for luncheons, members say “circle this luncheon date, Tuesday, March 20th, the first day of spring, at the Foxfire Restaurant.” 

 
If you would like to learn more information on the Auxiliary, or becoming a member, call Claire Hancock at 888-4094 or Judy Grosvenor at 888-9106.  Membership is open to anyone interested in helping Copley.  By joining, you are stating the importance of having this small community hospital – our hospital.


Contact Information
Peter Wright
Senior Director Planning, Development & Medical Group Operations
Copley Health Systems
802-888-8301
pwright@chsi.org