UH St. John Auxiliary Presents $121,000 in Hospital Support

It was truly a day of celebration as the University Hospitals St. John Medical Center Auxiliary presented gifts in excess of $121,000 to medical and support needs for the hospital on Dec. 4.

The astonishing number was shared at the UH St. John Medical Center Auxiliary Christmas Luncheon hosted at Lakewood Country Club.

“It was a lovely afternoon for staff and many new and old Auxiliary members who enjoyed the entertainment and festive atmosphere and delicious food at Lakewood Country Club,” said Joyce Holod, Auxiliary President. “Recognition goes to our Luncheon Committee (Ardis Radak, Cathy Hall, and Lois Gulling) for their fine job in planning the event and to all who assisted in any way. I would also like to thank everyone who donated food items for our collection for Westlake Community Services (Senior Center).

“The main purpose of the luncheon, however, is for the formal presentation of the Auxiliary’s donations, and the UH St. John Auxiliary is excited to donate such a large amount this year.

“We know these gifts will make an important difference to the various departments of the hospital, and also to the patients it serves. Thank you to the current Auxiliary Officers and Board for their commitment and hard work and to everyone who has supported our fundraisers and Gift Shop to make this possible.”

Introductions of the 2018-2019 Auxiliary officers and installation of the 2020-2021 Auxiliary officers followed the festive holiday meal and luncheon prayer from Sr. Kendra Bottoms.

The 2018-2019 elected officers include President Joyce Holod, Vice President Michele Mastantuono, Recording Secretary Carol Rosing and Corresponding Secretary Sig Senko (Treasurer, Ann Kullik, retired in October.)

2020-2021 elected officers are President Joyce Holod, Vice President Michele Mastantuono, Recording Secretary Vicki Jancsi, Corresponding Secretary Sig Senko, and Asst. Treasurer Lisa Gallaway.

The Remainder of Current Auxiliary Board includes Gift Shop Buyer Linda Whelan, Manager of Volunteer Services Penny Evans, and UH St. John Vice President of Mission & Ministry Sr. Kendra Bottoms.

Joyce then presented the Auxiliary gifts to the various hospital department recipients. All expressed heartfelt gratitude for these blessings that answer specific needs of each department.

Michele Hippler, PT, DPT, Supervisor for Physical Therapy characterized the thanks all held for the generosity of gifts. Michele’s department received $10,000 for a Rehab Harness System which will assist patients in regaining lost mobility. “We will be the ONLY facility on the west side that now offers this equipment,” enthused Michele.

Paul Forthofer, Community Outreach Coordinator, was equally enthusiastic over the $15,000 his department received for outreach programs, education \and support for glucose and cholesterol measuring supplies and equipment. “These funds enable us to carry out the important work of community outreach. We are just very grateful,” he said.

All gifts came in response to requests received from the various hospital departments, addressing needs specific to each area. Michele Mastantuono also announced the inception of a new program for next year – a UH St. John Auxiliary Scholarship Fund!

The 2019 gift total reached $71,528.31 – all monies earned by the Auxiliary through sales in the UH St. John Medical Center Gift Shop and through various fundraising activities throughout the year.

The event ended with an unexpected surprise for UH St. John Medical Center President Robert David. Called to the dias by Joyce Holod, Rob was astounded when he opened the envelope she presented.

In the envelope was a check for $50,000. The message: The UH St. John Medical Center Auxiliary is pleased to have the opportunity to present UH ST. JOHN MEDICAL CENTER with the following donation: GIFT TO NON-OPERATIONAL ACCOUNT in the amount of FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS. Our best wishes for a happy and blessed holiday!”

“The Annual Auxiliary Holiday Luncheon is one of my favorite events of the year,” said David. “When Joyce called me to the podium, I was stunned and overwhelmed with joy when she presented a check in the amount of $50,000 to UH St. John Medical Center.

“The hard work and dedication our Auxiliary puts in each day is overwhelming. On behalf of the Board of Directors, our employees and physicians, we wish to thank them for this amazing contribution.”

At the end of the day, Auxiliary gifts to the hospital totaled $121,528.31!

It was truly a time to celebrate at UH St. John Medical Center – a joyous lunch that celebrated generosity and commitment to compassion.

As Sr. Kendra closed the afternoon with prayer, all joined in her offering, “All glory to You, Lord!”

Click here to view entire gallery.