Hospital auxiliary caps off $120k in donations since ’15

COLUMBUS—You may see them when you walk in the doors at Columbus Community Hospital, greeting you at the information desk or running the gift shop.

You know who they are: the oft-called Pink Ladies, because of their trademark jackets—the Columbus Community Hospital Ladies Auxiliary.

Chances are, although you may know these ladies, you may not know their impact on Columbus’ local hospital.

Since 2015, the group of mostly retired volunteers has raised over $120,000 for various projects at the hospital ranging from the remodel of the cafeteria to purchase of much-needed equipment and cosmetic and furniture upgrades for the facility.

“We just finished giving about $26,000 for a variety of equipment that they [the hospital] asked for our help with,” said Marie Armour, President of the CCH Ladies Auxillary.

This purchase included five new recliners and high-back chairs for patient rooms, a bladder scanner, and syringe pump.

“We are fortunate to be able to help raise these funds,” Armour said.

The group has multiple fundraising efforts throughout the year to raise funds for the hospital.

“We are finishing up our tamale sales—they went well—this was the first year for that. We usually have done casserole and soup sales this time of year, and a bake sale in June, and Mrs. Santa’s Craft Shop around Christmas,” Armour said.

The group also runs the hospital’s gift shop, which includes items ranging from homemade crafts to afghans, blankets, and quilts. Armour says members of the public who don’t have family or friends in the hospital are encouraged to—and often do—frequent the gift shop for a variety of treasures.

“They are very dedicated and very unselfish. They are ready to help anybody and everybody.They will greet you with a smile when you come through the door.”
Marie Armour President CCH Ladies Auxiliary

The CCH Ladies Auxiliary has two membership levels, and is open to anyone. An active level where volunteers give about 8,500 hours total to the hospital. Armour says the group has about 35 active members. Other members who cannot put in as many hours to volunteer are typically associate members who help the group with special fundraising events and other activities. Most active members are retired, Armour said.

“They are very dedicated and very unselfish,” Armour said of the auxiliary members. “They are ready to help anybody and everybody. They will greet you with a smile when you come through the door,” she said.