Hartford-Area Hospital Auxiliary Marks 100 Years, Announces Major Endowment

HARTFORD, CT — The Auxiliary of Saint Francis Hospital is celebrating its 100th anniversary after a century of fundraising and volunteer service that has generated more than $16 million to support Saint Francis Hospital and Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital.

The volunteer organization, founded in 1926 by 27 women to assist the hospital's Social Service Department, has supported patient care through donations for hospital renovations, medical equipment, nursing scholarships, and patient transport vehicles, according to Saint Francis Hospital.

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The milestone was marked June 6 with a gala at Hartford Golf Club, where the Auxiliary announced a $100,000 gift to establish The Auxiliary of Saint Francis Hospital Endowment Fund for Oncology.

Hospital officials said the endowment will support cancer care by advancing oncology services and enhancing the patient and family experience.

The gala brought together Auxiliary members, hospital board members, physicians, nurses, donors, and community partners.

Sponsors included Saint Francis Hospital, the Archdiocese of Hartford, Woodland Anesthesiology Associates, the Connecticut Joint Replacement Institute, Orthopedic Surgical Partners, the Saint Francis Hospital Medical and Dental Staff, Beacon Bank, Karl Krapek Sr., and the late Dr. Surendra Chawla and his widow, Ranjana Chawla, a past Auxiliary president.

Founded by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Chambery in 1897, Saint Francis Hospital established the Women's Auxiliary 29 years later. Since then, the organization has been led by 53 presidents, beginning with the founding president, Mrs. F. Arthur Emmett.

Current Auxiliary President Susan Joyse, who has served as a member for five years, said the group's volunteers have made a lasting impact throughout the hospital.

"Throughout this century and with the dedication of countless volunteers, we have been able to provide vital resources, comfort and care that extend beyond medical treatment," Joyse said. "As we honor this remarkable milestone, we look forward to continuing our mission with the same spirit of generosity and care that has defined us for a century."

The Auxiliary continues to raise funds through annual community events, including the Remembrance Way engraved brick campaign, a holiday ribbon sale, and a Designer Purse Bingo fundraiser.

The Remembrance Way garden, located outside the hospital's main entrance, was dedicated in 2001 and features engraved bricks honoring loved ones, caregivers, and colleagues. During the holiday season, supporters can also purchase commemorative ribbons displayed on Christmas trees in the hospital's rotunda.

In addition to fundraising events, the Auxiliary operates gift shops at Saint Francis Hospital and Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital, along with Repetitions, a thrift shop on the Saint Francis campus that sells donated clothing, jewelry, household goods, and other items.

Saint Francis Hospital, founded in 1897, is a 617-bed Level I Trauma Center and teaching hospital. It is part of Trinity Health of New England and Trinity Health.