Traditional English five-finger sandwiches are always served at the JRMC Auxiliary’s Tea for All Seasons fundraising event.
The event raised a teacup to the Jamestown Quilters display, a silent auction and a JRMC Gift Shoppe fashion show, which featured over 15 styled outfits from exclusive brandings Tribal, APNY and Creations.
More than 140 attendees included tables of Red Hat Society members, friends and church groups. Volunteers set up an additional table at the last minute for the sold-out event. Proceeds total $2,500.
“This is a tradition for us. It gets harder each year as our group gets a little older, but we love being part of the mission of JRMC,” said Auxiliary President LaRue Odenbach. “We like to bring people together; we do what we can because JRMC is important to us.”
The group has raised $442,500 for patient care through the gift shop and events. Their support provides for cancer care, endowment, infant sleep sacks and a match for Giving Hearts Day.
“The beginning of Jamestown Hospital had an auxiliary to meet the hospital’s needs. This year, the current auxiliary celebrated 50 years,” said Foundation Director Lisa Jackson. “Whether it is supporting moms and babies, cancer patients or guests in our building, the Auxiliary has faced challenges but always comes back. As other auxiliaries nationally call it quits and volunteerism declines, we look for the next generation of ideas and community building to keep the group active.”
Volunteers are still a vital part of JRMC. More than 80 people regularly provide transportation, guest services, hospice care and retail support at the hospital. Off-site volunteers make tummy pillows for post-surgery recovery, walker bags and baby hats.
“Their commitment isn’t easy. The pandemic was awful and returning from it wasn’t much fun either, but they are grinding. I respect their time and commitment to others,” said Jackson.
If interested in volunteering with JRMC, joining the auxiliary or wanting to learn more about Tea for all Seasons, call (701) 952-4809 or email foundation@jrmcnd.com.