Dec 3, 2023 By Karen Mansfield 5 min read

Washington Hospital recently hosted an open house celebration to recognize the service of Washington Hospital Auxiliary volunteers.

Pictured are some members of the 100th Anniversary Committee who helped plan a year’s worth of events and activities showcasing the hospital’s volunteers and their service. From left are Flo Azzardi, Lana Myers, Carol McLaughlin, Marlene Rhoades, Betsy Heinz, Jean Cline, and Joanita Montalvo.

Washington Hospital Auxiliary members Lana Myers, left, and Betsy Heinz, welcome other auxiliary members to the 100th anniversary celebration on Nov. 9. The celebration was a capstone event recognizing 100 years of auxiliary service to Washington Hospital and the community.

In 1923, The Hollywood Sign, “Hollywoodland,” was erected in the hills above Los Angeles, and Roy and Walt Disney founded The Walt Disney Co.

And a group of plucky, dedicated residents formed the Washington Hospital Auxiliary.

Their mission: to help create a first-rate community hospital.

One century later, the men and women who volunteer with the hospital Auxiliary are helping to that mission going.

“It’s rare that we have an auxiliary that was established 100 years ago. It’s a testament to the vitality and commitment of the community,” said Rebecca Biddle, WHS Director of Volunteer Services. “They are a central component of what we do. They’re an extra set of eyes and hands, helping not only with patients, family and staff, but anyone who needs help. They always amaze me.”

Acting auxiliary President Marlene Rhoades echoed Biddle’s assertion that the volunteers are an important part of hospital operations.

“We’re very active in the hospital. We staff the gift shop and front desk, and we help in the ER, the Neighbor Health Center, the Women’s Center, wherever we’re needed,” said Rhoades, who began volunteering eight years ago after she retired. “We think it’s an honor to be a volunteer at the hospital.”

Auxiliary members support the hospital, staff and community through a variety of services and activities, including making post-discharge phone calls, hosting fundraisers, and greeting, escorting and transporting patients.

Washington Hospital was founded in 1897. More than 25 years later, the auxiliary was formed. Auxiliary members provided several of the supplies the hospital needed: They sewed hospital gowns and obtained curtains, sheets and surgical caps.

They also made furniture for patients and staff, and provided home-grown canned vegetables and jams for patients.

By the early 1930s, auxiliary membership had swelled to nearly 600 members and despite the Great Depression, the group planned the first Charity Ball in 1931. The fundraiser continues today.

Since it was formed, the auxiliary has assisted in fundraising that has garnered more than $7 million for several projects, including purchasing new equipment such as an MRI machine and portable X-ray machines; upgrading inpatient units; renovating the labor and delivery floor, and more.

Today, there are more than 200 volunteers, men and women who range in age from 14 to 95 years old. There are 22 volunteers who are 85 years old and older.

About two dozen are college students.

“Our volunteers really span a gamut of ages. It’s a great opportunity for the younger volunteers who are interested in medicine and can dip their toe into a career path before they commit, and it’s a great option for people who are retired and looking to give back to the community,” Biddle said.

They also come from a wide range of backgrounds, from homemakers to presidents of Fortune 500 companies and people with doctorate degrees.

“You get all of these great people who have been involved in the community, and they bring their knowledge and experiences to the hospital,” said Biddle.

The auxiliary members – clad in their red jackets – provide services seven days a week.

The auxiliary also increased its visibility in the community this year, appearing at the Main Street Farmers Market and participating in several events including the Whiskey Rebellion Parade and community awareness days at Washington Crown Center Mall.

“We are trying to get more involved in the community to let people know who we are and to get more volunteers,” said Rhodes. “We need more volunteers.”

Rhoades said she researched other volunteer organizations before selecting the auxiliary.

“After I retired, I wanted to do something. I’m not one to just sit at home. I wanted to give back to the community, and this was the one that best fit,” said Rhoades.

She volunteers at the outpatient surgical unit, and has worked at the gift shop and other locations.

Making patients and their families and loved ones feel more comfortable is important to Rhodes.

“Knowing you’re helping is great. You have to consider how you would feel in their situation and do what you can to keep them calm and reassured,” said Rhoades. “Sometimes, for them, just knowing there’s someone there to help them eases the worry.”

The hospital and auxiliary planned a year’s worth of events and activities showcasing Washingotn Hospital volunteers and their service. To mark its centennial and to honor past and current members of the Washington Hospital Auxiliary, the health system recently hosted an open house. There, volunteers got to swap stories and share their experiences.

“Everybody got to see people who they don’t necessarily get to see often. It was a great opportunity for them to get together and talk, and to recognize them for the work they do and to thank them for all they do,” said Rhodes. “We have a great team of people who volunteer. I’m proud of each one, every one of them.”