Back row, from left: Auxiliary Scholarship Committee member Bob Burns, hospital CEO G. Thor Thordarson, Director of Support Services Paz Garcia, Director of Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy Dale Wratchford, foundation VP/COO Maria Fruth, auxiliary President Ed Gondeck. Front row, from left: Auxiliary Philanthropy Committee member Shirley Duerr, Auxiliary Philanthropy Committee Chair Marcia Morris. (Click to enlarge)
The LaPorte Hospital Auxiliary has awarded $37,900 in gifts and scholarships to entities of IU Health LaPorte Hospital in support of critical needs related to health care in our community.
With the theme “Growing, Changing and Planting Seeds of Hope,” the volunteer auxiliary raised funds through sales in the Wishing Well Gift Shop and special events throughout the year.
“The auxiliary works closely with the LaPorte Hospital Foundation each year as we determine the critical needs for the hospital and the community,” said Marcia Morris, philanthropy chairperson. “Our scholarship donation gives directly back to the community as we encourage individuals to select careers in the healthcare field.”
This year’s awards:
— $12,900 to the Auxiliary Scholarship Fund. This fund exists to assist local college students pursuing careers in the healthcare field.
— $5,000 to the Center of Spiritual Care for programs that support the spiritual and physical health of patients.
— $1,000 for tuning and repair of the organ in the LaPorte Hospital Family Chapel.
— $5,000 to the Samaritan Fund within the LaPorte Hospital Foundation, which supports patients with no other financial means.
— $4,000 to the Cancer Patient Fund within the LaPorte Hospital Foundation, to provide hospital cancer patients with needed medications and treatments.
— $10,000 to the hospital for wheelchairs needed throughout the organization.
Morris thanked hospital President/CEO G. Thor Thordarson for his support of the auxiliary over the years.
“I want to thank the auxiliary for your generosity and the support you offer our organization and the community,” Thordarson said. “In particular, your recognition of the importance of spiritual care in the healing environment has added an unprecedented level of professionalism to our chaplaincy program. You’ve certainly picked some excellent areas to support this year, and I am proud to be associated with the Auxiliary and the work you do.”
The LaPorte Hospital Auxiliary is a membership-based organization formed to provide service to patients, administration and IU Health LaPorte personnel. The auxiliary also supports the hospital by giving proceeds from various fundraisers throughout the year. The auxiliary offers three levels of membership, all of which are great ways to contribute to improving the health of patients and the community:
— Active members regularly provide volunteer service.
— Associate members support the mission by providing financial service.
— Life members financially contribute one fee and may be active members if they choose.
For more information or to become an auxiliary member or volunteer, call 219-326-2338.