The Service Auxiliary at Proctor Hospital Celebrates 125 Years
Peoria, IL (January 8, 2013) The Service Auxiliary at Proctor Hospital will receive a Mayoral Proclamation during the Peoria City Council meeting on Tuesday, January 8. On January 22, 2013, the Proctor Hospital Service Auxiliary will celebrate its Quasquicentennial.
One hundred twenty five years ago, on January 22, 1888, sixteen women met to form the Women’s Board of Cottage Hospital. In 1983 the Women’s Board – which established the Hospital Gift Shop, and another volunteer group called the Proctor Service League which established and operated a Snack Shop, and provided additional services, joined to become the Proctor Hospital Service Auxiliary.
“Most people don’t realize the Service Auxiliary at Proctor is one of the longest standing hospital auxiliaries in the country. It’s remarkable to see how the heart of service has grown from the original sixteen women who came together in 1888 with a shared desire to help the hospital care for patients. One hundred twenty-five years, thousands of volunteers, millions of lives touched. This is a truly remarkable group who remain committed to a rich tradition of caring for others,” said Joe Knapp, Director of Volunteer & Chaplain Services
Between 1888 and today, members of the Proctor Hospital Service Auxiliary have raised more than $3,000,000. During 2012 Auxiliary members volunteered 26,700 hours in service to the Hospital.
The Proctor Hospital Service Auxiliary, lovingly and respectfully referred to as the “Pink Ladies,” provide valued services that include:
• Receiving and tracking surgical patients and their families
• Assisting families and visitors to ICU
• Delivering mail and flowers to patients
• Maintaining a patient library
• Processing the hospital business mail
• Operating both the Gift and Snack Shops
• Sponsoring and coordinating fundraising efforts
Members represent an array of occupations that have provided them vital business communication, leadership, organizational and social skills that enrich the hospital environment.
There is no doubt the “Pink Ladies” exemplify the Hospital’s mission: Provide unmatched healthcare experiences… every day. New members are welcomed every day.
For more information please call or email Connie Gee, Volunteer Coordinator, (309) 691-1057 and connie.gee@proctor.org