This year $32,406 was donated at the 29th Sequim-Dungeness Hospital Guild annual luncheon Thursday, May 28. To date, the guild has nearly donated enough to achieve its $2 million mark and anticipates doing so within the next couple years, said Adeline Curtis, past Sequim-Dungeness Hospital Guild vice president.
Where the money goes
Because of the guild’s donations Olympic Medical Center now has the funds for a ceiling patient lift chair, equating to more than $10,000, the Dungeness Health and Wellness Clinic was given $15,000 and a $7,000 donation went toward the School of Nursing Scholarship assistance program at Peninsula College.
“I think this year’s luncheon was the best yet,” Curtis said. “Maybe practice does make perfect.”
This year’s luncheon was sold out. Roughly 160 tickets were sold and the silent auction made more money than the last. The ticket sales only cover the cost of the venue and catering service at 7 Cedars Casino, whereas the silent auction generates profits for the guild.
The silent auction brought in about $2,500, Curtis said.
A little bit of history
The Sequim-Dungeness Hospital Guild has been donating to the local health community since the 1970s. In order to do so, the guild raises funds throughout the year at its Thrift Shop, Cards for Cardiacs and membership dues, memorials and donations.
The guild has about 120 community members, but memberships fluctuate throughout the year.
“Being a part of the guild has been such a wonderful experience,” Curtis said. “Not to mention all the friends you make.”
After four years as vice president for the guild, Curtis passed the torch off to Bobbie Rhodes at the luncheon.
The guild has multiple two-year term elected positions, although the current president Jean Janis is completing her seventh year as in that office, Curtis said. Janis’ dedication to the guild was recognized at the luncheon.
Fashion show
Following the silent auction, gift giving, luncheon and all announcements and recognitions had been completed, the music was turned up for the Thrift Shop fashion show.
“The fashion show is all about showing the public what we have and what’s available at the shop,” Sequim-Dungeness Hospital Guild member Virginia Peter said.
This year, eight volunteer models from the Thrift Shop revealed four different outfits they individually put together from Thrift Shop inventory. Half of the models had never participated before, but by the following day of the luncheon, Peter said multiple volunteer models dropped by the shop to express “what a fun and great time they had.”
Outfits ranged from fully equipped bicycling attire, helmet included, to a black and silver sequin mini-dress with matching handbag. Most outfits showcased were under $25.
Although the economy has taken a hit the past few years, the 2014 donations from the guild did not reflect it, or maybe in an ironic way they did, Curtis said.
“The Thrift Shop has had both more and new customers lately despite the economy, Curtis said. “Maybe more people are shopping at places like thrift stores though because of the economy.”
Economy driven or not, the 29th annual Sequim-Dungeness Hospital Guild luncheon marked another successful year for the longstanding guild and the group is closer than ever to its multi-million dollar benchmark.
Reach Alana Linderoth at alinderoth@sequimgazette.com
