THIS IS the second of a four-part Sunday series on the Mon Health Medical Center Auxiliary and its work. The fourth story, set to run Nov. 3, will focus on the Auxiliary’s Ball of the Year.
MORGANTOWN – Mon Health Medical Center Auxiliary volunteers are healers, too.
They don’t do exams or take blood pressures or perform surgeries. But they spend countless hours – years – serving the hospital and its patients.
Former Auxiliary President Kathie Forman wrote in the 2004-2005 annua report, “Some believe that a life is measured by what we get. I believe a life should be measured by what we give.”
We talked to two volunteers, Linda Staddon and Kathy Pompili, about their work and what it means to them.
Staddon has volunteered for 35 years. She’s served two terms as Auxiliary president and a term as state president. She volunteers in the gift shop.
She recruited Pompili, who’s served 30 years. Pompili started in the gift shop, became part of the Auxiliary board, and has served as secretary, vice president, and Ball of the Year chair.
Right now, you’ll see 10 decorated Christmas trees in the lobby – Trees to Go – and that was Pompili’s idea.
“The president at the time challenged us to come up with a new fundraising idea, and that was mine,” she said.
This is the 12th year for Trees to Go. Ten decorators come in and do the trees. And 10 community members donate so much per tree, so Mon Health pays nothing for them. The Auxiliary sells raffle tickets, $1 apiece or six for $5, and the winners get to take them home.
They raised almost $11,500 in 2023, she said. And an event sponsor donates $2,000.
Staddon also originated the Angel Gown project a couple years ago and it’s up for a state Auxiliary award this year. Gowns for for stillborns or premature babies who don’t survive are crafted from wedding gowns and presented by birthing center staff to the parents to help them feel something special was done for their child.
What motivates her? “We’re here to serve the public who have family here as patients,” she said. “I get the satisfaction that I’m helping someone.” And it gets her out of the house. “You meet a lot of nice people,” and get to offer to help them.
Along with running the gift shop, the Auxiliary also raises funds through hall sales, children’s book sales, and sales of candy, jewelry and flowers. Employees can make their purchases through payroll deduction, and the gift shop offers them30% off on Wednesdays.
One volunteer takes books and crayons and pencils to patients and families for in-room activity.
Pompili said she and her husband and their children were all born at the hospital.
“Mon General holds a very special place in our hearts.”
