On Saturday, May 14, 2011 the Chilliwack Hospital Auxiliary will celebrate 100 years of service to the community.
The early fundraising began in March 1908 when Carl Grossman and a group of young men organized two performances of a minstrel show to raise funds for a hospital fund. This event was followed in 1911 by a “Feast of Nations” organized by Carl’s mother, Julia, and sister, Elva. This two-day event involved women’s groups from the community and raised the equivalent of about $36,400.00 in today’s money. These women formed the foundation of the Chilliwack Hospital Auxiliary, officially formed in May 1, 1911. Elva Grossman was the Auxiliary’s first secretary.
Now, 100 years later, the centennial celebration brings together descendants of Julia Grossman: five great-grandsons, a great-great granddaughter, and a great-great-great granddaughter. Additionally, the niece of Louisa Stiff, sister-in-law to Carl Grossman and organizer of the Irish booth at the 1911 “Feast of Nations” will also be taking part in the festivities.
Join the Auxiliary on May 14, 2011 for a luncheon including entertainment featuring ‘Elvis’ (Steve Elliott), and barbershop quartet HiQ. Author Andrea Lister will be signing her book, Commitment to Caring: Chilliwack Hospital Auxiliary’s 100 years, 1911-2011, the story of determined women, in a time before they were considered persons under the law, who fundraised, sewed, canned, and knitted to establish Chilliwack’s first hospital.
Location: Coast Chilliwack Hotel, 11:00 am 3:00 pm
Tickets are $35, available at the Thrift Shoppe, Hospital Information Booth, and Auxiliary members. The community of Chilliwack and surrounding area is invited to help celebrate this event and wearing costumes from the past is welcomed.