On page 1 of the March 1, 1912 issue of the Camden Chronicle, Mrs. Douglas A. Boykin made a fervent appeal to women of Kershaw County to organize and work for a hospital in Camden: "You mothers! You housewives! You busy women! These are the ones we want to help us. The busy woman is always the woman that accomplishes the most work outside of her home. The woman of leisure only has time to devote to herself."
The Auxiliary moved into high gear with myriads of fundraisers. Simplest were teas or porch parties hosted by members, with attendees asked to donate 10 cents. Ice cream and cake were sold in Monument Park on special Mondays. Throughout the summer, ice cream was served on the square every Tuesday afternoon during the Kershaw Guards drill.
More elaborate projects included a mock trial at the court house, the sponsorship of plays held at the Opera House with members playing minor roles and profits being split between the Auxiliary and the Yankee theatrical touring companies, and movies. Mary Pickford and Keystone Cops were among the favorites. Many card parties, dinners, dances and musicals were held in private homes, invitations to which read, "Donations to the hospital accepted."
Mrs. Douglas’ call to service more than 100 years ago gave birth to what is now known as the Hospital Auxiliary of KershawHealth. From a group first comprised of area women, the organization’s unremitting work advanced in scope, utilizing the talents of both men and women to help bring the medical complex now known as KershawHealth to fruition.
As the Auxiliary celebrates its 100th anniversary, fundraising projects no longer resemble Mrs. Douglas’ porch parties. Volunteers staff the Auxiliary Gift Shop at KershawHealth, as well as one-day sales within the KershawHealth facility. Lights of Love, a memorial/honorarium project during the Christmas season, benefits hospital departments such as oncology, outpatient surgery, pediatrics, intensive care, radiology, Karesh Long Term Care Center and emergency services. Additionally, all fundraisers help fund need-based scholarships to more than 20 area students and make it possible for the Auxiliary to make substantial contributions toward equipment such as a fetal monitor and lithotripter.
The largest and most popular Auxiliary event is the annual autumn golf tournament, now in its 24th consecutive year. The golf tournament will be held October 24 at the Camden Country Club. Entry fee for the captain’s choice tournament is $60 per person or $240 for a four-person team. Fees include cart, greens fee, mulligan and souvenir.
Proceeds from the tournament and other Auxiliary projects are used to assist KershawHealth in providing equipment that is not covered in the general operating budget, as well as to provide need-based scholarships for area students pursuing careers in healthcare. Currently, more than twenty local students studying in health-related fields are receiving scholarship assistance from the Auxiliary.
In the past, the Auxiliary has assisted with the purchase of sentinel node biopsy equipment for the early detection of breast cancer, as well as a lithotripter, new furniture for the Karesh Wing visitor’s room, a fountain on the Karesh garden patio, new furnishings for the EMT lounge and renovations to the KershawHealth Oncology Department.
The first-place team will receive an award of $500. Each member of the second-place team will be awarded $60, with $35 going to each of the third-place finishers. Those coming closest to the pin on each par 3 hole will receive $25. And finally, a longest drive prize of $25 each will be awarded in both male and female categories.
Breakfast will be available to early birds and refreshments will be provided throughout the day in the club house. A beverage cart will roam the course during the day. For information on registering or sponsoring a hole or team, call 438-1644 or 432-5744. For tee times, call Vince Bachetta at 438-3860.
