St. Anthony Auxiliary recognized members for their dedicated service at the annual Spring Awards Banquet.

St. Anthony Auxiliary recognized members for their dedicated service at the annual Spring Awards Banquet, held earlier this week at St. John Lutheran Church. This year marks the 72nd anniversary of the St. Anthony Auxiliary.

One of the Auxiliary’s most recognizable contributions is the operation of the Coffee and Gift Shop, which offers food and a wide selection of gift items. Auxiliary members also assist at the visitor reception desks in the atrium and surgery center, support activities in the St. Anthony Nursing Home, create silk flower arrangements, bake items for fundraisers, and volunteer with St. Anthony Hospice. Volunteers generously share their time and talent by knitting or crocheting handmade blankets for every baby born at St. Anthony. As part of the hospital’s spiritual care program, patients are also comforted with hand-crafted prayer shawls.

The Auxiliary’s Volunteer of the Year Award, given to a member who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, was presented to Nancy Malloy for 2025.

This year, over 300 Auxiliary members donated a total of 22,004 hours across a wide range of roles. An additional 5,412 hours were contributed by volunteers outside the Auxiliary. Four new members joined the organization during the year. Since recordkeeping began, St. Anthony volunteers have donated a remarkable 565,635 hours of service.

“On behalf of St. Anthony, we thank each Auxiliary member for your service and commitment to our hospital, our patients, and our community,” said Allen Anderson, President and CEO of St. Anthony Regional Hospital. “From giving directions to visitors to knitting blankets by hand, none of your efforts go unnoticed.”

Since formal recordkeeping began in 1994, the St. Anthony Auxiliary has contributed over $905,000 toward major hospital projects including the Alzheimer’s addition, The Birth Place, Cancer Center, Education Center, Stork’s Nest, and cardiac rehabilitation. They also help fund needed equipment, supplies, and toys throughout the hospital.

The Auxiliary’s scholarship program supports students at DMACC, Kuemper Catholic, and Carroll High School who plan to enter medical fields. It also contributes to the Iowa Healthcare Education and Research Foundation statewide scholarship program. In addition, the Auxiliary is a major sponsor of the annual St. Anthony Golf Classic. Fundraising efforts throughout the year include book and bake sales, $5 jewelry events, uniform sales, and bus trips.