GMHC Easter basket fundraiser and volunteer drive
The GMHC Auxiliary supports the hospital through funderaisers, dues and donations. Their long and impressive list of annual projects and year-round gift shop are an integral part of the hospital's success. Auxiliary members front from left are, Carolyn Hoffmann, Dorothy Wille, Carol M., Jan Hansel; back, Linda Aulwes, Carol Smith, Karen Kriemon, Cheryl Simmons and Karilyn McArthur. (Press photo by Caroline Rosacker)
By Caroline Rosacker
Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics (GMHC) and Auxiliary are excited to announce the return of its volunteers and the re-opening of the Gift Shop on March 21, and the return of the Easter Basket fundraiser.
The women's group will offer Easter baskets for pick-up ($15) or delivery ($16). The order deadline is April 8, and the pick-up/delivery date is April 14, by 3 p.m. Order forms can be picked up and dropped off at the GMHC gift shop. Gift shop hours are Monday- Friday from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Please make checks payable to GMHC Auxiliary.
Easter Basket fundraiser
Each basket contains a chocolate Easter bunny, assorted fresh fruit, muffins, a cheese stick and assorted Easter candy.
"Despite rising costs, we have kept the price the same for the past four or five years," explained Karilyn McArthur Auxiliary President. "Historically we put together about a hundred baskets. Our dedicated volunteers create an assembly line and get to work. We are grateful for the GMHC dietary department and their contribution."
GMHC Auxiliary
The GMHC Auxiliary was formed in 1953. It is comprised of a band of 34 willing volunteers who support the hospital through fundraisers, dues and donations. Their long, impressive list of annual projects and year-round gift shop are an integral part of the hospital's success. "We are always looking for additional members. We ask that you please consider joining our volunteer group," she commented.
McArthur is excited for the women's group to gather again. "It is written in the bylaws that our group meet in the hospital. With the strict COVID-19 restrictions the hospital follows it was not possible to meet," she noted. "It's been over two years since we last gathered. We tried a couple times but our meeting ended up being canceled."
McArthur is a third generation Auxiliary member. "My grandmother, mother and my aunts were also members, and began when the hospital was located on River Park Drive," she shared. "Out of respect to them I want to continue the tradition."
Scholarships
McArthur, who is a proponent of higher education, is excited to resurrect the scholarship program. "Not only do we raise funds for the hospital, but we also provide $500 scholarships to employees who are interested in furthering their education," she commented. "I wish it could be more. It is something our group needs to discuss."
Auxiliary members
"Our group is open to new membership," McArthur told The Press. "Some of our members are active and others volunteer sporadically or give monetary donations."
The gift shop remained open through the COVID-19 pandemic for GMHC employees. "All of the gals who volunteer in the gift shop have set hours and days that work well with their schedule," said McArthur. "Our Auxiliary is very grateful for Cheryl Simmons, gift shop manager. She does an excellent job purchasing creative, practical gifts to place on our shelves and takes care of the scheduling."
For additional information, or if you would like to become a member, contact Karilyn McArthur at karilyn@alpinecom.net.
