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

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."

St. James Mercy Hospital Auxiliary Hosts Annual Holiday Bazaar
October 27, 2011, Hornell, NY
Press Release (PDF)

Members of the St. James Mercy Hospital Auxiliary are preparing for the annual Holiday Bazaar, which will be held over two days: Thursday, November 3, from 10am to 1pm, at McAuley Manor, and Friday, November 4, from 9am to 1pm at the Hospital.

"The annual Holiday Bazaar is one of our major fundraising events and offers a wonderful opportunity to get a head start on holiday shopping," said Nan Racalto, co-chair of the event. "This year will feature several drawings for gifts and prizes, including a lottery ticket basket, a $100 Christmas money tree, and a hand-crafted afghan, as well as our traditional 50/50 raffle. New this year is a specialty bread sale—with four varieties available for $2 a loaf."

Both locations will also feature "New to You" booths, as well as a bake sale. "The bake sale is always very popular," said Lynne Freeland, co-chair of the event. "Every year, we increase the items we have for sale, and they always go quickly, especially among Hospital employees." The Aquinas Gift Shops will offer a 15% discount on holiday and other merchandise.

The success of the Bazaar depends on the contributions and hard work of Auxiliary members, including:

• Bake Sale, St. James Mercy—Mary Theresa Purtell, Emma Loree (Hospital);Maureen Galatio, Aileen Mahoney, Dottie Harrington (McAuley Manor)

• New to You—Joan Watches, Jean Pollinger (Hospital); Alice Ingham, Grace Eagan, Eileen Hamelin, Ginny Putnam, Margaret Sleggs (McAuley Manor)

• Specialty bread sale—Fran Grillo

• Raffles
  • lottery ticket basket raffle, donated by Jan Weyand
  • handmade afghan, donated by Emma Loree
  • money Christmas tree, assembled by Margaret Sleggs
  • arctic snowmen, donated by Hospital gift shop

Gift Shop Coordinator, Liz Surita, poses with the snowmen to be raffled.

St. James Mercy Hospital Auxiliary Funds New Furniture for Mercycare Break Day Treatment Program
October 21, 2011, Hornell, NY
Press Release (PDF)

Thanks to the St. James Mercy Hospital Auxiliary, registrants and staff of the Mercycare Break day treatment program have a more comfortable environment for their daily activities. Through its annual gift to the St. James Mercy Foundation, the Hospital Auxiliary recently funded the purchase of ten tables and forty chairs for the Mercycare Break program at McAuley Manor. Mercycare Break provides registrants with medical and personal care, as well as a stimulating social environment, while offering respite to family members and other caregivers.

According to Jessica Cleveland, social worker at Mercycare, the new furniture is a great improvement. "It has dramatically improved the appearance of the dayroom. The new chairs are far more comfortable and easier to get in and out of, and there is improved socialization and workspace for activities. We are all very appreciative to the Auxiliary for this donation," she said.

"Our Auxiliary members were very excited about funding this project," said Lynne Freeland, Auxiliary president. "They knew it would have an immediate and direct positive impact on the care experience. We are always pleased to be able to support the Hospital and assist in any way to provide quality, accessible healthcare to our community."

In addition to supporting Mercycare Break, a portion of the Hospital Auxiliary’s recent gift funded the purchase of a skeleton for the School of Radiologic Science, 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.

Auxiliary Funds New Furniture for Mercycare Break Day Treatment

Hospital Auxiliary Donates $28,000 to St. James Mercy Foundation
June 27, 2011, Hornell, NY
Press Release (PDF)

Members of the St. James Mercy Hospital (SJMH) Auxiliary gathered on Tuesday, June 21, at the Knights of Columbus Hall for the annual Auxiliary Appreciation luncheon to celebrate a milestone in their history with St. James Mercy Hospital. This year’s annual gift by the Auxiliary to St. James Mercy Foundation of $28,000 represents the largest single-year contribution in the Auxiliary’s history, which spans 107 years.

In presenting the check to SJMH president and CEO Mary LaRowe, Auxiliary chair Nancy Bartell acknowledged the hard work and persistence of all Auxiliary members in making possible such a generous contribution. "Auxiliary members are always there to step up and support a variety of activities and events, from the annual Christmas Bazaar and Food Fair to volunteering in the Aquinas Gift Shops," said Bartell. "We are pleased to be able to support the hospital and our community in this tangible and effective way."

In accepting the check, LaRowe acknowledged the organization’s effectiveness over the years in supporting quality healthcare for the greater Hornell community. "Since its founding in 1904, the Hospital Auxiliary has been St. James Mercy’s most generous and persistent donor," said LaRowe. "Without their support and volunteerism, the hospital would not be so well positioned to provide compassionate, accessible care to patients and residents."

Nancy Bartell (right), chair of the Auxiliary and Mary LaRowe, president and CEO of St. James Mercy Hospital

Nancy Bartell (right), chair of the St. James Mercy Hospital Auxiliary, presents a check for $28,000 to Mary LaRowe, president and CEO of St. James Mercy Hospital. This year’s gift to the St. James Mercy Foundation will support the Mercycare Break adult day program at McAuley Manor and also the School of Radiologic Science, in addition to supporting the general fund.

Mary Patti (left) and St. James Mercy Foundation Executive Director, Sylvia Bryant

Mary Patti (left) is honored as the longest-serving Auxilian by St. James Mercy Foundation Executive Director, Sylvia Bryant. She joined the Hospital Auxiliary in 1952, 59 years ago, and has been the group historian for many years. Betty Archangeli and Fran Grillo (not pictured) also were honored for their many years of active service and membership—Betty, 50 years; Fran, more than 40 years.

Margaret Cannon

Margaret Cannon is honored for her long service to the Hospital Auxiliary, which she joined 40 years ago. Margaret worked in the Aquinas Gift Shop for many years and trained volunteers on the gift shop cash register—a special challenge when the gift Shop converted to the touch screen computer model!

A portion of this year’s gift will be directed to two important projects at St. James Mercy. The Mercycare Break program at McAuley Manor provides program registrants with medical and personal care, as well as a stimulating social environment. Auxiliary funds will assist in refurbishing the program space with new tables and arm chairs. The School of Radiologic Science is the second beneficiary of this year’s gift. The School of Radiologic Science offers an accredited, competency-based, 24-month radiography program to admitted students. Kelly Bracken, director of residential life at McAuley Manor, and Bridget Mayorga, director of the School of Radiologic Science, were the guest speakers at the Auxiliary luncheon.

Other milestones at the event included honoring Fran Grillo as an "honorary Auxilian" for more than 40 years of active service. Betty Archangeli also was recognized for fifty years of service, and Margaret Cannon also was recognized for 40 years. Mary Patti was honored as the longest serving Auxilian—59 years. Additionally, the Auxiliary members enjoyed a special performance by the Hornell High School jazz and show choirs, under the direction of Chris VanLeeuven.

St. James Mercy Foundation, the charitable arm of St. James Mercy Hospital, is preparing to launch its annual campaign and counts the Hospital Auxiliary as a mainstay in its ability to support the Hospital. "Every dollar contributed to the St. James Mercy Foundation makes a real difference to the quality of healthcare services available in our community," Bryant said. "All gifts are appreciated by not only patients but also hospital staff, enhancing the kind of care they are able to provide."

For more information about the Hospital Auxiliary, visit www.stjamesmercy.org/auxiliary.shtml . More information about the St. James Mercy Foundation is available at (607) 324-8240, or by visiting www.stjamesmercy.org/foundation-overview.shtml .