75 Years of Admirable Service Rooted in History

Founded on March 1^st in 1951 and officially implemented on March 8^th of the same year, this vital support resource will hit the 75-year milestone in 2026. It is one of the longstanding and commendable aspects built into patient care at Ivinson. The Auxiliary is inviting the community to join us for refreshments and to celebrate this accomplishment while honoring the 28 women that are part of the original, historical establishment of the Auxiliary.

At the event, hospital leadership will speak about the impact of the Auxiliary on the Ivinson community, and will share historical displays of meaningful work of the Auxiliary group over the years. Attendees can interact with volunteers, understand their impact, and learn about the history and programs of the Auxiliary. These volunteers come from all walks of life and are made up of people you see day to day in the Laramie community. They have a passion for service bring a wealth of knowledge and a collaborative mindset that complements the very personal spirit of each interaction with patients and guests.

The volunteers work in almost every part of the hospital including the cancer center, guest relations, imaging, and the gift shop. They make sure people feel welcome, comfortable, heard, and make it to their destination as a helpful guide. 

“The entire purpose of the Auxiliary is to support the staff, patients, and visitors of the hospital through fundraising and volunteerism,” said Sharleen Castle, Ivinson’s volunteer coordinator. ​“The Auxiliary would not be successful without the hospital’s support as an entity and as individuals.” 

The Auxiliary acts as a fundraising arm and a community touchpoint. The Auxiliary and Ivinson complement each other in more ways than simply enhancing visitor and patient experience. They are also key to Ivinson’s legacy. The hospital’s mission to be trusted partners in world-class health care involves our most vital components: the Laramie community and the Ivinson staff.

Volunteerism is the backbone of the Auxiliary. As joyfully expressed by Sharleen, ​“Our mission is to be the very best, the best of the best even.” Over the last 75 years, the Auxiliary has had a hands-on approach to community Involvement in partnership with the hospital through hosting tea events, selling items in the Pinecone Gift shop, and planning the annual Vera Bradley Bingo event, which is a sell-out fundraiser every fall. Funds raised from these events have been used to purchase equipment for improving patient care across hospital departments along with supporting projects like the Emergency Services renovation. Ivinson would like the community to utilize the opportunity to learn about our volunteer positions firsthand at the Auxiliary 75-year celebration.

If you are interested in lending a hand and pursuing our goal of bringing world class health care through volunteerism visit https://​www​.ivin​son​hos​pi​tal​.org/​v​o​l​u​n​teers or call (307) 755‑4513.