ST. FRANCIS AUXILIARY PRESENTS $50,000 GIFT

Development of a nursing library and renovation of the St. Francis Medical Center's cafeteria are the two projects to benefit from this year's contribution by the St. Francis Auxiliary.

Auxiliary President Anna Drury presented a check for $50,000 to St. Francis President John E. Fidler during the auxiliary's 32nd annual luncheon Wednesday at the Drury Lodge.

The check represents proceeds from various fund-raising activities, including the gift shop and Treasure Cove, card parties, bake sales, the annual Christmas Tree Gala and Phantom Ball and annual membership dues.

Since its founding in 1959, the St. Francis Auxiliary has provided funding for numerous equipment acquisitions and renovation projects at the medical center.

At the luncheon, the fourth annual Vernice Baumstark Award winner was named. The Baumstark Award, first presented in 1989 in honor of the auxiliary's first president, is presented to a member who gives extraordinary service to the auxiliary and has shown loyalty and dedication to the organization and concern and interest in the needs of St. Francis.

This year's Baumstark Award was presented to Marie Beaty. A member of the auxiliary since 1973, Beaty has served as the organization's treasurer, membership chairman and corresponding secretary.

During her eight years as membership chairman, Beaty developed the auxiliary's life membership program. Auxilians can join the organization as life members by paying a flat membership fee rather than paying annual dues.

Most members of the St. Francis auxiliary also serve as medical center volunteers. Volunteers provided more than 71,000 hours of service during 1991.

The auxiliary installed three new officers during the luncheon. Elected to two-year terms were treasurer Sis Winkler, corresponding secretary Jane Stephens and recording secretary Cara Thompson. Auxiliary officers beginning the second year of their two-year terms are Anna Drury, president; Donna Magwitz, president-elect; and Dory Ressel, second vice president.

More than 400 people hold membership in the auxiliary.