The Manitowoc Memorial Hospital Auxiliary was formed on August 27, 1953 to promote the welfare of a non-sectarian hospital constructed in Manitowoc in that same year by means of citizen contributions. Because the early records of the organization are missing, the events that led to the formation of the auxiliary can only be gleaned from secondary sources. It is thought that the auxiliary began when Rudolph Schwartz, president of the hospital, requested that Mrs. Charles Bouril and Dorothy Fischl conduct tours at the hospital dedication. Sufficient interest in volunteer support of the hospital was demonstrated that 252 women assembled to sign the charter for the auxiliary. Mrs. Paul Rohr was elected as the first president.
The purposes of the auxiliary remained essentially constant during the next 37 years: service within the hospital, fundraising, and directing public relations for the hospital. The range of volunteer service expanded greatly, however, from operation of the hospital gift shop to work as nurses' aides. In addition, the auxiliary mended linens, provided toys for children, and performed clerical and reception functions. Early in its history, the auxiliary launched a highly regarded junior organization. This group was first known as Teen-Age Group Service but it later became affiliated with the Candy Stripers program.
The auxiliary's chief fundraising activities--a country festival and auction, a pie and ice cream social, and a card party--also remained popular throughout the organization's existence. During its first four years alone, the organization raised almost 25,000 dollars. By 1968 the organization claimed over 600 members, and it annually raised over 70,000 dollars for equipment and scholarships.
In 1987 Manitowoc Memorial Hospital affiliated with Two Rivers Community Hospital to form Lakeshore Health Corporation of Manitowoc County. The auxiliary ceased operation in 1991 when the hospital merged with Holy Family Hospital to become Holy Family Memorial Medical Center, which based its volunteer activities on the volunteer coordinator model rather than the auxiliary model of operation.
