The Porter Medical Center Auxiliary sponsors programs and generates financial support for Porter Hospital and Helen Porter Healtcare and Rehabilitation Center through the Round Robin Thrift Shop and other fund-raising activities. Following is an overview of the work of the Auxiliary during the past year. For information about the Auxiliary or volunteering at Porter Medical Center, contact Ron Hallman at 388-4744 or at rhallman@portermedical.org

PORTER MEDICAL CENTER AUXILIARY
 (From our 2008 Annual Report to the Community)

The Porter Medical Center Auxiliary, under the leadership of board chair Kim Loewer, had another successful year of fund-raising and special events— culminating in the presentation of more than $42,000 to Porter Medical Center at their annual meeting in September.

As has been the case for more than 30 years, the Round Robin Thrift Shop (now known as “Round Robin Upscale Resale”)is the primary source of funds that allows the Auxiliary to support projects at both Porter Hospital and Helen Porter Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center. The past few years have been a time of great transition for Round Robin, as the shop moved from Park Street to its new location in the Marble Works Complex. But with that move behind us and new customers finding Round Robin all the time, it will continue to provide significant funds to be put to good use by the board as it supports the community mission of Porter Medical Center.

Round Robin also hosted one of the monthly “mixers” sponsored by theAddison County Chamber of Commerce. It was an opportunity to introduce the shop to other local business owners and leaders who were not familiar with our work.

Highlights from the year included another very successful “Kentucky Derby Day” benefit at the home of Bruce and Sue Byers in Cornwall. This event seems to get better Porter Medical Center Auxiliary each year, and Porter owes a great debt of thanks to the Byers for opening their home to us each year for this very special gathering of Porter supporters.

Through the work of the Auxiliary board, funds are made available for staff members to pursue continuing education via the Carol Choquette Fund, as well as an annual scholarship for a local high school student to pursue a degree in nursing via the Jean Andrews Nursing Scholarship program. The Auxiliary continues its long tradition of supporting the Porter Hospital Lifeline Program—making this in-home emergency response program available to people who cannot afford the monthly fee.

At the conclusion of the year, the Auxiliary board held its annual meeting to elect new board members and officers. We wish to welcome our new Auxiliary board chair, Nancy Rosenber. Other officers who were re-elected were Jackie English, Treasurer, and Dee Hodges, Secretary. New to the board are Jack Watts and Bonnie Keeler, M.D.

We thank Kim Loewer and Sue Byers, who leave the board having completed their terms. Each has played a central role in our organization and we appreciate their commitment to Porter Medical Center.