Auxiliary

History and Mission
In January 1951, a nucleus of 35 women became the original members of the Kent County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. As Frances P. Hammond, the first president said, “We are thankful as a group that there is a hospital in Kent County and we pledge our support.” From these humble words the Auxiliary emerged as the Hospital’s number one champion and supporter and one of its most important fund-raisers.

The commitment that Frances Hammond pledged nearly 60 years ago is alive and well today. The Auxiliary’s mission remains unchanged: To promote and advance the welfare of Kent Hospital. We continue the commitment for those who have gone before us as we continue to advance and promote the quality care that is delivered to our patients every day by the thousands of people dedicated to Kent Hospital’s mission.

To join the Auxiliary or to participate in any upcoming Auxiliary sponsored events, contact Kent Hospital’s Public Relations and Marketing Department at 401.737.7000, Ext. 1395.

Auxiliary Officers 2009-2011
President – Janice Caianiello
Vice President – Angela O’Connell
Treasurer – Rebecca Lukowicz
Recording Secretary – Gail Groves
Corresponding Secretary – Annette Carpenter
Membership Chairperson – Gail Delmonico

Other members of the Executive Board include:
Margaret Andersen, Sara Bomberger, Patricia Carll, Mary Cooper, Elizabeth Jalbert, Jane Kettelle, Eileen Kotler, Marilyn Lang, Barbara LaPlume, Barbara LaPorte, Kendra Moitoso, Natalie Motta, Jean Ray, Diane Scott, Jane Smith, Mary Jane Sweetland, Marilyn Tarbox and Carol Williams.

Fund-raising Activities
Since 1951, the Auxiliary has donated well over $5 million in support of Hospital programs and services. The Auxiliary works with hospital president Sandra L. Coletta and the Hospital’s Board of Trustees to determine the best use for the monies raised. Previous major gifts have contributed to the hospital’s building and renovating of the Emergency Department and Cardiac Catheterization Lab; we’ve helped to purchase vascular, dialysis, cardiac, orthopedic and diagnostic imaging equipment, as well as patient beds, hospital vans, educational materials and more. This past year the Auxiliary pledged their support for the Women’s Care Center’s Dinner-For-Two program and purchased needed computer programming for our accredited Stroke Program. The Auxiliary’s 13th Annual Golf Tournament is scheduled, once again at the Potowomut Golf Club on July 12, 2010. This very successful fund-raising event helps to raise some $35,000 to $40,000 each year. Every year, auxilians tirelessly volunteer thousands of hours to the hospital and act as ambassadors to surrounding communities.

Hospitality Shop
The Auxiliary operates the Hospitality Shop located on the main concourse of the hospital {Main Entrance, 2nd level}. The Shop has a wonderful boutique atmosphere and offers a wide range of gift items, including: Vera Bradley, Yankee Candle, Swarovski, Crabtree & Evelyn, John Medeiros, Willow Tree, as well as great clothing lines for newborns and toddlers. All proceeds from the Hospitality Shop are returned to the hospital in support of needed equipment and services. Contact information 401.737.7000, Ext. 1364.

Hours of operation:
Monday—Thursday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Friday 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
Saturday 10:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday 12:30 - 8:00 pm
{Closed on most holidays}