Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Answer:
No. Although many individuals are both volunteers and Auxilians, the two groups are essentially separate. The volunteers are part of the Volunteer Resources Department led by the Director of Volunteer Resources/Auxiliary Development. The Lee Memorial Auxiliary elects its own officers and has a board of directors recruited from its membership.

Question:
If I were a volunteer, why would I want to become a member of the Auxiliary?

Answer:
The purpose of the Auxiliary is to support Lee Memorial Health System through fundraising, community relations, education and advocacy. As a member, you would help support these initiatives.

Question:
How much money is raised and for what?

Answer:
These are not small dollars. . . . . last year, the Lee Memorial Auxiliary had net revenue of almost $300,000! Since its inception in 1950, it has donated over $4 million to Lee Memorial Health System. Members vote to determine which Health System/Community projects receive the funds that are raised. Just as you would have great satisfaction in being an LMHS volunteer, as an Auxilian, you would have additional satisfaction in knowing that your efforts also help buy new equipment and fund major projects and facilities.

Answer:
Bright Ideas Gift Shops at Lee Memorial Hospital (LMH) and HealthPark Medical Center (HPMC); Bright Ideas for Kids at HPMC; Cypress Cove Emporium; Baby Pictures; Chocolattes Coffee Shop in HPMC Atrium; Post Offices in Bright Ideas; and Popcorn Sales are the Auxiliary’s ongoing revenue-producing ventures. They serve staff, patients, visitors, and the public.

Jewelry Sales, Book Fairs, Uniform Sales and Art Sales are events held periodically throughout the year. Staffed by Auxilians and held by outside companies, the Auxiliary receives commissions on what is sold. These also generate staff support and add major dollars to the bottom line. Donations, memorials, $10 annual dues, and interest earned also bring in money.

Answer:
Administration asks for System input on what equipment or projects are needed that are not being funded through the capital budget and then prioritizes these. The Auxiliary Board receives a list of those recommended by the administration and, taking into account any budget constraints, votes on requests to bring to the General Membership. At a General Membership Meeting, presentations are made by requesting areas and the membership votes on what to support.

Question:
What types of items are funded?

Answer:
Here is a list of some of the major items recently funded:

	$ 300,000 Oncology Resource and Education Center, part of Lee Cancer Care
	$ 235,000 "Zone Phones" for Lee Memorial Hospital and HealthPark Medical Center to provide immediate access among nurses, physicians and support services
	$ 165,000 Lee Memorial Auxiliary/City of Fort Myers Wes Nott Beautification Project in front of Lee Memorial Hospital
	$ 140,000 Pediatric Transport Ambulance for The Children's Hospital
	$ 135,000 C-Arm (radiology equipment) for Pain Management Services at Lee Memorial Hospital
	$110,943 Pharmacy renovation/expansion at HealthPark Medical Center
	$ 64,247 Three special ventilators for Pediatric Intensive Care Patients
	$ 62,695 Equipment to modify Urology Operating Room at Lee Memorial Hospital
	$ 50,000 Lee Memorial Auxiliary Scholarship Fund to encourage qualified students to enter health-related professions (ongoing)
	$ 50,000 Pink Bazaar Resale Shoppe truck and van replacements
	$ 48,450 Smart Balance Master to help improve mobility and prevent falls
	$ 20,000 Four two-year Radiology Tech School scholarships to help fill critical staffing needs
	$ 19,080 DisABLEd Artists' Studio at The Rehabilitation Hospital
	$ 8,725 Vehicle to transport Rehab Hospital patients on daily-living outings. The Southwest Florida Community Foundation donated $4,000 to the Auxiliary to help fund this project
	$ 3,750 Gram scale for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to weigh mini-premature babies

Answer:
The Auxiliary is frequently called upon to staff other System or community special events such as open houses, Children’s Hospital fundraisers, and health screenings and is pleased to show support. Also, when appropriate, the Auxiliary takes a leadership role and stand on health care initiatives and issues that would benefit the System. There are four General Membership meetings which include the December Holiday Meeting and the complimentary Fall Installation Luncheon.

Answer:
Send your name, address and telephone number with your $10 check and a note that this is for your membership to the Lee Memorial Auxiliary, P.O. Box 2218, Fort Myers, FL 33902. Shortly after receipt, you’ll receive your Lee Memorial Auxiliary membership pin.

Please call 239-334-5388 with any questions.

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