Auxiliary

A Message About COVID-19 From Denise Downey, Auxiliary President

Dear Auxiliary Members,

It is truly an honor for me to assume the role of President of the Valley Hospital Auxiliary, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jean Meloro once again for a very successful two years. I look forward to continuing to work with Jean as an important member of the Executive Board.

As all of us come to grips with the new realities of everyday life, remaining connected as Auxiliary members is more important than ever. Participating in branch meetings, be they virtual or otherwise, remains fundamental to who we are and how we continue to address our threefold mission:

• To serve as a community liaison for the hospital
• To assist the hospital through a variety of traditional and non-traditional volunteer services
• To raise funds for vital hospital programs

Just driving around Northern New Jersey seeing multitudes of "Thank You Valley Heroes" signs placed on front lawns by Auxiliary and members of our community is one visible and concrete way we have served as effective liaisons and advocates for The Valley Hospital. Many Auxiliary members also participated in the volunteer car parade around various Valley locations to thank our healthcare workers for their tireless, courageous and amazing care.

Even though traditional volunteering activities within the Hospital have naturally been paused, non-traditional volunteer services have continued in earnest. The diligent efforts by so many Auxiliary members in making face masks, delivering footwear, meals, and other acts of kindness are yet another way that our dedicated Auxiliary members have met an important part of our mission.

Conducting fundraising activities in unconventional ways in order to meet our $3.1 million pledge is another cornerstone to our threefold mission. While several in-person events have been cancelled or postponed, it is important to emphasize that Central Board events are still being planned. Ways and Means are currently planning a virtual fundraising event for this fall, and we will look to our incredible branches to assist us with this new initiative. The Tree of Light will also be held, even if it is conducted virtually. Finally, next year we have a rather full schedule of events, starting with a rescheduled Kitchen Tour in the spring, our annual Golf Outing in early June, and the Valley Ball toward the end of 2021. As our state slowly opens up in safe and careful ways, so, too, will the Auxiliary by adjusting and adapting our events as appropriate. I encourage all of us to be creative in our thinking of how we can support both branch and Central Board events.

Finally, I would like to thank all members as well as Central and Executive boards for your time, ideas, caring and commitment. What you do in support of The Valley Hospital is so important and meaningful. I look forward to working with everyone and wish you all a safe and enjoyable summer.