The Women’s Auxiliary to Children’s Medical Center has served as advocates for Children’s Health for decades.

The Women’s Auxiliary to Children’s Medical Center has served as advocates for Children’s Health for decades.

Members from across North Texas come together to volunteer and raise funds for critical hospital needs that push the mission forward to make life better for children. This year, the Auxiliary celebrates an incredible milestone in their organization — a commitment to service for the last 60 years.

Established in 1962, the Women’s Auxiliary began their rich tradition of service through their fundraising, advocacy and volunteering to provide support to the patients, families and hospital staff at Children’s Medical Center Dallas. In the beginning, the Auxiliary focused their support on lifesaving equipment and crucial programs and services, all the while operating the Women’s Auxiliary Children’s Corner Gift Shop — still a favorite stop for all hospital visitors.

“For years, our dedicated members managed the Women’s Auxiliary Children’s Corner Gift Shop and together we had so much fun,” said Debbie Scripps, past Auxiliary president, 1991-1992, Dallas chapter. “The Gift Shop was a way for all of us to see and experience the important work happening inside the walls of Children’s Health. From nurses shopping for their patients to cheer them up, to families buying much needed items for their stay in the hospital. Children’s Health really is a special place.”

In addition to raising funds for priority programs, the Auxiliary’s fingerprints remain throughout the hallways of Children’s Health, nimbly adjusting amidst COVID-19 to provide the important services the patients, families and hospital staff rely on.

Through their innovation, the Auxiliary members were able to recognize staff with special treats, provide snack baskets for families in the waiting rooms, distribute essential hygiene items to those with long-term hospital stays and serve boxed meals to patient families during the holidays. The Auxiliary also provides toys for the Toy Closet, which are used to celebrate significant milestones in a patient’s care journey, along with craft and activity kits to keep patients and their siblings engaged during their appointments. And most importantly, the Auxiliary creates a festive, magical atmosphere to bring smiles and cheer to everyone spending the holidays in the hospital.

“The partnership between the hospital and the Auxiliary is so important,” said Lisa Rocchio, current Auxiliary president, 2021-2022, Dallas chapter. “Everyone is so appreciative and thankful for the contributions of our volunteers. We’ve got the full support of the hospital, which is really special.”

More than a decade ago, Children’s Medical Center Plano opened its doors to serve the growing community in Collin County closer to where they live, work and play. The opening of the Plano hospital spurred the launch of the Women’s Auxiliary to Children’s Medical Center Plano. And, right from the start, the Plano chapter has been there every step of the way to serve families north of Dallas.

“We mirror the Dallas chapter in some ways,” said Lisa Raskin, inaugural Auxiliary president, 2010- 2011, Plano chapter. “But we also created distinct programs and activities unique to Plano to support the needs of areas like with the Center for Pediatric Eating Disorders. We work with the hospital staff and experts to thoughtfully provide resources and source craft and art supplies to help patients and their families cope as they’re navigating tough and sensitive situations.”

The Women’s Auxiliary is a dedicated and diverse group of women who come together to serve a special mission. Mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, business professionals, civic leaders and community volunteers — all committed to raising awareness and raising dollars.

People from across the community participate in cherished traditions, including visits with the beloved NorthPark Santa, Santa’s Workshop, Legacy of Love, Family Night at Six Flags and the BOO Yard Sign Challenge.

For the Auxiliary members in Plano, their flagship fundraiser Legacy of Love is commemorating a remarkable achievement, celebrating its 10th year raising funds for Children’s Medical Center Plano. Along with raising crucial funds for the hospital, the event raises community awareness about Children’s Health.

“It’s our biggest fundraiser and is made even more special because it showcases the patients we serve,” said Allison Doyle, current Auxiliary President, 2021-2022, Plano chapter.

For decades, the growing Auxiliary in Dallas and Plano has shown dedication and commitment to the patients and team members at Children’s Health.

“Sixty years is important because it makes a statement that the Auxiliary is not going away and has remained committed to its purpose of helping make life better for children through all these years,” Scripps said.