Annual luncheon is sold-out affair

Published 5:33 pm Wednesday, March 19, 2014

By MARK ST.J. COUHIG

The Dungeness Valley Health & Wellness Clinic now has another $12,000 in its coffers, thanks to a generous gift from the Sequim Dungeness Hospital Guild.

The clinic, which provides quality basic medical care to uninsured and under-insured people who live in the Sequim-Dungeness Valley, was the biggest beneficiary during the guild’s annual May luncheon. More than 150 guild volunteers and other supporters were on hand at 7 Cedars Casino on Wednesday, May 25, to see the new officers installed and a number of gifts delivered.

Jean Janis, who returned as president, introduced new vice-president Addie Curtis, new treasurer Mary Ann Huffman and new thrift shop co-chairman Sue Tondreau. Returning secretary Donna Huswick and returning thrift shop co-chairman Connie Hixon also were recognized.

While they were having fun, the gathered crew also did good work, raising a record-breaking $2,300 with a silent auction.

Giving it up

Three local students each were honored with $1,500 scholarships. Lesley Everett and David Lewis of Port Angeles each received a scholarship, as did Sequim’s Anna Fox, who currently studies at the University of Washington. To date the guild has handed out more than $430,000 in scholarships to local students.

Another $1,650 in scholarship assistance was given to the School of Nursing at Peninsula College.

The guild also provided several grants to Olympic Medical Center, including $5,400 for an electric wheel chair, $1,850 for a Welch-Allen “Spot for Vital Signs” and $1,775 for an NK Knee Exercise Table for post-operative knee surgery therapy. To date the guild has given more than $660,000 in gifts to OMC.

In its 41-year history, the guild has raised more than $1,720,000 from sales at its thrift shop, which is at 204 W. Bell St. in Sequim.

To join the guild or to volunteer, call the thrift shop at 683-7044.

Reach Mark Couhig at mcouhig@sequimgazette.com.