Eighty years ago, 24 community volunteers established an Auxiliary to support Pomona Valley Hospital (PVHMC) through volunteer service and fundraising. Since Nov. 3, 1937, the organization has raised over $5 million in funds for the hospital and provided more than two million volunteer hours.

“Our volunteers and Auxiliary members are often the first people to greet you when you enter our doors. They are an important part of this nationally recognized community hospital,” said Stacy Mittelstaedt, Director of PVHMC Volunteers. “Their dedication makes all the difference in our ability to deliver an excellent patient and family-centric experience.”

Since the Auxiliary’s first projects of furnishing patient rooms, buying beds for the nursing school and raising funds to build PVHMC’s first pediatric wing in the 1950s, the Auxiliary continues to sponsor the needs of the hospital. In 1998, the group raised $1 million to assist in the development of PVHMC’s Cancer Care Center and will soon be paying off their second $1 million pledge towards the Hospital’s Outpatient Pavilion.

The Auxiliary raises funds through the Tender Touch Gift Shop, annual holiday fundraising events, memorials and donations. Each year, the Auxiliary receives requests for support including educational materials, equipment and supplies. Requests are approved as funds are available. The Auxiliary also donates to support families who need assistance paying medical bills.

On Nov. 8, PVHMC hosted a luncheon to celebrate the Auxiliary’s rich history of service and recognize members for their support of the hospital. Claremont resident Tony Spano received the Bill Case Honorary Award, which celebrates the contributions of maleAuxiliary members.

Spano, a volunteer, former president of the Auxiliary, hospital Board Member and current Chairman of the Auxiliary’s Sick Baby and Hospital Assistance Fund, was recognized for his 13 years of service as a volunteer and Auxiliary member.

In addition, La Verne resident Virginia Swarts received the Life of Service Award for providing outstanding customer service during her 32 years as a volunteer and auxiliary member. During her years of service, Swarts served as an Auxiliary Board Member and Chairperson for nine years and was the first volunteer to receive the honor of being named Volunteer of the Year in 2005. Swarts celebrated her 96th birthday in 2017 and volunteers every week at the hospital’s main lobby information desk.

To learn how to get involved or donate to the PVHMC Auxiliary visit www.pvhmc.org.