The TWIG (Together With Important Goals) groups of Hocking Valley Community Hospital Auxiliary recently presented the hospital with $20,000 from fundraising efforts over the past year.
On behalf of the Auxiliary, Betty Jo Downs, 2023 Vice President, accepted a check for $7,000 from TWIG II, a check for $9,000 from TWIG IV and a check for $4,000 from TWIG VI. These funds are raised throughout the year from individual TWIG projects such as ham sales, jewelry and flower sales, raffles, bake sales and Chinese auctions. Funds are then used to support HVCH with hospital renovations or capital purchases when requested.
“We are so thankful and appreciative of all the fundraising efforts the individual TWIG groups make throughout the year. A lot of thought and commitment goes into assisting the hospital in this way,” Downs said.
Stacey Gabriel, HVCH CEO & President, joined in thanking the TWIG members for all their hard work, dedication and donations.
“Thank you for the great work you do to support the patients of our hospital. These donations are put to good use,” Gabriel said.
Over its lifespan, the Auxiliary has raised more than $1.5 million for HVCH. Recent donations include $25,000 for a SIM mannequin and $19,000 for hospital lobby and registration renovations.
2024 Auxiliary officers were installed including: Pam Hicks, President; Betty Jo Downs, Vice President; and Ginger Johnson, Treasurer.
To close the evening’s celebration, CEO Stacey Gabriel presented the Elly Crow Award to two deserving recipients this year.
Rita Reis has served as a TWIG II member since 1988. She has held every officer position within TWIG II, and is currently the co-president.
“She is always extremely helpful with any fundraising project and willing to donate her time and talents,” Gabriel said. “She has helped with fundraising events including: catering, bake sales, the Sleigh Bell Ball, the Christmas Bazaar, Chinese Auctions, and the Spring and Fall flower sales.”
Rita is a Kindergarten teacher in the Logan-Hocking School District and is married with two children and four ‘bonus’ children. She loves antiques, traveling and shopping.
The second award winner is Marsha Riggs. A TWIG VI member for 34 years.
“Marsha joined TWIG as a young 16-year-old. Since that time, she has been instrumental in raising funds, working on, and taking the lead on many projects such as Surf Logan, Polar Bear Plunge, Honeybaked Ham Sale, Chinese Auctions, Salsa Sale and cookie sale to name a few,” Gabriel said.
In the past she has held the office of Secretary and Vice President within TWIG VI. She also has helped with the Foundation’s Golf & Charity Auction.
Marsha has been married for 27 years, has two children. Her biggest interest in life is her family.
The “Elly” Award is given to a HVCH Auxiliary TWIG member every year. The award is named after Elly Crow, a TWIG II member for over 45 years who donated more than 25,883 hours of her time to the hospital, patients and community. Elly also was instrumental in creating many special events and raising thousands of dollars for the hospital.