Women's Auxiliary Plano Chapter
The Women's Auxiliary is a non-profit organization established in 1962 by leaders in our community with a mission to render efficient and effective service to all units of Children's Health℠. Our members have been dedicated ambassadors of Children's Health for the past 60 years.
Our mission: To make life better for children.
Join The Women's Auxiliary Plano
Letter from the President
Dear members of the Women's Auxiliary to Children's Medical Center Plano,
Welcome, everyone, to our 14th year! It is with immense joy and gratitude that I stand before you as the President of this wonderful organization for the 2023-2024 year. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to my predecessors and all the members who have contributed to the success of this Auxiliary. Your dedication to serving others with the utmost respect, grace, and compassion is truly exceptional.
Our Auxiliary is like confetti, sprinkling kindness, talents, and resources to make life better for children. Each one of you brings unique reasons for committing to this noble cause, and I am grateful for all that brought you to where we are today. We believe that Children’s Healthsm is a special place, not only for our young patients but also for their families and the dedicated staff who work tirelessly to care for them.
Children's Health continues to be the leader for excellent pediatric healthcare in North Texas and beyond. It sets the gold standard of care for those who seek our services. As members of this Auxiliary, you serve as valuable ambassadors in the community and dedicated fundraisers, contributing to the life-saving care provided at Children’s. Over the years, our collective efforts have gifted over $2 million to the Plano campus through events like North Texas Giving Day, BOO Yard Sign Challenge, Santa's Workshop, The Red Balloon League, and Legacy of Love.
The impact of your hard work and dedication is evident in the significant support we were able to provide for various programs this past year. From pediatric oncology services to pediatric mental health initiatives, Bear Hugs, the Children’s Health Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Pet Therapy, the Kathy S. Boobar Endowment, Clinical Research, the Plano campus expansion, and lifesaving medical equipment – each day, children's lives are positively affected by these initiatives.
As we look ahead, the impressive expansion on the Plano campus brings exciting opportunities for our Auxiliary. The innovatively designed patient rooms, and the focus on pediatric mental health services will be vital enhancements to the care we provide. Our goal remains clear – to ensure the best possible care for the growing pediatric population, from all walks of life, and corners of the world.
This growth also gives us the chance to develop and nurture our volunteer programs intentionally. Initiatives like our signature patient cart, which provides complimentary snacks and essential items to families, Bear Hugs – gifting a bear to each child facing surgery, and comforting blankets, all exemplify the love and care we bring to those in need. Moreover, we will continue showing our appreciation to the staff with "treat days" and our coveted holiday gift-wrapping services.
Through these moments, we come together, forming friendships, and spreading kindness like confetti everywhere. Our Auxiliary is a group of remarkable women, dedicated to making a difference in the lives of these precious children. Your presence is the cornerstone of what makes this organization special. Let us remain united in our vision for Children's Medical Center Plano and be a strong voice for the children we serve.
Remember, we are better together as we continue to make life better for children.
Sincerely,
Diane Hopson
President 2023-2024
Women’s Auxiliary to Children’s Medical Center Plano
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Donate to the Auxiliary
The Women's Auxiliary carries out its mission by raising funds to support high-need areas of the hospital. Thank you for helping us.
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Become a Member
Membership is open to all women committed to the Auxiliary’s mission of helping Children's Health make life better for children.
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Events and Projects
We carry out our mission by raising funds to support high needs areas of the hospital through several annual fundraising projects and events.
2022-23 Women's Auxiliary Plano Photos
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Leadership
Congratulations to our 2023-2024 chairs. Your leadership will help Children's Health fulfill its mission to make life better for children.
- President
Diane Hopson - President-Elect
Heather Lothes - Treasurer
Chris Krupa Downs - Treasurer-Elect
Lori Kreitman - Recording Secretary
Lisa Raskin - Corresponding Secretary
Joa Muns - Parliamentarian
Donna Ivy - Boo Yard Sign Challenge
Kelley Spurlock
Beth Vasil - Communications
Allison Doyle - Deck the Halls
Brandi McKay - Deck the Halls-Elect*
Cindy Latch - Gifts
Joan C. Smith
Allison Doyle - Graphic Design*
Leslie Newman - Hospitality
Janie Burke
Joany Pardee - Legacy of Love
Amanda Konersmann
Justine Sweeney - Legacy of Love-Elect
Maggie Tarsinos
Amber Wax - Membership
Lori Antonioli
- Newsletter*
Stephanie Berry - Nominating
Michelle Pisciotta - Patient Support
Marilyn Mahoney - Patient/Family Support Cart
Lisa Wellen
Kay Anthony - Patient Support Blanket Coordinator*
Brenda Harrell
Karen Ritter - Patient Support Hospital Holiday Party Coordinator
Diane Danks
Jenny Wood - The Red Balloon League
Melanie Wong
Kelly Noonan - Santa’s Workshop
Casey Erdmann
Carly Wohlers - Santa’s Workshop-Elect*
Kelley Feagins
Donna Ivy - Social Media*
Elyse Graver - Special Events and NTGD
Melanie Perkins - Sponsor Development
Sharon Yager - Staff Appreciation
Christel Morrison - Staff Appreciation Basket Coordinator*
Michelle Lauck
Leslie Peskind - Staff Appreciation/Holiday Gift Wrap Coordinator*
Becky McKinney - Strategic Planning
Jean Callison
*Ex officio, non-voting members of the Board of Directors
- President
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Lifetime Members
Update Lifetime Membership Information
Plano Lifetime Members (as of August 2023)
- Susan Abernethy
- Jackie Almquist
- Lara Ashmore
- Stephanie Barnes
- Lori Barry
- Carrie Benson
- Jennifer Berry
- Denise Bickel
- Rita Bisacca
- Wendy Blackwell
- Sandy Brennan
- Donna Bryant
- Karla Bryant
- Lynn Buxton
- Jean Callison
- Nora C. Carter
- Rebecca Egelston Caso
- Traci Chrisman
- Phyllis Cole
- Laura C. Curran
- Betsy deVenny
- Chris Krupa Downs
- Allison Doyle
- Christina Durovich
- Courtney Echols
- Jennifer Edgeworth
- Lucy Edling
- Wendy Engibous
- Casey Erdmann
- Wanda B. Farr
- Nina Felt
- Rachel Friedman
- Dawn Gall
- Pamela Grant-Clark
- Lisa Guerrero
- Sherie Hammett
- Holly Hassmann
- Stephanie Hilburn
- Diane Hopson
- Joyce Houlihan
- Ronelle Ianace
- Donna Ivy
- Cindy Johnson
- Jennifer Johnson
- Patricia Johnson
- Mindy Lefevre
- Cece Liekar
- Nicki Loper
- Marilyn Mahoney
- Kathy Manack
- Downie Mathis
- Brandy Matthews
- Jenni McGaha
- Becky McKinney
- Becky McKinney
- Jenni McGaha
- Debi Means
- Letty Minkoff
- Christi W. Mitchell
- Joa Muns
- René Neely
- Kimberly Nelon
- Lisa Norton
- Mary O'Hanlon
- Cissy Oldner
- Belinda Orland
- Linda Paulk
- Holly Pennett
- Ashleigh Pogue
- Nicole Powell
- Peggy Pratt
- Kathy Ott Prior
- Marlo Pulliam
- Kathy Railsback
- Lisa Raskin
- Abby Ray
- Traci Redding
- Kay Richardson
- Jan Richey
- Kathi Rupp
- Carol P. Schauer
- Kathy Schell
- Theresa Sinacola
- Colleen Smith
- Joan C. Smith
- Sheri Steele
- Susan Strandt
- Jenny Stutler
- April Tate
- Kimberly N. Terrazas
- Tracy Tomson
- Ruthie Vander Lugt
- Sherrie Varrichio
- Lisa Viguet
- Donna Watkins
- Beth Webb
- Lisa Phelan Wellen
- Nancy B. Welwood
- Allison Whitfield
- Carly Wohlers
- Pam Wohlers
- Sharon Yager
- Tina Young
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Hospital Support
The Women's Auxiliary supports Children's Health in many ways:
Staff Support
Throughout the year, teams of Auxiliary members express their appreciation to the staff at Children’s for their commitment to the hospital, our patients and their families. Baskets of treats are provided to show our support and gratitude for their hard work and dedication to those in the greatest of need. In addition, during the holiday season, the Women’s Auxiliary offers their time and talents to a gift-wrapping service for the Children’s Medical Center Plano staff.
Patient Support
At the Plano Campus, the Auxiliary's Patient Support Committee has many ways for volunteers to get involved. Volunteers participate in making fleece blankets for patients, collecting special treats and distributing holiday goodie bags during Halloween and Easter, assisting children with holiday crafts and activities during the annual Tree Lighting event and coordinating a patient family dinner. We help make the patient’s stay (and their family’s) at the hospital as comfortable as possible by delivering complimentary snacks and toiletries via the Patient/Family Support Cart. Drives are conducted throughout the year to collect items for the cart and other patient support programs including:
- Snacks and toiletries for the Patient/Family Support Cart
- Fleece fabric for blanket projects
- Art supplies for the Eating Disorders Clinic
- Crayons and coloring books
- Halloween and Easter goodies
The Patient/Family Support Cart makes a huge impact on thousands of patient families. We are pleased to provide this service and thank American Hotel Registry, GoGo Squeez & Niagara Bottling for their continued support to this complimentary service. If you would like to help, please contact patientsupport.plano@childrensauxiliary.org to get involved.
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History of Giving
Since 1962, the Auxiliary has continued its tradition and rich history of service to Children’s Medical Center by raising funds for hospital priorities through annual fundraising events and special projects. Through the incredible generosity and countless volunteer hours of its members and a community of friends and supporters, the Auxiliary has gifted more than $27 million to Children’s.
The following is a list of gifts made by the Women’s Auxiliary to Children’s Medical Center Dallas and Plano chapters:
Construction and Renovation
- 12th Floor Critical Care Unit at Children's Dallas (wePromise Campaign gift)
- Center of Excellence in Godly Play
- Children's Garden
- Children's Medical Center Plano expansion
- Emergency Department renovation
- Gift Shop and Admitting area renovations
- The Heart Center
- ICU Room in honor of George Farr
- ICU Room in honor of Linda Harris
- Krissi Holman Family Resource Library and Children's Collection
- Neurology EEG room
- Nourishment Room - Children's Medical Center Plano
- Pauline Allen Gill Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit renovations
- Renovations to the Psychiatric Unit and Intensive Care Unit waiting rooms
- School classroom for the patient education program
- Team Work Station - Children's Medical Center Plano
- Three operating suites at CHildren's Dallas (Diamond Jubilee Campaign gift)
- Transfusion service improvements and outpatient phlebotomy lab
- Transport services communications system improvement
- Women's Auxiliary Playground expansion
Education
- Asthma education pilot program
- Bilingual services initiative education and evaluation
- Clinical Research
- Diabetes nurse educator
- Home health care teaching guides
- Management and staff development
- Pathology/lab multimedia computer systems
- Patient preparation materials
- Plating distracting module for plastic surgery
- Sepsis simulation equipment and training software
- Toughbooks with charging stations
Equipment
- Angel Eye Cameras for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
- Audiovisual carts for Pediatric Trauma
- Beds and cribs
- C-Arm portable X-ray for Pediatric Trauma
- Caldwell Sierra Summit Electromyography Machine
- Children's Corner Gift Shop Systems Improvement
- Diagnostic equipment for the Fetal Neonatal Program
- DVD players and movies
- External pacemakers for Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit
- Heart Center Nordic MRI-Safe Tablet
- ICU televisions and VCRs
- Infant immobilization chair
- iPads and customized stands
- Laerdal SimBaby for Respiratory Care
- Laerdal SimKid and Glidescope
- Life-support equipment
- The Mindray SP5-1s Ultrasound Probe
- Monitor and warmers for the Seay Emergency Center
- Neonatal patient room equipment and crib
- NOMAD Pro handheld X-ray Systems
- Orthodontic Scanner
- Ottobock Kima Strollers
- Oxygen blenders and ECMO equipment
- Pagers for ICU families and parent amenity kits
- PICU Bladder Scanners
- Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS)
- Playground at Children's Plano
- Portable defibrillator/oximeter for Children's Transport Service
- Portable X-ray machine
- Pro Pac Monitor for Transport Service
- Rehabilitation and Therapy Services
- Relay Robot
- Security safes for patient rooms
- Sleep-monitoring equipment
- Stryker cribs for operating rooms and operating room microscopes
- Surgical robotic arms and cameras
- Volunteer Management software
- Wheelchairs for the Seay Emergency Center
- Wheelchairs for teen population
- Women's Auxiliary Playground at Children's Medical Center Plano
- Virtual Reality Equipment for Chronic Pain Rehabilitation
- Zoll X Series Monitors for Children's Transport Services
Programs
- Arts & Humanities
- Art Therapy Program
- Bear Hugs
- Beads of Courage
- Bereavement Care
- Camp Moss
- Car Seat Safety
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders
- Center for Pediatric Eating Disorders
- Child Life
- Child Life - Funnyatricks ProgramTM
- Children's Centennial History Book
- Children's Health Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
- Children's Health Response Fund
- Children's Plano 10-Year Carnival Celebration
- Children's Research Institute
- Comprehensive Gait and Mobility Program
- Earn Nose and Throat (ENT) Program
- Electronics package for patient infusion rooms at CCBD
- Employee Care Fund
- Endoscopy Lab/Omegaven Trial
- Extracorporeal Membranous Oxygenation (ECMO) Program
- Food Pantry in Partnership with North Texas Food Bank
- Foster Care
- The Heart Center - Neurodevelopmental Program
- Indigent Care
- Language Access Services
- Music Therapy
- Neonatal parent education
- Pastoral Care
- Patient and patient-family snack baskets for infusion rooms at Gill Center
- Patient Family Support Services
- Patient education program
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) - Child Life Specialist
- Pediatric Mental Health
- Pediatric Oncology Services
- Pediatric Stroke Project
- Pet Therapy Program
- Prenatal Dental Program
- Recreational Art Program
- Referral and Evaluation of At-Risk Children (REACH)
- School-based Telebehavioral Health
- School-based Telehealth program
- Seay Emergency Center - Nitrous Oxide Program
- Senior Nursing Student Day
- Sensory integration assessment/treatment
- Suicide Prevention and Resilience at Children's Program (SPARC)
- Summer teen volunteers
- Teen Recovery Program
- TeleNICU Services
Scholarships and Seminars
- Dallas Women’s Auxiliary Endowment for Children’s Health
- Dallas Women’s Auxiliary Endowment for Patient and Family Support Services
- Huvelle Memorial Loan Fund for Residents
- James Farnsworth Health Careers Scholarship Endowment
- Kenneth C. Haltalin Pediatric Seminar
- Pastoral Care Seminar
- The Plano Women’s Auxiliary Endowment for Children’s Health Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
- Women’s Auxiliary Kathy S. Boobar Endowment for Indigent Care
- Women's Auxiliary Scholarship Fund