Auxiliary gives hospital $250k for cancer center improvements
DOVER (WJER) (June 6, 2024) – The cancer center behind Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital will be getting more comfortable thanks to the hospital’s team of volunteer fundraisers.
The Auxiliary wrapped up its latest fundraising campaign last week, presenting hospital leaders with a quarter-million-dollar check for new furniture and patient care equipment at the center. Auxiliary President Nathan Paternoster says that’s slightly more than they’ve given in the past and a reflection of the community we live in.
“It’s actually overwhelming. I get to see the figures every month, and I’m just constantly amazed at what the community does. There are so many generous people.”
The $250,000 total includes the proceeds from the auxiliary’s gift shop inside the hospital and various fundraising events. The group is celebrating 75 years of supporting the hospital in this way and has given more than $5.5 million to date.
“I know that when they redid the pharmacy, we were involved with that. When COVID happened, we basically told them anything COVID-related they could use the money for, and also we were involved with the step-down unit. They recently moved it, and we were involved with the equipment for that.”
Paternoster says their next campaign is already underway and includes another installment of last year’s sell-out “Handbag Bingo” event coming up in August. Then in September, planning will get underway for the auxiliary’s biggest and most festive fundraiser – the Warther’s Christmas Tree Festival.