After 109 years, the Mount Zion Auxiliary, one of San Francisco's oldest established philanthropic groups, is still actively supporting its primary cause - patients.
Neatly coiffed women dressed in high-necked, pin-striped dress uniforms represented the early days of the auxiliary. This small band of doctors' wives -- known as the "pink ladies" -- used to visit patients, mend linens and work in the hospital kitchen. Today, the auxiliary has grown from a dedicated service organization into a primary fundraiser and supporter of patient programs and activities in and around UCSF Medical Center at Mount Zion.
"Our organization has thrived over the years because there has continued to be a need for patient services," said Meridithe Mendelsohn, president of the auxiliary's board of directors. "We have the same spirit and dedication to patients as the generations that came before us."
The auxiliary manages many on-site projects that serve patient needs. In the lobby of the hospital at Mount Zion are two gift shops, the Ruth Ann Rosenberg Gift Shop and the Friend to Friend Specialty Shop. Ongoing programs include auxiliary membership and gift solicitation. Funds raised are allocated to the various support groups and research projects that apply for grants. Proceeds from annual coordinated fundraising events, such as the "Love and Laughter" comedy event, also support specific programs.
Moving On
Despite revelations surrounding a past president's improprieties amid
grand theft allegations, members of the auxiliary's executive committee and board of directors have forged onward, determined to continue the good work they have demonstrated for more than a century.
"We refuse to let the actions of one individual bring us down," said Mendelsohn. "This incident was a serious setback financially for us. We are hopeful that the full amount stolen will be recovered."
The news of an embezzlement and subsequent 22-month investigation and arrest of a former board president was announced in May. Auxiliary executive committee and board members have worked to reassure its membership and donor base that the financial oversight reins have since been tightened.
"It is important for our donors to know that their gifts are being appropriately allocated. Sometimes, a negative can turn into a positive, and our board is even more committed to servicing patients' needs," Mendelsohn said. "We are a well-oiled machine made up of dedicated members and volunteers who are protective of our cause. As inpatient and outpatient care at Mount Zion grows, we will be growing along with it."
When Mendelsohn was appointed as the auxiliary's president in 2005, she wanted to see membership quadruple.
"Direct participation through membership is an easy way to contribute," said Mendelsohn. "Members are our backbone, and their support -- both monetarily and in time spent volunteering -- has been invaluable."
For just $35 a year, members will receive the auxiliary newsletter,
The Chart, receive invitations to parties and events, and receive store discounts.
"People can make small gestures and be a part of the auxiliary," said Alan Warshaw, a member of the board of directors, about membership in the Auxiliary.
Services and Support
Friend to Friend Specialty Shop is an unassuming store that is part of a larger retail shop within the hospital. Patients who are receiving chemotherapy can purchase a wide range of merchandise, including bras that contain pockets to hold silicone breast forms and stylish hats, wigs, scarves and turbans to cover heads left hairless from treatment.
"Women with breast cancer have enough going on. Not having to deal with one more thing is important to them," said Chris Wilhite, manager of the Friend to Friend Specialty Shop.
The Friend to Friend shop was named by donor Joseph Friend in recognition of his late wife, Ida. He was instrumental in getting this intimately unique shop off the ground in 1998.
"The store itself is self-sufficient, and profits made go directly to help patients," said Wilhite. "We also created a special fund for low-income cancer patients in which separate donations are accepted for this purpose."
A year ago, Warshaw saw a need to sell the products online. The online store, www.friend2friend.org, complements the already established phone and mail order business. The site has already had an impact on overall sales, with orders coming from all over the Bay Area, from New York and Florida, and even internationally from Jordan.
"The store was inspired by the auxiliary's tradition of providing needed services and assistance to patients and their families and friends," said Warshaw. "The online business was a natural next step for us to take."
Many small and large patient programs benefit from funds raised by the auxiliary. Donors can give a monetary gift in honor of a friend or family member to any of the auxiliary's Tribute Funds, each set up to support specific programs.
For example, the Florence H. Grafman Social Service Fund helps provide interest-free loans to patients in need and the Stephen Blumenthal Fund supports the psychological and social needs of cancer patients and their families. A detailed list of Tribute Funds can be found at the auxiliary
website.
"It is a testament to the auxiliary's long standing in the community that so many programs exist to benefit others," said Mendelsohn. Many donors want to give for specific purposes. They might have a family member who had cancer, or became involved with a program that they want to make sure can continue. It is really up to them."
"A lot of Heart"
It was a different era when 11 women founded the Mount Zion Ladies' Auxiliary on Jan. 26, 1897, 10 years after the Mount Zion Hospital had opened to serve San Francisco's Jewish community. It was early on that women who spent their time doing manual tasks such as mending and cooking would look to achieving loftier goals. They did so by rallying support and raising funds to build an annex to the hospital, among other endeavors.
Through World War II, the auxiliary was a mainstay, setting aside social activities and fundraising to service patients and support outside organizations such as the Red Cross. After the war, fundraising resumed, as the auxiliary grew to up to 600 members, who could contribute their time to care for patients and their families.
The auxiliary has grown and evolved with each decade of service. Today, the board of directors comprises nearly 30 individuals who volunteer their time and includes doctors, cancer survivors, and community and business leaders.
"Our predecessors understood the need to reach out and support patient services in different ways," said Mendelsohn. "Over the years, the auxiliary has raised and allocated millions of dollars and, just as importantly, has overseen millions of hours of volunteer time spent helping people. It's all done with a lot of heart, and I think it shows."
For membership information or other ways to become involved with the auxiliary, call the Mount Zion auxiliary office at 415/885-7354 or visit the
website.
Links:
UCSF Medical Center at Mount Zion homepage
Mount Zion Virtual Tour
Police Arrest Past President of Mount Zion Auxiliary
