One of the most active opportunities for volunteering at The Chester County Hospital is through one of its many Women's Auxiliaries. The women who generously give in this capacity represent the gentle arms of a community dedicated to their community healthcare provider. Lasting friendships have been made among the members who represent our Auxiliaries. Energetic and organized, their work at the Hospital is evident and greatly appreciated.

The Women's Auxiliary to The Chester County Hospital was founded in 1893, just one year after the Hospital's founding. The volunteer group was organized for the purpose of extending the interests of the Hospital to all parts of the County and to raise funds for building, furnishing and maintaining the Hospital. It also renders personal services in the Hospital through Hospital-Auxiliary coordinated programs. Today, with a membership in the hundreds, it continues to raise friends and funds for the Hospital.

The Women's Auxiliary organizes various familiar and new events throughout the year, all in the effort to support the Hospital. Each year, the Women's Auxiliary raises about $500,000 through various special events and projects.

Pledge of Hope

The Women's Auxiliary has dedicated its current fundraising efforts to the purchase of the Eclipse Treatment Planning System for The Chester County Hospital's Cancer Program. This sophisticated planning software allows clinicians to quickly customize treatment plans so that each patient receives the most targeted treatment for their cancer and the best chance of beating it. The Auxiliary's hope is for all Chester County residents to have access to the best medical care. Its mission is to support The Chester County Hospital's tradition of providing quality healthcare close to home.

Women's Auxiliary Projects

Chester County Day™
Always the first Saturday in October, this historic home tour raises more than $100,000 each year for the Hospital. A tradition since 1936, it attracts approximately 3,500 participants from across the United States and Canada.

Women's Auxiliary Gift Shop (WAGS)
The Gift Shop features a wonderful assortment of unique jewelry, affordable and distinctive gift items, greeting cards and fresh flowers. As a destination point for all gift giving, WAGS features merchandise for birthdays, new baby, holidays and much more. The shop hosts a variety of special events throughout the year. Located on the first floor of the Hospital, the Gift Shop is open daily.

The Encore Shop
Located in Kennett Square at the intersection of Routes 1 and 52, this upscale consignment shop specializes in women's and men's clothing, jewelry, as well as small antiques and glassware.

FORE Health Invitational™ with PGA Pro Sean O'Hair
Held in June at one of the County's premier golf courses, the outing benefits The Chester County Hospital's Women's and Children's Health Services.

Dilworthtown Inn Wine Festival™
Featuring the finest wines, fare, shopping, entertainment and more, this annual event at the renowned Dilworthtown Inn event benefits The Cancer Program of The Chester County Hospital and Neighborhood Hospice.

Beef ~ Beer ~ Boogie™
In mid-March, the Greystone Branch to the Women's Auxiliary throws their Annual celebration of St. Patrick's Day at the West Chester Golf and Country Club. The event features Irish and local beers, a feast complete with Corned Beef and all the trimmings, live music, a silent auction and authentic Irish spirit.

Santa's Workshop
This annual project is for everyone's holiday shopping pleasure in mid-December near the main lobby of the Hospital. The sale features hand-made gift items like jewelry, scarves and ornaments, and home-baked goodies. It is a perfect opportunity to finish holiday shopping while supporting the Hospital.

May Festival
Organized by the community and the Hospital, members of the Women's Auxiliary volunteer to work and support this fun, family friendly fair on the grounds of the Hospital.

Polo Cup™
Begun in 2007, the Polo Cup is an annual event that brings together the exciting sport of polo with a fun and festive tailgating atmosphere. This event draws up to 500 people in attendance and is always held the second Sunday in June.

Service Projects
The women of the Auxiliary lend their support and compassion to make the environment of the Hospital more delightful for patients and employees. They sew pillows for heart surgery patients, knit caps for newborns, and make hats for cancer patients. In addition, they create meal tray favors for special occasions and holidays. Just as all Hospital volunteers do, the Women's Auxiliary serves to build a comforting Hospital experience.

Membership Information
The Women's Auxiliary consists of 11 branches involving members of all ages. We encourage new members to select a branch that best meets her needs. Any volunteer can join any branch. Each division is unique in its location, size, demographics, special events and dues structure. They each meet at various dates, frequency and support different events or projects at the Hospital.

Last Updated: 7/13/2010