CARIBOU, Maine — While Cary Medical Center is celebrating 100 years of caring (1924 to 2024) the Cary Auxiliary is also marking a major milestone, its 70th anniversary. The auxiliary has been the largest donor to the hospital over the decades with contributions over $1 million. The auxiliary began in the late summer of 1954 at the home of Mrs. Boyd Pierson. This initial meeting was held recognizing the growth of the hospital and the community. Then, on September 29, 1954, a large number of local women met at the American Legion Building for the purpose of organizing the Cary Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.
The first president of the auxiliary was Mrs. F. L. Gregory, vice president; Mrs. Boyd Pierson, treasurer; Mrs. Kenneth Ouellette, recording secretary; Miss Freda Habeeb; and Correspondence Secretary Mrs. Judson Cameron. The first project of the auxiliary was related to tuberculosis. In 1958 the organization helped to organize an x-ray clinic.The clinic was located at the Teague Park School under the direction of Mrs. Walter Jaeger.
In the early years of the auxiliary members volunteered at the hospital to assist hospital staff. Members also acted as receptionists and created a book mobile which was circulated to patients. With the expansion of Cary Memorial Hospital in 1956 members of the auxiliary helped to organize an open house. The auxiliary sewing committee, using money raised from a candy sale at a theatre presentation, a public bridge party and a food sale, sewed the draperies for the rooms in the new wing of the hospital.
In 1956, David Solman asked the auxiliary to accept the sponsorship of a memorial fund which had been given in memory of Charlene Helfenstein. It was the hope of Mr. and Mrs. Helfenstein that it would be a nucleus for a memorial fund which would continue to grow and be used for the benefit of the hospital. The sponsorship was accepted and the fund lives on today.
By 1959 the auxiliary had an active membership of 297 women with 51 inactive members. Members from neighboring communities including Washburn, Perham, Limestone, Woodland, New Sweden and Stockholm worked on projects within their own groups and contributed much to the organization. Members assisted ambulatory patients, did office work, handled telephone duties, decorated rooms, worked with pediatrics and provided any necessary assistance to the patient floors.They could be seen arranging flowers, unpacking suitcases, distributing magazines, transporting patients for various tests, keeping fresh water at the bedside, delivering mail and running errands. Providing patient services was a primary goal.
From the early days of the auxiliary fundraising was a major focus. In 1959 the auxiliary sponsored a spring dance at the opening of the Caribou Hotel featuring the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, yielding a $1,355 profit. A harvest smorgasbord was held at the Teague Park School Cafeteria, attracting 800 people. The food was cooked by members of the auxiliary. The event raised $1,629. Throughout the years the auxiliary sponsored numerous events, including fashion shows, house tours, formal balls, teas, tag sales, garage sales, quilt raffles, bake sales, card parties and the “Walk for Care” which raised more than $100,000 over several years.
In 1978 Cary Memorial Hospital became Cary Medical Center and relocated to the Van Buren Road. In 1982 the auxiliary became a fundraising unit and a community service organization. The organization provides flowers to beautify the hospital campus, operates a hospital gift shop, co-sponsors the annual Cary Health Fair, decorates the hospital at Christmas and has also sponsored a scholarship program. One of the most outstanding auxiliary projects was the creation of historical photos of Caribou that adorn the corridors at Cary.
Today the Cary Auxiliary continues its mission to support the hospital. While its active membership is not as large as it once was, dedicated volunteers provide a variety of services to Cary. The auxiliary helped to plan and conduct the official 100th anniversary of the hospital. President Sandra Huck said that the auxiliary has not only become a major fundraising organization for the hospital and a source of volunteers it also represents a strong, supportive voice in the community.
“We are really humbled by the history of the auxiliary,” said Huck, who has led the organization over the past two years. “From the early beginnings when Cary was growing to our new medical center which features amazing technology, the auxiliary has been a key public relations arm of the hospital. Our members, some who have served for more than 40 years, are dedicated to our mission and feel the history of all those who have come before us.”
Kris Doody, RN, CEO for Cary Medical Center said that the work of the auxiliary over the past 70 years and today reflects on a strong spirit of commitment and connection to the hospital.
“While many hospitals have not been able to maintain their auxiliaries, we are very proud of our current organization,” said Doody, who also leads Pines Health Services as CEO. “Their remarkable fund raising support, their community service and all the activities they have done to help build the culture of Cary has helped us become who we are. We are forever grateful for their efforts and look forward to their continued partnership in the century ahead.”
The Cary Auxiliary holds regular meetings and is looking to expand its membership. For more information visit the auxiliary Facebook page or contact Nancy Bergin at Cary at 207-498-1380 or by email at nbergin@carymed.org.
