Auxiliary Pledges $300,000 To Hospital Campaign

HOLYOKE — The Holyoke Hospital Auxiliary Association has kicked off the ‘Yours for Life Campaign’ for the hospital’s planned $11 million expansion project with a $300,000 pledge.
“This truly is an extraordinary contribution from the auxiliary,” said Holyoke Hospital President Hank Porten. “It certainly sets a strong tone, and we are extremely grateful to the auxiliary, which has always been there for us, since the very beginning of the hospital.”

The auxiliary, which was originally known as the Holyoke City Hospital Aid Assoc., held its first meeting in 1893, months before the hospital opened its doors. The group raised $2,946 in its first year and has been raising much-needed funds for the hospital ever since.

The $300,000 pledge, however, is the most ambitious effort in the auxiliary’s history.

“We really felt that it was very important to send a strong message to the hospital community and the greater Holyoke community,” said auxiliary President Mary Kelleher. “We want people to know just how important we feel this project is, so the hospital can continue to provide high- quality services for many, many years to come.”

The auxiliary is currently comprised of more than 350 community members whose charitable efforts have supported countless hospital causes through the years. The group raises its funds in many ways, including bake sales, raffles, book and uniform sales, and the revenues generated by its gift and coffee shop inside the hospital.

“This pledge of $300,000 is a huge stretch for us, but it is an achievable goal,” said Kelleher. “We’ve already raised some of the money toward the contribution, and we’re working hard on the balance.”

The ‘Yours for Life’ campaign, co-chaired by Joseph and Angela Wright of Holyoke, is attempting to raise $4 million for the hospital’s expansion program. The 33,000-square-foot project, which focuses on outpatient services, is one of the largest building projects in the history of the 109-year-old hospital.

For more information on the campaign, call (413) 534-2579.