History
The St. James Mercy Hospital Auxiliary was established in 1904 with the purpose of addressing hospital needs. Over the years, the Auxiliary has supported the hospital through major contributions to projects including the Child Day Care Center, the Sister Rene Dental Clinic, the Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit, various construction and renovations projects, and numerous equipment purchases.

Aquinas Gift Shops
The Aquinas Gift Shops, established in 1952, are operated by the Auxiliary. There are two locations: in the St. James Mercy Hospital lobby, and at McAuley Manor. Proceeds from the gift shops help the Auxiliary in funding its many projects.

School of Radiological Science
Each year, the Auxiliary funds scholarship and equipment purchases for the School of Radiological Science in support of the program.

Activities

• Gift Shops operation
• Holiday Bazaar
• Food Fair
• Trees of Life holiday project
• Legislative advocacy, healthcare and budgetary issues
• Volunteering in the hospital
• Conferences with area auxiliaries

Membership
Membership is open to anyone wishing to be of service to St. James Mercy Health System, regardless of race, religion or gender. Regular attendance at meetings is encouraged but not mandatory. Many members choose to volunteer at the hospital or McAuley Manor.

If you are interested in joining the Auxiliary or would like more information, please contact Sylvia Bryant, executive director of St. James Mercy Foundation , at (607) 324-8240 or sbryant@sjmh.org .

Meetings
Auxiliary meetings are held the second Tuesday of the month from September through June. Some meetings are luncheons while others are business meetings with speakers. Special meetings include the annual Auxiliary Appreciation luncheon, in June.

The Executive Council and Gift Shop Committee meet monthly for planning activities and evaluating operations.

Contact Us:

St. James Mercy Hospital Auxiliary
Aquinas Gift Shop
411 Canisteo Street
Hornell, NY 14843
( 607) 324-8240 or (607) 324-8749

SJMH Auxiliary...the Gift that Keeps on Giving
January 7, 2012, Hornell, NY
Press Release (PDF)

For more than 100 years, St. James Mercy Hospital (SJMH) has been proud to partner with the Hospital Auxiliary, founded in 1904 to provide volunteer and financial support to SJMH. Throughout the year, Auxiliary members, all of whom volunteer their time and talents, organize and coordinate numerous fundraising activities at both the hospital and McAuley Manor to help support SJMH’s strategic priorities to improve quality of, and access to care.

The Auxiliary’s most recent activities include a two-day Holiday Bazaar in November, chaired by Margaret Johnson and raising over $3,300. The bazaar, an annual event, featured homebaked goods, handmade crafts, "new to you" sale, and variety of raffles. Throughout December, the "Trees of Life" on display in the Hospital and McAuley Manor lobbies provided a beautiful opportunity for employees and community members to honor loved ones with gold ornaments for a $10 donation. "This year’s ‘Trees of Life’ raised $1380 to support St. James Mercy Hospital," said Lynne Freeland, Auxiliary co-chair and event organizer. "It’s become a holiday tradition for SJMH staff and community residents who take time to honor loved ones while helping to beautifully decorate the lobbies."

Another popular December event—the Book Fair—offered a wide variety of books and fun accessories for children and adults. Coordinated by Terry Pullman, this year’s one-day sales totaled over $2,800, with SJMH Auxiliary receiving a portion of the proceeds from the vendor, "Books R Fun." The Auxiliary plans to offer a spring Book Fair, date to be announced.

Proceeds of Auxiliary activities help fund various Hospital projects including the purchase of equipment, construction and renovation projects, scholarships, and other program needs that serve patients, residents and clients. "In recent years, the Auxiliary has funded refurbishments for Mercy Care Break, the adult day program at McAuley Manor, renovations to the SJMH lobby, and scholarships and instructional materials for the School of Radiologic Sciences," said Sylvia Bryant, Executive Director, SJM Foundation. "In 2012, the Auxiliary’s contribution of $27,250 made it the largest single donor to the SJM Foundation. We are so fortunate to have such a dedicated and resourceful group like the Hospital Auxiliary working on behalf of SJMH."

Hospital Auxiliary Contributes $27,250 to St. James Mercy Foundation
June 22, 2012, Hornell, NY
Press Release (PDF)

Forty-three members of the St. James Mercy Hospital (SJMH) Auxiliary gathered on June 12 at the Knights of Columbus Hall for the annual Auxiliary Appreciation luncheon to commemorate their work on behalf of St. James Mercy Hospital. The Auxiliary also presented its annual gift to St. James Mercy Foundation in the amount of $27,250.

Auxiliary chair, Lynne Freeland, acknowledged the tireless work of the Auxiliary volunteers. "Year after year, Auxiliary members coordinate many fundraising activities and events, including the Christmas Bazaar and Food Fair, and operate the Aquinas Gift Shops," she said. "Every hour and every dollar go directly to support the hospital in enhancing healthcare services in our community."

President and CEO Mary LaRowe acknowledged the Auxiliary for its long-time support of the greater Hornell community. "The Auxiliary has provided an invaluable service to St. James Mercy hospital since its founding in 1904. In fact, the Auxiliary is the largest single donor to the Foundation, contributing over $660,000 since its founding. Auxiliary members make it possible for SJMH to continue its mission of serving the poor and disadvantaged who come to us for care."

Lynne Freeland (left), chair of St. James Mercy Hospital Auxiliary, presents a check for $27,250 to Mary LaRowe, president and CEO of St. James Mercy Health System. This year’s Auxiliary gift to St. James Mercy Foundation will help support renovation of the Hospital lobby and the School of Radiologic Science.

A portion of this year’s Auxiliary gift will provide support to two projects at St. James Mercy Hospital: renovation of the main lobby and the School of Radiologic Science.

The luncheon also included recognition of new members Jane Aini, Sylvia Bryant, Sue Christensen, Rita Holmes, Bridgett Mayorga, Joanne Palmesano, Erin Pryor and Louise Wintermute. The group enjoyed a special performance by St. Ann’s School Children’s Choir under the direction of Cathy Reed, and a presentation by Irfan Rizvi, MD, new general surgeon at SJMH.

For more information visit the St. James Mercy Foundation or call (607) 324-8240.

St. James Mercy Hospital Auxiliary Recognized for Advocacy Efforts
April 19, 2012, Hornell, NY
Press Release (PDF)

St. James Mercy Hospital (SJMH) Auxiliary was recently recognized by the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) for its advocacy efforts on behalf of the Hospital.

The annual HANYS Auxiliary Advocacy Recognition acknowledges auxiliaries that have committed significant time and effort serving as advocates for their health care facilities and communities during the past year. To qualify, auxiliaries must meet specific criteria, such as participation in HANYS’ legislative letter-writing campaigns and community outreach activities. In 2011, SJMH Auxilians advocated with state and federal representatives against cuts to Medicare and Medicaid funding, as well as limitations to the sole community hospital designation.

"Health care auxiliaries play a vital role in New York State’s hospitals, health systems, and communities," said Mary LaRowe, President and CEO of St. James Mercy Health System. "They serve as valuable links between communities and the institutions they serve. Our auxiliary is very active in advocating on behalf of SJMH. We are so fortunate to have this dedicated and talented group, committed to serving the many needs of people who come to us for care."

Led by co-chairs Lynne Freeland and Nan Racalto, St. James Mercy Auxiliary volunteers contribute thousands of hours each year toward advocacy, fundraising and community service projects. Auxiliary volunteers also manage the gift shops at Mercycare and the Hospital.

"We are grateful for the hard work and creativity of Auxiliary volunteers," said Sylvia Bryant, Vice President of Mission Integration and community Outreach. "In 2011 funds raised through Auxiliary events and proceeds from the Aquinas Gift Shops contributed $28,000 to the Hospital – the largest gift in the Auxiliary’s 105-year history." Funds were used in part to purchase new furnishings for the Mercycare Break adult day program and instructional materials for the School of Radiologic Science.

"There are many meaningful volunteer opportunities at St. James Mercy Hospital, and we welcome anyone who wishes to be of service to consider joining the Auxiliary," said Ms. Bryant. For more information call (607) 324-8240, visit www.stjamesmercy.org/auxiliary.org, or email sbryant@sjmh.org .

St. James Mercy Hospital Auxiliary Funds New Skeleton for School of Radiological Science
December 2, 2011, Hornell, NY
Press Release (PDF)

Thanks to the generous support of the St. James Mercy Hospital Auxiliary, St. James Mercy Hospital’s School of Radiological Science has a new skeleton to enhance classroom instruction. The School offers a two-year program for the education of radiography students.

According to director Bridgett Mayorga, the skeleton is an important addition to the program. "To become competent as radiographers, our students train extensively in human anatomy and physiology. The new skeleton provides hands-on instruction and reinforces the textbook learning. We are very appreciative to the Auxiliary for this donation," she said.

"Our Auxiliary members were very enthused about funding this purchase," said Lynne Freeland, Auxiliary president. "They knew it would immediately be put to good use and improve the students’ learning experience. The Auxiliary is always pleased to be able to support the Hospital and assist in any way to provide quality, accessible healthcare to our community."

Students Lauren McLaughlin (left) and Chelsea Gregorius practice anatomy identification using the new skeleton funded by the St. James Mercy Hospital Auxiliary.

Started in 1949 by Dr. William MacFarland, St. James Mercy Hospital’s School of Radiological Science at admits fourteen students annually. Through a combination of coursework and clinical experience, the program prepares students to become qualified radiographers and work as diagnostic imaging technicians. More information is available at www.stjamesmercy.org/school.shtml or by calling (607) 324-8265.

In addition to supporting the School of Radiological Science, a portion of the Auxiliary’s recent gift funded new furniture for Mercycare Break adult daycare program, as well as scholarships for students of the School. In 2011, the Auxiliary funds also supported the refurbishing of a new "comfort room" in the Adolescent Psychiatric Unit.

Established in 1904 and comprised of volunteers, St. James Mercy Hospital Auxiliary is one of the largest financial supporters of St. James Mercy Hospital. "This year the Auxiliary presented a check in the amount of $28,000, the largest single-year contribution in its history," said Ms. Freeland. "The money is raised in the Aquinas Gift Shops and from a variety of activities and events."

Auxiliary membership is open to anyone wishing to be of service at the Hospital or McAuley Manor. "Auxiliary members and our other volunteers make it possible for St. James Mercy to provide compassionate, accessible care to the community," said Ms. Freeland. "We welcome new volunteers, even if just for a couple of hours a month. Participating in the Auxiliary is a great way to support our community in a tangible and effective way."

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