Greenwich, Connecticut, 1903. As trolleys clanged along thoroughfares and the population grew, a philanthropic band of women responded to a call to improve hospital facilities in the 13,000-resident town. They shortly collected $400 toward a hospital fund, the first of many such contributions that the women of Greenwich were to make in the next half-century.
From that time 115 years ago, the history of Greenwich Hospital has been inseparable from that of its original Women’s Committee (1907-1910) and its successors, the Women’s Board (1911-1949) and today’s Greenwich Hospital Auxiliary, begun in 1950.
This dedicated corps of volunteers has consistently given time without compensation to Greenwich Hospital since its formal opening in 1906. They were committed to the upkeep of the hospital and later raised money for the general maintenance fund. In 1921, the Women’s Board established a thrift shop that turned a profit in its first year of operation and continues to thrive to this day.
Volunteer activities have changed dramatically over the years. By the late 1940s, it was apparent that recruitment of volunteers should be open to the entire community. In January 1950, the Women’s Board merged with the newly established Greenwich Hospital Auxiliary, which offered membership to all.
Today’s Auxiliary
The Auxiliary continues to support the hospital through the work of its members and financial contributions. “The majority of our volunteers give back to the hospital for two reasons,” said Stacey Green, director of Volunteer Services. “They’re not all able to donate financially, but they do want to give back to the community by donating their time.”
Auxiliary members say they benefit personally from their service to the hospital and often build lasting relationships with fellow volunteers. “One of our biggest services is escort and patient transport,” said Green. “Some of the volunteers who station this area have been together for 10 years and it becomes a real social piece for them. They create friendships. Some go to lunch after their shift is over or meet monthly at a restaurant.”
Auxiliary President Christine Randolph, a volunteer for the past seven years, also serves on the hospital’s board of trustees and is a member of the Community Advisory and Quality Award committees. “I’ve learned a lot from my experiences as president, as well as from my day-to-day volunteer duties,” said Randolph.
A regular volunteer at Smilow Cancer Hospital’s Greenwich Hospital Campus, Randolph coordinates volunteer responsibilities and works directly with patients. “It’s a lot of conversation, getting them a warm blanket, lunch or a drink,” she said. “It might not seem significant, but for the person receiving an extra touch of kindness, it makes a big difference.” Randolph thinks of herself and her fellow volunteers as extra sets of hands, eyes and ears for the nurses and clinicians, and is willing to do whatever necessary to support them.
A legacy of support
Through the years, the Auxiliary has donated over $11 million to the mission and future vision of the hospital. These gifts have purchased hyperbaric medicine technology, a new MRI machine and hospital-wide satellite TV system, and funded special hospital projects as well. In 2014, the Auxiliary made a $1 million pledge toward the expansion of cardiovascular services. More recently, it underwrote the purchase of two pieces of surgical equipment and a biopsy device for the Breast Center.
The Auxiliary board is a significant player in the growth plan for Greenwich Hospital. The board bases decisions on its gifts to Greenwich Hospital in consultation with Norman Roth, president and CEO. These financial commitments have served to leverage further giving from other friends of the hospital and therefore are an important catalyst for the advancement of Greenwich Hospital as a premier healthcare facility in the region.
The Auxiliary’s Thrift Shop and Gift Shop generate the majority of the revenue that allows them to be so financially generous to the hospital. Proceeds from the organization’s annual fundraising efforts are directed to scholarships for high school graduates planning to study for a career in healthcare. Collectively, the Auxiliary’s work is a successful combination of entrepreneurship, philanthropy and volunteerism.
The Auxiliary has grown and evolved over the years to meet the needs of the hospital. With the current capital expansion plans to develop all private patient rooms and construct satellite facilities to increase specialty care in Fairfield and Westchester counties, Randolph envisions a greater need for volunteers. “We are always looking for ways to develop new opportunities,” she said. “Our members are smart, talented individuals who want to give back in creative ways that truly make a difference.”
Said President and CEO Norman Roth “Compassionate volunteers are what make Greenwich Hospital a place where patients feel welcome and safe,” he said. “I feel a deep sense of gratitude for all they do, each and every day, to make Greenwich Hospital number one in patient care and patient safety. We could not do it without them.”
