Hospital auxiliary hosts ‘Evening of Chocolate and Sweet Tasting'.

Warwick — On Thursday, Feb. 23, the St. Anthony Community Hospital Auxiliary hosted an “Evening of Chocolate and Sweet Tasting” in the Greenbriar Room at Mt. Alverno Center. A complimentary invitation to the event had been extended to those who might be interested in learning more about the organization and becoming a member. In addition to a variety of sweet treats, guests were offered a selection of wines and other refreshments. Thanks to the generosity of merchants Antiques & Flowers, Euro Bakery of Vernon, Jean-Claude’s Patisserie, Lisa’s Cookies, Pecks Wines & Spirits, Sweetbriar’s, and Warwick ShopRite, the auxiliary was able to offer free admission. “We like to think of SACHA as the heartbeat of St. Anthony Community Hospital,” said Terry Gavan, president of the organization. “Since February happens to be the sweetheart month, we thought this would be a good time to introduce or reintroduce our organization to the community.” During the evening, Gavan introduced Leah Cerkvenik, executive vice president and administrator of St. Anthony Community Hospital, as well as Jeff Reilly, vice president of administration, and Rudy Breedy, director of fund development. Gavan made of point of thanking hospital representatives, guests, auxiliary members, and business supporters for helping with the event. When the auxiliary was founded in 1939, it was primarily a group of women whose purpose was to roll bandages and compresses for use in the hospital. Today, the activities are far more diverse, and the organization boasts more than 120 members, both women and men, from all walks of life. In an effort to support the hospital and the Warwick campus of the Bon Secours Charity Health System, the auxiliary sponsors several annual fundraisers, including a musical fashion show, a progressive dinner, and the “Under the Tent” Party in June at Hickory Hill Golf Course. Some of the organization’s recent donations include $25,000 in physical therapy equipment, $20,000 in orthosurgical instruments, and a $14,400 fetal monitoring system. The Auxiliary has made generous contributions to help purchase costly diagnostic equipment, and has pledged to every capital campaign, including a “Caring for Life” campaign commitment of $75,000 to the Kennedy Birthing Center. “SACHA been extraordinarily instrumental in helping our hospital provide the best possible healthcare,” said Cerkvenik. “I congratulate the officers for extending this complimentary invitation to the wonderful citizens in our community.” For more information, call 986-2375 or visit www.StAnthonyCommunityHosp.org.