Flagler Hospital Auxiliary Celebrates Milestone Anniversary
With a rich history of service to the St. Augustine community, the Flagler Hospital Auxiliary will is celebrating its 135th anniversary, according to a Flagler Health+ media release. The establishment of the Auxiliary in 1888 was the cornerstone of the creation of the Flagler Hospital.
Recognizing a need for a hospital in his new home city, industrialist Henry M. Flagler began a campaign to bring the vision to reality. Pulling together the city’s most influential ladies for a meeting in the rotunda of the Ponce de Leon Hotel, Flagler challenged them with a proposal where if they could organize and maintain it, he would build the hospital, the release states.
This group became the Flagler Hospital Auxiliary, the oldest hospital auxiliary in Florida and the seventh oldest in the United States. The hospital, which was originally named the Alicia Hospital and later renamed Flagler Hospital, opened in 1890. Since then, the Auxiliary has remained constant through fires, relocations, and tremendous growth throughout the region.
“Congratulations to the Flagler Hospital Auxiliary for reaching this milestone. It is through their support that we can attain the level of care and service that we are able to provide for our community,” said Carlton DeVooght, President and CEO of Flagler Health+, in the release. “Their tireless efforts and enthusiasm for what they do is truly inspiring.”
The Flagler Hospital Auxiliary is actively recruiting volunteers. People interested in joining the Flagler Hospital Auxiliary can pick up an application at the front desk in the hospital lobby or in the Volunteer Services office.
“For 135 years, residents of St. Augustine have come together to volunteer their time for the benefit of their fellow citizens,” said Rita Hubbs, Flagler Health+ Volunteer Services Specialist, in the release. “We are proud of the rich tradition of the Flagler Hospital Auxiliary in helping to service the needs of our community and look forward to a long and bright future.”
