Well, we were all ready to SET SAIL on May 9th, 2020, but it appears our cruise ships have been quarantined at the dock. As you all know, our Annual Auxiliary and Foundation Gala Ball is St. Mary's' biggest fundraiser of the year. The money we raise each year is vital in our ability to provide state-of-the-art care and compassion to our patients, residents and associates. The health and safety of our community has, and always will be, our number one priority. And while we had hope that we would be able to reschedule the gala to Summer 2020, we are saddened to announce the decision to cancel this year's St. Mary's Gala Ball.

 

But only the party has been canceled. This year's gala will be going virtual. This route has become common practice for major events recently, but we guarantee this will be a much different, more more enjoyable experience, right from the comfort and safety of your own home!  We will be holding a VIRTUAL SILENT AUCTION beginning Thursday, July 30th at noon and the auction will run until Monday, August 3rd at noon. This virtual silent auction, or our "No-Gala" Gala, will allow the St. Mary's Auxiliary and Foundation to raise funds to support the hospital and its associates, patients and residents. 

 

The St. Joseph's Fund helps our associates during times of financial need, such as paying for car repairs, utility bills, groceries, and rent/mortgage payments. This has become especially crucial during the COVID-19 challenge, with so many of our associates living with loved ones who have been out of work or stranded with child care. We are also raising money for a safe, reliable van for our Wilkinson Residential Health Care Facility residents. We understand the importance of giving our residents a wonderful quality of life as they age, and an opportunity to keep them active and healthy in our community is just the right way to do so. A van for our specific needs can cost upwards of $75,000, so having even a small amount of money set aside for a vehicle would ensure that this purchase can be made sooner rather than later.