Sharon Grajcar, Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital Auxiliary president, announced plans at a meeting in mid-April to disband in September.
“Like many other service organizations, we’ve seen declining interest in volunteering, particularly for event planning” explained Grajcar. “This problem is not unique to the Auxiliary, as it impacts many service organizations across the county. It was an extremely difficult decision to make, but we believe it’s the right time to disband."
The hospital’s fundraising efforts have been supported by both the Auxiliary and the Munson Healthcare Foundation for many years. The Foundation raises money for all Munson Healthcare hospitals across the region, ensuring that dollars raised in particular communities support their local hospital.
“The hospital is in good hands with the Foundation,” said Grajcar.
The present auxiliary dates back to 1931 in the form of the Ladies Aid Society which donated bassinets to the Haldeman House Hospital on Park Avenue. In 1952 they organized as an Auxiliary with a goal of helping the “new hospital” succeed. At its peak, over 350 women volunteered their time to support the hospital.
Over its lifetime, the Auxiliary raised over 1.4 million dollars in support of dialysis services, digital mammography, an MRI dock, a digital CT scanner, bone densitometer, and an upgraded ultrasound machine, among many other projects. Most recently, they played a pivotal role in opening the new cardiac rehabilitation suite, which offers advanced equipment that allows rehab specialists to better monitor and track patient data.
Since 1952, the group has hosted countless events and fundraisers, from bridge marathons, to the sale of cookbooks, golf benefits, the Holiday Ball, the Tour of Interesting Places and most recently events like the Power of the Purse and the Tri Up North. The Tri Up North Triathlon is a ride, paddle, and run race held each September on and around Betsie Bay.
“The future of healthcare is really focused on work outside the hospital—on prevention and wellness. Our goal with the Tri is to engage individuals, families, and businesses in making healthy choices, living an active lifestyle, and having fun in our beautiful area,” explained Diane Miller, race director and former president of the Auxiliary.
Funds from the Tri Up North support community wellness programs, including exercise classes, concussion prevention initiatives, and CPR education for kids. The Benzie Sunrise Rotary will continue to host the annual event and donate proceeds back to the hospital for the same wellness purpose it was built around.
The Auxiliary has a strong tradition of volunteering and provided thousands of hours to the hospital and the long-term care unit. They also ran the hospital’s gift shop, including everything from purchasing to staffing and marketing.
“The Auxiliary has grown and expanded over the years, but always maintained a tradition of volunteerism and friendship. I’m proud to be one of the countless women who have given so much of their time to support the hospital; a mission that is special to all of us,” said Phyllis Foster, former Auxiliary president and current member. “Our community depends on the services Paul Oliver provides. Beyond fundraising events, activities, and classes, the Auxiliary was the face of the hospital for many years.”
Peter Marinoff, president and CEO of Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital expresses his gratitude, “This hospital would not be what it is today without the support of this amazing group of volunteers. The compassion and commitment they have shown Paul Oliver over the last 68 years is truly remarkable and we cannot thank them enough for being part of our story.”