This year, the Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) Auxiliary is celebrating 70 years of volunteering.
In 1949, 53 years after the original Findlay Home and Hospital opened its doors, a group of twelve women saw a need for community interest in the hospital. However, they faced three obstacles…the idea of a hospital auxiliary was new, they had to prove themselves to the staff of the hospital and they only had ideas, not funds. Despite these challenges, these individuals were determined to create an auxiliary to benefit the hospital, and by the end of the year the women redecorated the children’s ward, held the first hospital fundraiser and were accepted by the hospital staff.
Just five years later, the original founders of the hospital auxiliary had accomplished raising thousands of dollars, allowing the hospital to purchase new equipment to better serve its patients. Additionally, those initial members helped other community hospitals form auxiliaries, inspiring people to volunteer. These efforts continue today with the BVHS Auxiliary.
What started as a group of 12 generous women has transformed into a group of more than 400 volunteers today. To all those who have served with the BVHS Auxiliary, thank you for your 70 years of dedication and for building a legacy in our community. Without you, BVHS would not be as cheerful, generous and patient-centric. Congratulations on 70 years!
Want to learn more about our volunteer program at the BVHS Auxiliary? Click here. If you would like to volunteer with the BVHS Auxiliary, contact Heather Schalk, volunteer coordinator at hschalk@bvhealthsystem.org.