FARMINGTON — A donation to Franklin Memorial Hospital, scholarship announcements, committee reports and the installment of new officers were just a few of the actions taking place at the annual meeting of the Franklin Memorial Hospital Auxiliary on June 5.

Les Gatchell, Auxiliary president, presented Gerald Cayer, FMH executive vice president, with a gift of $10,000 to provide needed services for children. Cayer explained that the funds would go toward two services: first, to provide the technology and infrastructure needed to offer child psychiatry services in the pediatrics’ medical practice via telemedicine; and second, to establish a series of support groups for children and their caregivers affected by domestic violence — the first of its kind in Franklin County.

Cayer applauded the work of the Auxiliary and gave examples of the many gifts Franklin Memorial Hospital has received from the charitable group in the last decade.

“I hope you realize how much we fully appreciate all the hard work you do and the support you give to the hospital,” he said. “For example, this healing garden is here because of you. On a daily basis, I look outside my office and see patients and families there positively affected by its environment.”

Among the reports, Caroleen Caldwell, chair of the scholarship committee, announced the six recipients of the Auxiliary’s West Central Maine Health Careers Scholarship Program. The following nursing students will each be awarded a $600 scholarship: Logan Decker of Farmington, Heather Groder of Wilton, Catherine Grover of Jay, Ayla Haines of Salem, Gloria Reid of Strong and Kelli Welch of New Sharon.

Kitty McDonald reported on the community tea that was slated to take place June 12.

Special recognition was given to McDonald for serving 12 years as the Farmington Fair scheduling chair, as well as Judy Farrington who served 12 years as Auxiliary treasurer.

Jill Gray, FMH community relations manager and staff liaison to the Auxiliary, installed the following officers for the coming year: Kamilla Hall, president; Dawn Girardin, first vice president; Jean Rand, second vice president; Lois Smith, secretary; Priscilla Smith, treasurer; and Betty Levesque, assistant treasurer.

The hospital’s gift shop is the Auxiliary’s major fundraiser in its mission to provide financial support by purchasing equipment that the hospital would like to have but cannot fit into its budget. The 89-member Auxiliary also raises money by way of membership dues, raffles, Bag Ali sales, memorial stones, dances, food and book sales, special events and the Remembrance Tree during the holidays.

Anyone interested in joining the Auxiliary can receive a membership form by contacting Gray at 779-2555.

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