Service organizations make a significant difference in our community, and I’m especially proud of the work being done by two organizations serving UnityPoint Health – Methodist|Proctor. The Methodist Service League and the Proctor Service Auxiliary contribute thousands of volunteer hours each year, and their dedication is making a remarkable impact. The women who belong to these groups are hard-working, industrious and innovative… and they share a common mission: to help us achieve the best outcome for every patient, every time.
Since its inception in 1952, the Methodist Service League has given more than $6 million to UnityPoint Health – Methodist, donating more than $150,000 this year alone. The money helps Methodist ensure patient safety with new, high-tech critical care beds and ergonomically-engineered cushions to keep patients comfortable during biopsies. In past years, the Service League has paid for the MammoVan, which provides comfortable and convenient breast health screenings on location to women across central Illinois, and provided initial funding for Methodist College’s Elizabeth Gloss Learning Resource Center, which provides hands-on training to future nurses.
The Proctor Service Auxiliary traces its roots back to 1888, when the Women’s Board of Cottage Hospital was formed. Cottage Hospital would later become Proctor Hospital, enjoying the support of the auxiliary throughout its history. Over the years, the auxiliary has raised more than $3 million for the hospital. This year, even before donating more than $50,000, it purchased specially-designed dry erase boards for patient rooms. These custom boards allow nurses to communicate critical information to patients and their families, helping staff deliver high-quality healthcare to all.
So how do these groups raise such significant amounts of money? Essentially, they operate small businesses. The Methodist Service League runs the Methodist Gift Shop, which sells flowers arranged on-site by the women of the Service League and handmade items crafted in its workshop, as well as candy, jewelry, gifts and more. At the same time, the Service League is preparing for its annual November Gift Show, which raises thousands of dollars in just a few short hours. The Service League has about 80 active members, organized into committees dedicated to overseeing specific components of the gift shop’s retail operation.
At Proctor, the Service Auxiliary is responsible for operating the “Snacks ‘n’ Sodas” shop, which serves about 70 lunches each day. Having inherited ice cream recipes from Hunt’s Drive-In—a popular Peoria eatery of days gone by—it serves treats like chocolate malts, orange freezes and root beer floats. Orders are taken at the counter; then an auxiliary member brings the food to your table and provides full service throughout your meal. The Service Auxiliary’s 96 active members also run the Proctor Gift Shop and host special fundraising events throughout the year.
Together, the Methodist Service League and the Proctor Service Auxiliary are helping UnityPoint Health – Methodist|Proctor transform healthcare. Their tireless efforts are integral to our operations and our culture. I’m incredibly grateful for their service, and I know they’ll continue to play a vital role as we change the way healthcare is delivered in central Illinois. iBi
