Auxiliary

The Auxiliary of Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital began when a group of DuPage County residents formed the Downers Grove Hospital Association to ensure that adequate medical facilities would be available for an expanding population. In 1969, the Association undertook the hospital project and gained support from surrounding communities, the local medical society, neighboring hospitals  and  other area organizations. This group and its supporters were able to begin planning for the construction of Good Samaritan Hospital.

Realizing how effective the Auxiliary was, June Grotefeld, a determined worker at Advocate Christ Medical Center, was appointed by the Association to recruit more people from the service area of Good Samaritan Hospital and the first meeting was held in October 1972. Today, the Auxiliary continues to render service to the hospital and its patients and assists the hospital in promoting the health and welfare of the community.

In the more than 40 years since its inception, the Auxiliary has donated approximately $10 million to the hospital to help cover the costs of various projects. The Auxiliary pledged the lead gift of $2 million for the construction of the state-of-the-art private room bed tower, renovation of Cardiovascular Services and Bhorade Cancer Center expansion.

The Auxiliary raises funds through its two businesses – the Gingham Tree Resale Shop and the Daisy Basket Gift Shop – and the Ways and Means Committee sales. The Daisy Basket and the Ways and Means Committee bring in popular vendors for special sales.

Click here for a list of upcoming sales: Auxiliary 2019 Sales Events

The membership of the Auxiliary consists of all active volunteers of the hospital and others who support the mission of the Auxiliary. The governing body is the Auxiliary Board which consists of the officers and the chairpersons of standing and special committees. If you wish to contact a Board member, please call 630-275-1242.

The Auxiliary Board meets on a monthly basis and keeps its membership informed through:

Auxiliary membership

Membership in the Auxiliary is open to anyone interested in Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital. All volunteers are required to join the Auxiliary and pay dues. Others who do not wish to volunteer but want to join and support the Auxiliary must complete the membership application: Auxiliary Membership Application or the Friends of the Auxiliary Application: Auxiliary Friends Membership Application. A Friend is a physician, associate, etc. who supports the Auxiliary.

Membership dues are assessed according to the following categories:

  • Junior (ages 16-17): $10 one-time payment
  • Young Adult (ages 18-22): $10 one-time payment
  • Regular (ages 23-64): $10 per year
  • Senior (ages 65+): $5 per year
  • Group: $50 per year
  • Life: $100 one-time payment

Gingham tree resale shop

The Gingham Tree Resale Shop is owned and operated by the Auxiliary. It is located in a separate building, 900 W. 39th St., Downers Grove, on the southeast corner of the hospital campus. The Shop offers clothing, household goods, games, books, appliances  furniture. The Auxiliary donates proceeds from the shop to the hospital. To reach the Gingham Tree, call 630-275-4438.

Daisy basket gift shop

The Daisy Basket Gift Shop is owned and operated by the Auxiliary. It is located on the first floor main lobby area of the hospital and offers unique items including flowers, greeting cards, stuffed animals, clothing  accessories as well as gift items for patients and visitors. The Auxiliary donates proceeds from the shop to the hospital. To reach the Daisy Basket, call 630-275-1118.

Volunteers

Volunteers fulfill our mission and are a vital part of our health care ministry at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital. Their selfless dedication of time and talent makes a significant contribution to the quality of care provided to patients and guests. Men and women of all ages and backgrounds and high school and college students are encouraged to call or email the Volunteer Office to inquire about volunteer opportunities. In 2017 approximately 600 men and women and high school and college student volunteers donated over 82,000 hours to the hospital.

Junior volunteer scholarship program

Each year, the Auxiliary offers two $1,000 scholarships to eligible high school junior volunteers who are interested in pursuing a career in a health-related field. Junior volunteer scholarship recipients are chosen by members of the Auxiliary Board based on the number of volunteer hours worked, grade point average and interest in the health care field. Click below for scholarship eligibility criteria and application:

Auxiliary Junior Scholarship Program

Junior Scholarship application page 1.pdf

Junior Scholarship application page 2.pdf