Providence St. Joseph Medical Center Guild raised $140,000 for medical center’s foundation as part of its $500,000 pledge to the Hycy and Howard Hill Neuroscience Institute at the center. New officers are installed and members are recognized for service hours.
By Joyce Rudolph
BurbankNBeyond
New officers and a large donation were on the agenda when Providence St. Joseph Medical Center Guild met for the annual Recognition and Installation Tea at Lakeside Golf Club on June 13.
President Kathleen Marsden wrapped up her year by presenting a check for $140,000 to Kerry L. Carmody, regional chief operating officer of Providence Health and Services, California.
The funds were raised by the fall and spring events, gift shop and card parties. The guild carried over $86,500 from the prior year and received a donation from the estate of member Haline Heimstadt and this total is almost half of the amount of the guild’s pledge of $500,000 made to the Hycy and Howard Hill Neuroscience Institute, which will open soon on the fourth floor of the medical center.
In thanking the guild, Carmody said the guild provides a vital connection to the community.
“The money is fantastic,” he told members. “This wouldn’t happen without your passion for this ministry.”
The meeting began with Sister Rose Byrne, of the Sisters of Providence Order, giving the invocation. In her prayer, she said how the guild has supported the medical center for 67 years.
Grace Mylroie Patz, tea chairwoman, welcomed the group saying the installation tea is one of the finest events they have each year.
“It’s our thank you to ourselves,” she said.
When Providence Health Systems Foundation liaison Ron Bitzer visited the guild meeting a few weeks ago, he said the guild has contributed more than $6 million to the medical center since the guild formed in 1946, Patz said.
“We are proud to be members of this guild and the fact that we are able to accomplish this amount of money to contribute,” she added.
Installing officer Chik Smaldino incorporated a rhyme for each officer taking a new position on the board. Incoming president Patt Scully’s theme is “Watch Us Grow”, linked to her love of gardening.
In keeping with the theme, Smaldino presented officers with a vase of flowers and Scully a watering can filled with flowers.
Joining Scully on the board are First Vice President Lori Riela, Second Vice President Patti Cassidy, Treasurer Sharon Reid, Recording Secretary Jill Allen, Corresponding Secretary Ann Venti. The
membership is still hoping to secure a fall event director. Other officers are Finance Director Maureen Walsh, Spring Event Director Barbara O’Kane, Gift Shop co-chairwomen Maria Balke, Jackie Van Beveren and Carol Murphy, Special Event directors Jackie Van Beveren and Claire Loughlin, Press Terry Campbell, Program co-chairwomen Terry Campbell and Marian Enos and Parliamentarian Ollie Vick.
