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published on 05/04/2006
Alexian Auxiliary Holds Annual Fundraiser
By
sigmtn.com staff writer
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The St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon and Card Party hosted by the Auxiliary of the Alexian Village Inn and Health Care was held Tuesday, March 21st. Shamrocks on the walls, tables and around the room were abundant as well as on each brownie in the form of a mint made especially for the event by member Norma McCool.
Host for this annual event is St. Augustine’s Catholic Church. This is the only fundraiser the Auxiliary participates in all year, depending on funds received to meet the needs of the organization. Mary Westerman, Betty Fillauer, and Helen Wilson worked hard on getting supplies, card tables, and people organized before the big day. Long-time treasurer of the Auxiliary Martha Fanning greeted guests as they entered the door. Other greeters were Betty Davenport, Claire Honkanen, and Betty Coulter.
Debra Blake and the kitchen crew which consisted of Therrese Van Wickler, Ellen Heavilon, Martha Fanning and Margaret Haile worked the day before cooking the delicious hot meal served to all the guests which was nice as it was a cold, rainy, foggy day. But spirits were high as ninety-six women played cards and an additional thirty more guests enjoyed the meal. Special guests were the Brothers from the Alexian Village of Southeast Tennessee.
President of the Auxiliary, Pris Shartle welcomed guests. Brother Richard Lowe offered the blessing. Servers included staff from the Health Care and Inn, Beverly Mitchell, Marie Ross, and Kathy Glaze. Other servers included Mary Lou Schohier and Helen Hall. Helping in the kitchen the day of event were Pat Murdock, Stevie Newman and Barbara Cash. Some of the other members who participated by playing cards were Xenia Conway, Imy Ekiss, Marjorie White, Norma McCool, Sarah Wilhite, and Mary McGuff.
One table consisted of four women who heard about the Card Party through their church bulletin and decided to drive up the mountain and join in the fun. Not playing bridge but instead Peanuckle were Corrine Von Peters and her two daughters Susan and Elsa from St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and a friend Erika Perry from St. Jude Catholic Church.
The primary functions of the Auxiliary of the Alexian Village Health Care (HCC) and the Alexian Inn (INN) shall be: To offer services, voluntary or monetary, for the benefit of the residents of the HCC and INN; to provide entertainment for the residents of the HCC an the INN; and to assist the HCC and the Inn in community relations. This is done in many different ways. Every week residents have the opportunity to work with clay in a ceramics class. Once a month a BINGO game with great prizes is played. A wine and cheese party at the INN and a fruit and cheese party in the HCC are held once a month during the “school year.” During the summer months an ice-cream party is held three times. Once a month residents in the HCC are treated to a Super Supper with placemats and table decorations and special meal. In between these regularly scheduled events, many of the activities sponsored by the activity departments at the HCC and INN are supplemented with funds from the Auxiliary. Special projects consisted of among other things, seven television sets for temporary patients, garden carts, and most especially prizes and supplies for the annual National Nursing Home Week Celebration held each May.
Meetings of the Auxiliary are four times a year. PLEASE CONSIDER JOINING. Dues are $10 a year. Membership is open to anyone. Youth interested in helping during the school year or this summer are need also. Call for more information.
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