The Anna Jaques Hospital Aid Association has been in existence for almost as long as the hospital itself and is one of Anna Jaques’ largest donors and most vocal champions. Founded in 1888, it’s made up of energetic, dedicated individuals whose primary goal is to raise funds to purchase special equipment for the hospital which has made a tremendous difference over the years and has provided millions of dollars for mission critical needs.
The Anna Jaques Aid Association celebrated its Annual Meeting in October and presented a check for $130,000 to Mark Goldstein, president and CEO, David LaFlamme, chairman of the Anna Jaques Board of Trustees, and Matt Khatib, chair of the Anna Jaques Community Health Foundation.
Funds raised this year were designated to: assisting underinsured and uninsured low- to moderate-income patients in Seabrook, New Hampshire; the AJH Birth Center; Comprehensive Pain Clinic; Cardiac Cath and Interventional Radiology Suite; and the Pediatric Psychiatric Unit.
The Aid’s success is attributed to annual events like Great Chefs’ Night, the AJH Gift Shop, special sales like the pie sale and plant sale, the art display and sales program, and the Holiday Arts & Craft Fair, to name a few. These events reflect the important role that the Aid plays as they bring together local businesses, community leaders, hospital supporters, and philanthropic individuals in support of its community hospital.
The meeting also recognized retiring Aid directors (Ellen Andrews, Joyce Enderle, Jan Ryan, and Patricia Mansfield); welcomed new members (Stephanie Brough, Susan Carpenter, Ann DiFrancesco, Patty Doggett, Josie Dow, Ann Lynch, Michelle Miakos, and Gail Zona); and introduced new officers (Karen Davis as corresponding secretary).
The Aid Assoication does not sit still for long, already well underway in raising funds for Anna Jaques Hospital for this next year with many special annual events, fundraisers, and sales during the holidays, including:
Invitation Night Horse and Buggy Rides
Friday, December 6 & 13 – Downtown Newburyport
The Aid will offer horse and buggy rides during both Invitation Nights. Pick-up locations: Brown Square across from City Hall, The Tannery, State Street. No cost, donations accepted.
Annual Tree of Light Remembrance Ceremony
Thursday, December 12 at 5:00 p.m. – AJH Highland Avenue Front Porch
This annual remembrance ceremony and tree lighting invites people to submit names to the 2019 Scroll in honor or in memory of a loved one. For every light that shines from the tree, it shines in honor of someone special. Deadline to submit names for the Scroll is December 9.
Aid Association’s Holiday House Tour
Saturday, December 14 from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Enjoy a rare glimpse into Greater Newburyport’s finest private residences and unique spaces decked out in holiday decor. Complimentary chowder and coffee will be served at City Hall from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Advance discounted tickets are now on sale and are limited, available on a first come, first served basis.
Holiday Dessert Sale
Orders due by December 16. Pick-up is December 23 at AJH.
Purchase delicious desserts for the holidays from Winfrey’s Fudge and Chocolates, Josie’s Home Bakery, and Piro’s Bakery. Details to come on Aid website.
To learn more about the Aid Association or to participate/purchase tickets for the events listed above, visit www.ajh.org/aidassociation.