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Mimbres Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home thanks auxiliary for 61 years of volunteerism

Deming Headlight - 1/15/2020

Jan. 14--DEMING -- For the past 61 years, Mimbres Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home had an ambassador to the community of Deming and Luna County. Thanks in great part to the MMH Auxiliary women who have volunteered through the past six decades to assist staff and visitors and put patients and nursing home residents at ease by providing a few of the comforts of home.

The hospital administration and staff recognized the existing members on Sunday, Jan. 12, with a private get-together at the Deming-Luna-Mimbres Museum where a proclamation was read declaring the date as Mimbres Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home Auxiliary Day. Refreshments and desserts were set out for the honored guests and MMH CEO Gary Poquette mingled with auxiliary members.

Established in 1958 -- a year after the current site of the hospital was opened in Deming -- the MMH Auxiliary was the branch extending toward the community. Members provided hand-crocheted throws and lap blankets for patients and provided hand-made teddy bears for children in the hospital. They also were stationed at the information desk to assist visitors to the hospital and nursing home and operated the gift shop. Hospital and nursing home staff could count on the auxiliary to assist in a pinch.

Community involvement is where the auxiliary members shined. Fundraising efforts have provided in the hundreds of thousands of dollars over the past 61 years to enrich the community of Deming and Luna County

The auxiliary raised money for medical equipment, supplies, services, furniture and many of the amenities the nursing home has enjoyed in the last six decades. They also provided scholarships for Deming High School graduates interested in a career in the medical field or health care industry. Nurses at the hospital have benefited from the fundraising efforts of the auxiliary by continuing with education and advancement.

Auxiliary President Virginia Pool recalled one of the biggest fundraisers dating back to the late 1950s and early '60s when the auxiliary would host its annual charity ball. "Oh, it was a lavish event," she said. "Everybody was dressed in formal attire and they danced the night away."

The event was held at the former League of United Latin Americans Hall, Council 205. Tickets were $2.50, and guests could reserve tables. This was strictly a black tie and formal gown event, with a live orchestra providing the dancing music.

The long-standing mission of the auxiliary is: "To be of service to Mimbres Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home, as well as the community of Deming." Mary Hopper told the Headlight, "Most of the money is used to make life more comfortable for the residents of the nursing home, but we also help people improve their lives through education."

Tamara M. Hand, director of business development and marketing for MMH, read the proclamation to the volunteer members and handed out roses to each of the members who attended Sunday's appreciation day. She also said Deming Mayor Benny Jasso -- who was in attendance -- may be working on a city-wide proclamation in honor of the day.

Bill Armendariz can be reached at 575-546-2611 (ext. 2606) or biarmendariz@demingheadlight.com.

Thanks for your support and caring hearts:

--Treasurer Alice Dunham, 15 years

--Benita Weikel, 14 years

--Debbie Ward, 13 years

--Rosie Holguin, 12 years

--Secretary Mary Hopper, 10 years

--Dorothy Appert, 9 years

--President Virginia Pool, 6 years

--June Bauer, 4 years.

--Carol Wolverton

Mimbres Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home Auxiliary.

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(c)2020 The Deming Headlight (Deming, N.M.)

Visit The Deming Headlight (Deming, N.M.) at www.demingheadlight.com

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