IDM Auxiliary donates $11,000 for Meade Rehabilitation Center

PHOTO BY ROB PRICE Helen Binkowski, far right, presents a check from the Ira Davenport Hosital Auxiliary to James Watson, hospital CEO, and Dianne Tyner, director of volunteers.

The Davenport & Taylor Auxiliary last week made their annual donation of $11,000 to the hospital. Auxiliary President Helen Binkowski, presented the check to James Watson, CEO of the hospital.

The money donated will be used toward the new Joseph Meade Rehabilitation Center with construction in progress at this time. The auxiliary donation is an increase of $1,000 from last year.

Binkowski announced the donation, which was voted during their annual Christmas year-end gathering. Fundraising events sponsored by the auxiliary and held throughout the year were their annual "Harvest Heartbeat Craft Fair," new crop Georgia Pecan Sale, Book Fairs, Fashions, Uniforms, and "In The Bag" handbag sales.

Auxiliary members also participated in other activities which include providing poinsettias throughout the hospital and nursing home, and also delivered to homebound members in December, a Valentine's Day tea for the Nursing Home Residents in February, theme baskets for raffle projects, recycling Ink Cartridges, the LPGA Golf Tournament and the Hospital Annual Health Fair and 10-K Run.

In addition to fundraising projects, the auxiliary purchased a new cash register for the Hospital Gift Shop and created a Memory Board in remembrance of our past members, a plaque displayed at the Hospital.

Dianne Tyner, Director of Volunteers, announced the auxiliary once again received the HANYS Advocacy Recognition Award from the Healthcare Association of NYS, for significant time and effort committed to serving as an advocate for the hospital and community.

Auxiliary members and volunteers are recognized for their hours of service at the annual volunteer dinner held in April, arranged by Mrs. Tyner.

Members also volunteer at the annual Radio Auction, Golf Tournament and Gala, sponsored by the Keuka Health Care Foundation.

New members are always welcome to join the Auxiliary as additional volunteers are always needed to help promote improved health care for the Bath area.

The officers of the auxiliary are: Helen Binkowski, President; Sharon Smith, Vice President; Ruth Barry, Secretary, and Karen Shirley, Treasurer.