• Includes dinner, games and prizes

Mary Miller serves as the president of the Star Valley Health Auxiliary. Linda Linford serves as the secretary. Both women spoke with SVI Media in a recent interview during the Weekday Wake-up program to discuss a Bingo fundraiser taking place this Thursday at 6 p.m. in the Thayne Community Center.

“There will be eight games in total,” she said. “Six regular and two blackout. We have prizes as high as $200 for the blackouts. These funds are used to help supply the hospital with needed equipment and services.”

Some of the items detailed by Miller that is aided by the auxiliary includes medical pumps for the Infusion Department, a sleep room for those on 24-hour shifts in the Radiology Department, equipment for physical therapy, scholarships for graduating seniors going into the medical field and even RV hookups for families who are with those being treated at the hospital.

“We really do a lot of things to try and help people receiving care,” she added.

Thursday’s fundraiser costs $15 which includes a pulled pork dinner, coleslaw, fresh fruit, chips and a beverage as well as eight bingo cards. Additional cards will also be available for purchase.

Linford spoke of how she started her involvement with the organization.

“I was invited by a friend, Linda Hedges, to come check it out and see what it does to help the community,” she said. “I jumped on board and have thoroughly enjoyed it. I didn’t have a clue what it was about and I found all the different areas we can serve in.”

Both women have a special spot for the care center.

“I have a special friend I like to go read to each week and we play games with them as well,” Linford continued. “We also work with the hospital gift shops . We have some folks in the hospital waiting area to try and ease any tension with the families who are having someone going through surgery. We help with the golf tournament, the half-marathon and we make blankets for newborns. Its just a great way to get involved.”

Miller invited those who might be interested to give it a chance.

“Come to a meeting and check us out and see what it’s like,” she replied. “We do an orientation so they are familiar with the hospital. There are different types of memberships. Some are working full time and like to help with our fundraisers. Or perhaps it’s a teacher who can help in the summer. You don’t have to have a full time commitment to help. We try and accommodate people with their schedules.”

The fundraisers help the auxiliary but Miller also praised area businesses for their support.

“The purpose is to promote and advance the health care of SVH and its patients,” she concluded. “We use the funds raised as well as donations from area businesses. We are greatly appreciative of those businesses.”

More information is available at starvalleyhealth.org.