Mar 13, 2009

BGMH Auxiliary sells more than just candyBy Lisa Van De HeyGridleyHerald.com

Gridley, Calif. – Sitting in the lobby of Biggs-Gridley Memorial Hospital are owls, penguins, whales, elephants, ducks and bears. Wild animals are not cruising the halls of the hospital, they are ensconsed in glass cases, as the Auxiliary sells more than just candy as a means of fund raising. Well known for their August Ice Cream Social, the Auxiliary sells unique toys, cars, planes, helicopters and firetrucks for the children, along with Disneyland wooden characters such as Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and friends that are legally chartered. For those who collect certain items, there are pigs, butterflies, Dalmations and even Winnie the Pooh collectibles.

Over the past five years, the Auxiliary has donated approximately $10,000 each year to the hospital’s Foundation for the purchase of medical equipment. This is due to the constant fund raising efforts of this great group of people and the people who support them.

Beautiful handmade wooden and metal motorcycles grace the shelves along with a wide variety of glass paperweights in different colors.

Over 400 scenic lamps of Jurassic Park, and New York and Pennsylvania skylines have been sold in the past three years. Beautiful nightlights are a popular item, along with gild plated year-round ornaments. There is even a Backgammon game for those interested.

For children waiting to see a doctor or waiting with their families, there are coloring books and crayons, dolls and footbags (similar to hacky sacks).

Greeting cards are abundant, representing each occasion, selling for just 60 cents each, along with packets of invitations and thank you notes.

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