1967 -1969

Bev Gillig took office in 1967 and, with much planning, guided the Auxiliary through two years of new and exciting events.

Led by Co -Chairmen Judy Neff and Phyllis Kritzer, the Auxiliary’s first Christmas boutique, The Sugarplum Shoppe, opened with a by – invitation -only Preview Party on Tuesday, November 19, 1968. Mayor Dave Hall proclaimed that week “Children’s Medical Center Week.” With the local media providing plenty of coverage, even the falling snow didn’t prevent a throng of people from attending the elegant affair at the Sheraton-Dayton Hotel. Sugarplum was open to the public on Wednesday and Thursday, with a Luncheon and Fashion Show held on both days. The profits from that first Sugarplum totaled $16,000!

The first patients were admitted to the new medical center in 1967 and TWIGs volunteered to do many service projects, including working as nurse’s aides, play room assistants, receptionists and clerical workers, helping with the library and toy carts and delivering flowers and mail. They also gave many hours to the outpatient clinic where matching funds were given for hours of service. The provision of tray favors for the kids, as well as the sewing of aprons, puppets, and gowns for the little patients to wear, also began in 1967. Bev’s term also saw the establishment of a small purchase fund, the “Tot Pot” (now known as the Tot Fund) to provide strollers, high chairs, etc. A culmination of these exciting two years was acceptance of the Auxiliary into the American Hospital Association.

1969-1971

The 1969-71 Auxiliary President, Judy Neff, kept the ball rolling as TWIGs continued to add additional events to their crowded calendar of activities. TWIGs decorated Henrici’s Restaurant and helped sponsor an “April in Paris” evening to benefit CMC. There were also luncheon/fashion shows, the Carol Reed Show, a champagne luncheon, semi-annual Monte Carlos, and a polo match to attend.

Remember the Tuesday in February we all had coffee with Polly Bergen at Rike’s? She was so impressed with our TWIG program that she decided to visit our patients at the hospital. She took a special interest in one of the teenagers who had lost the will to live. Polly charmed that child and others, giving us all a new look on life.

Several new programs were introduced to help the children be less afraid while at the hospital. Barney Bear, the hand puppet, was introduced in 1969. Each patient received a puppet and a coloring book designed to show some of the things they would see and experience while in the hospital. The pre-surgery program was also begun as another means of acquainting children and their parents with the strange sights and sounds of the hospital. This program benefited from the expert talents of Joan Ste. Marie, who planned and wrote a puppet show to help alleviate the children’s fears.

Sugarplum Shoppe 1969, chaired by Audrey Hendrickson and her assistant, Barb Wasmund, produced a shopper’s paradise with over 5,000 handmade items. The fashion shows were spectacular with former Daytonian Phil Donahue and former Miss Ohio Darlene DiPasquale serving as commentators!

The big event in 1970 was the opening of the Thrift Shop on Valley Street, which was the inspiration of Jean Fox and Bonnie Walker and managed by Sandy Krimm. Several local businesses contributed new clothing and Fox Cleaners donated unclaimed clothing items. That first year there were seven fur coats donated and a diamond ring! (The ring was mixed in with costume jewelry and sold for 10¢!) Net profits were $17,500 from the first year and an immediate move to larger quarters in an old house right next to the Medical Center was made. While the Thrift Shop was operating, almost every TWIG was involved at one time or another in this project.

Yet another new volunteer project was started in 1970 by TWIGs to make sure “our kids” would never lack for replacement of the first pint of blood needed in any of their surgeries.

The 1970 Sugarplum Shoppe was the first to have a Sugarplum Child, Kylea Phillips, to represent all the children who benefit from the facilities at CMC. Jan Wilson and her co-Chairman, Helen Fooksman, planned several new features for 1970. A black-tie Couples Dinner Night (courtesy of Arthur Beerman) featured a fashion show commentated by New York designer Stan Herman, a Gourmet Shop, and a Tot Shoppe.

By 1970, there were 1,050 members in 39 branches — ranging from Ansonia to Xenia — all supporting the various Auxiliary projects.

1971-1972

Barbara Wasmund became President in 1971 and soon exclaimed to a local newspaper, “I’ll have to reintroduce myself to my family after my term is over.” Barb also stated that “TWIG” was the first word her three sons learned to say. Barbara’s term saw the establishment of “Teen TWIGs,” which was open to girls aged 12 to 18. These energetic young ladies planned several fund-raising activities and provided thousands of “Clyde the Clown” finger puppets, tray favors, babysitter guides, and Thrift Shop assistance.

In 1971, the Sugarplum Shoppe continued to grow with Chairman Donna Clark and her assistant, Elaine Seamon, transforming the hotel’s fourth floor into a miniature English village. A new twist was the Wednesday evening family buffet followed by entertainment for the children, freeing parents to shop. Another highlight of 1971’s event was from the White House. Pat Nixon sent a lovely autographed steel engraving and a pair of scissors to be auctioned. She wrote, “Children have unique medical needs which require skilled care and attention. I am pleased to have an opportunity to participate in this worthwhile activity. Your group may take pride in the remarkable accomplishments which have greatly assisted the Children’s Medical Center.” The Sugarplum profits in 1971 doubled from the first year’s $16,000 to over $32,000.

TWIG #38 had the brilliant idea of having Paul Lynde speak at a benefit luncheon. Paul, in town to star in a summer theater production, chatted informally with 900 luncheon guests! Charming everyone with his wit and candor, Paul helped CMC benefit with over $1,000.00 in ticket sales.

1972 saw the start of TWIG cooperation with the Dayton Motor Boat Racing Association as we helped sponsor the National Championship Regatta at Eastwood Lake. That first year saw beautiful weather and thousands of ticket sales. Chairman Jean Fox and her assistant, Bev Gillig, made Sugarplum Shoppe 1972 a “Calico Christmas,” and scheduled it on a weekend, making it more convenient for families to attend. Emmert Royer of BHA donated a Conn Strummer organ to be raffled. This year’s profit grew to $45,733.

1973-1974

Barbara Patterson assumed the Presidency in May 1973. She would have one year to lead the Auxiliary through their on-going projects, train the President-Elect and help organize new projects. TWIGs produced a new educational program for children in the Dayton area. “The Three Ways to Enter the Children’s Medical Center” was a slide and puppet show presented in area schools.

1973’s participation in the National Championship Regatta at Eastwood Lake saw cold and rainy June weather with everybody wearing boots, hats, coats and gloves while trying to sell thousands of boat race cushions!

Sugarplum Shoppe 1973 was a year of many firsts. It was our first year in the new Convention Center, and Julie Maxton and her Co-Chairman, Rita Poole, had quite a challenge to come up with a decorating scheme to make it elegant. It was the first year Dayton-Walther Corporation provided celebrities for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Actor Robert Vaughn and Dayton’s own Indy 500 driver, Salt Walther, attended Preview Night. New at Sugarplum Shoppe that year was a Family Day on Sunday, which featured demonstrating artisans, the Letters from Santa booth, and a Mouse House Raffle. More than 7,000 items plus increased space led to the largest Sugarplum profit to date: $61,500!

1974-1975

In 1974, TWIGs had an opportunity to turn their energies toward the benefit of all. They pitched in to organize a relief fund following the tragic Xenia tornado and provided clothing, food, furniture, baby equipment, and hundreds of dollars to families who lost homes and businesses. TWIGs also offered their own homes to shelter homeless victims of the disaster.

Leading the TWIGs through their tenth year was the very capable Donna Clark, who centered her efforts on educational and in-service volunteer development. TWIGs will always remember the tea party Mrs. George Mead gave that year honoring the Auxiliary. She opened her home to all 1300 members. It was indeed an honor to be invited to Mrs. Mead’s home and it will be long remembered as a very special day.

Sugarplum 1974 was led by Marilynn Miller and her Co-Chairman, Jo McCrabb. Many more Boutique items were needed and delivered by TWIGs for the additional space available at the Convention Center. The celebrity was George Gobel, who brought along his son, and both father and son decided to stay an extra day to visit with our children at CMC! Members of TWIG #23 were understandably proud of their Swiss chalet miniature dollhouse, which was raffled that year, and was the start of yet another Sugarplum Shoppe tradition. Proceeds from 1974’s event totaled $66,601.

1974 also saw the beginning of our participation in the Dayton Pro Tennis Classic, which netted $2000.00 that first year. During the period from 1969 to 1974, pledges totaling $340,000 for the hospital’s Phase I Expansion program were paid by the Auxiliary. The initial addition to the building (Phase I) was opened on January 10, 1974; and, in February 1974, the Auxiliary made an additional pledge of $77,000 to improve the parking lot at CMC. In 1975, with these financial accomplishments behind us, we made our largest pledge ever — $400,000 for the construction of Phase II.

1975-1976

Betty Miller, the 1975-76 President, helped commemorate the tenth anniversary of TWIGs by planting a sapling from the tree of Hippo crates, which was a gift from Dr. Kauder and the hospital. This sapling is now thriving at the west door of the Medical Center, a living reminder of the tradition of service to humanity that the TWIGs have helped make possible at CMC. Betty’s term saw the completion of the TWIG handbook and TWIG pamphlet.

Sugarplum Shoppe 1975 continued to expand under Bonnie Walker and assistant Judy Jerardi’s direction. The celebrity was Bob Braun, and we were overwhelmed that year with responses to letters written to celebrities asking for personal or autographed items for the new Sports Dome. The profit was the highest to that date: $69,172.

The handicraft talents of our TWIGs earned two first place awards at the OHA convention that year in a competition among all the state’s auxiliaries. TWIGs also sewed over 300 new, color-coded smocks for the nurses and aides at CMC. With increased profits from TWIG and Auxiliary projects, for the first time we exceeded the magic amount of $100.000 per year with donations totaling more than $103,000.

1976-1977

The two major themes of fundraising and time-giving continued to be the main focus in 1976-77 as Mary Houpis led the Auxiliary through some major projects. Sugarplum was led by Esther Chestnut and assistant Lesli Garrison. The Boutique now included an antiques area and the Luncheon and Fashion Show, sponsored by Rike’s for the first time, were held at the new Stouffer Hotel. The Wine and Cheese Garden provided a place to rest and relax with a snack or drink. Bob Braun, Cliff Lash and the Fun Bunch were again the performing guests on Preview Night. With profits of $66,175 from the 1976 event, plus profits from the individual TWIGs projects, the pledge payment that year reached $107,000.

1977-1978

Linda Neff, President in 1977-78, was able to preside over the fundraising events that surrounded the opening of the hospital’s Phase II expansion. That construction was made possible, in part, by our completion of the 1975 four-year pledge of $400,000 in just three years. With Governor James Rhodes and other dignitaries in town for the occasion, it was a special pleasure to realize most of the celebration was due to the continued support and loyal devotion of thousands of TWIGs over the years. The additional expansion at CMC gave us additional opportunities for volunteering since we were able to increase the number of patients served by Children’s Medical Center.

1977 marked the tenth birthday of Sugarplum Shoppe, and Co-Chairmen Fran Watts and Donna Moore celebrated it with a special event at Courthouse Square, complete with a birthday cake shared by Mayor James McGee and passersby. Preview Night master of ceremonies was actor Claude Akins, and the profits totaled $62,800. This was the year that JoAnn Smith, Program Book Artist, designed the Sugarplum wreath with the children’s faces from around the world. This became the official Sugarplum logo in 1979.

1978-1979

Throughout 1978-79, President Lesli Garrison worked hard to establish coordination of all the TWIG groups, succeeding to such an extent that the amount of our total contributions had now exceeded one million dollars! 1978 saw the beginning of the largest pledge to date for the Auxiliary: $600,000 over a four-year period for Phase II-A.

In 1978, Sugarplum Chairman Lynn Boeke and her assistant, Shirley Knox, established a Blizzard Survival Area, brought on by the record setting Dayton winter. The new Wally B. Bear CMC mascot helped to welcome actor Dan Haggerty as our celebrity, along with Salt Walther. Advertising was increased with the new tri-fold flyers and window signs were now seen in all TWIGS’ cars. Because Sunday was looking so barren, Sugarplum was changed to a two-day event, and we sold as much merchandise in a shorter period of time. Our profit was $60,000 and there were 1,200 members in 43 branches.

1979-1980

Sally Groby led us through our fifteenth year in 1979-80 with several accomplishments. TWIGs stayed busy in June; first with a Racquetball Tournament netting $2000, then with another successful Pro Tennis Classic netting $10,435.

Sugarplum 1979 was an innovative year under the leadership of Chairman Ann Kingston and assistant Doris Stickel. Dan Haggerty(actor portraying Grizzly Adams) and his wife, Diane, returned as guests and the Hospital treated the Sugarplum Shoppe committee chairmen and the Haggerty’s to lunch on Friday. This was the start of another nice tradition. Festival of Trees premiered with lovely Christmas trees that were decorated and donated by local businesses and auctioned at the event. A personalizing area was added to the Boutique, which now boasted 13,000 handcrafted items. Profits increased dramatically to $72,479. This helped push our pledge payment at the end of Sally’s year to a record $132,555!

In February 1980, the Ronald McDonald House, a facility that provides a home-like atmosphere for parents whose children are undergoing treatment at CMC, opened. Many TWIGs have found the time and energy to support the Ronald McDonald House along with their Auxiliary activities.

1980-1981

Records are made to be broken and break them we did in Lynn Boeke’s year of 1980-81. Diana Neely and her assistant, Shirley Schlafman, dedicated Sugarplum 1980 to our dear friend Elsie Mead, who died in August of 1980. Our beloved advisor and staunch TWIG supporter at CMC, Marilyn Ericson challenged us to a goal of $80,000 in 1980 – which of course we made with $1000 to spare. James Darren was our celebrity. Many Auxiliary members worked hard that summer to compile our Here’s Dayton for Kids! book, which was unveiled first at Sugarplum. TWIG #23’s members lovingly created the 16-ft Sugarplum Tree, decorated as Field’s poem dictated, complete with chocolate cat and gingerbread dog and over 600 goodies. TWIG #18 then created miniature versions as that year’s Luncheon centerpieces. The Children’s Booth provided a place for the kids to buy $1 gifts.

Spring of 1981 saw the TWIGs move into the newly constructed Thrift Shop with room for storage of items and air conditioning for our customers’ comfort. The annual pledge payment amount grew to a new high of $147,000.

1981-1982

In 1981-82, the Auxiliary was blessed with the strong leadership and dedication of Esther Chestnut. This year saw the newly formed men’s TWIG #20 flourish with projects such as two “Glitter Gala” cocktail parties with a reverse raffle of $1,000 worth of jewelry (which netted a $5000 profit), a special yard and garden Thrift Shop weekend, and the selling of “Sugar Babies” candy during the Memorial Hall production of the same name. TWIG #46 also got underway as the unique group of women whose jobs were downtown.

The 14th Sugarplum Shoppe chaired by Kathie Droesch and assistant Jo Ann Graf was certainly the biggest and best to date. A record 7,000 people jammed the Convention Center on Opening Night and about as many attended again on Saturday. The reasons for our success were our enthusiastic and beautiful celebrity, Connie Stevens, sponsorship for the ninth year by Dayton-Walther Corporation, and the publicity given us by the media. This was the first year for the successful full-page ad that appeared in the Dayton Daily News on the Sunday preceding Sugarplum. This was also the first year for the Limited Editions area and the newly named Celebrity Garden.

We said good-by to our beloved friend, Marilyn Erickson, Vice President for Development at CMC, at a special surprise party in the midst of Opening Night. This was her last Sugarplum Shoppe before her retirement. Our net Sugarplum profit of $97,000, along with a very successful year of TWIG projects, enabled us to retire our five-year $600,000 pledge one year ahead of schedule. In May 1982, Esther announced our grand total donation for that year as $182,000.

1982-1983

The very capable Diana Neely served as our President for 1982-83. At the September meeting in 1982, we voted to adopt a six-year pledge of $780,000 designated for use in the construction of a new Young Adult Unit at CMC. We started with a $36,500 credit towards this pledge because of the large amount donated the previous spring. Diana was responsible for starting the revamping of our popular school education program, ordering new Muppet-type puppets, building new stages, and redoing the slide presentation.

Jo Ann Graf, with Mary Lou Whitacre as her assistant, headed Sugarplum 1982. A record 71 merchants were booked and we had over 15,000 Boutique items. Beautiful crystal Sugarplum Shoppe ornaments were available to commemorate our 15th Anniversary. Christmas-oriented merchants were located in the new Visions of Sugarplum area in the assembly hall, with the Festival of Trees, including wreaths, set up in the middle of the room. Due to the record breaking crowds the previous year, we started a closed door ribbon cutting ceremony and added the Miami Valley FM Association members to aid communications. Our celebrity was the handsome Frankie Avalon. Our profits finally surpassed the dream figure of $100.000 with a total of $100,576.

In February, special flyers and posters were printed for a TWIG membership drive. In Troy, TWIG 4 was formed. The exciting Kenley Project for the summer of 1983 was approved. With Diana as Coordinator and lots of TWIG assistance, CMC’s first year with the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon realized a profit of $100,619. The year ended with a payment of $171,000 on our new pledge.

1983-1984

Jacque Mitchell assumed the Presidency for 1983-84. TWIGs stayed busy all summer planning and hosting the Kenley Opening Night cast parties, meeting the stars, assisting in the Hospital’s public relations, and adding over $4,200 to the treasury. To assist the Telethon, the Auxiliary adopted the Heinz label-saving project. This project, which earned three cents for each label saved, made $260 for CMC that first year — part of the $130,000 earned by the Telethon in 1984.

A new and exciting cookbook project, which was adopted at the first meeting of the next year, was presented to the Auxiliary and studied carefully. New hand puppets resembling our Wally B. Bear were voted on and approved for purchase.

Sugarplum 1983 continued to blossom with the able leadership of Nancy Poettinger and her assistant, Cis Brogan. Our celebrity was the delightful Annette Funicello. The year’s profit of $97,043 was aided in part by the expanded Festival of Trees area in the assembly hall where the first pre-Sugarplum VIP Cocktail Party was held. The numerous items in Celebrity Garden, due in part to our involvement with Kenley, helped increase the year’s proceeds.

The TWIG groups continued to work hard all spring. The results of their many projects, combined with the Sugarplum profit, enabled us to give $182,500 — the highest amount ever given in one year. This pushed our total given through the years to almost two million dollars!

1984-1985

The very energetic Ann Kingston presided over the Auxiliary for the 1984-85 year and inspired all TWIGs to continue their unselfish sharing of time and effort for the benefit of all children. Several members attended a national convention of children’s hospital auxiliaries in St. Louis where Ann made a Sugarplum Shoppe presentation.

The cookbook project had been approved and, under the direction of Chairmen Gail Moore and Mary Glesige, a contest was held to name the cookbook. Many Simply Sensational recipes and ideas started coming in to be taste-tested at home, parties and meetings.  What a terrific way to involve all of our members.

Due to the popularity and increased attendance, pre-surgical tours were increased to twice a month and then again to a weekly presentation. TWIGs gave more than 103,000 hours of their time. One of the best ways to learn about The Children’s Medical Center first hand is to become an in-service volunteer. Many TWIGs started sewing our newly designed Wally B. Bear hand puppets for patients, which were now equipped with a “TWIG” tag and were part of the new Activity Box given to our children.

The Heinz label-saving project, which now earned six cents per label, continued strongly and realized a grand total of $7,900. That year brought to a close the blood donor program that had started in 1971 and we sold the last of the Here’s Dayton for Kids! books.

TWIGs continued their support for all our individual projects such as raffles, garage and bake sales, talent and art auctions, a Monte Carlo in Versailles, a Pig Roast in Greenville, various sales of nuts, flowers, tote bags, lobsters and shrimp, fancy affairs such as a Champagne Luncheon (which could net $4000 even on a terribly snowy day), Posh Parties, and many exciting Spring luncheons.

To augment all this project fever, Sugarplum 1984, under the watchful guidance of Dianne van Ruiten (Schober) as Chairman and Nanci Crabtree as her Assistant, spurred all the areas to new heights of achievement and realized a profit of $120.000. Helping to start this event off on its successful endeavor was Dick van Patten, the celebrity guest.

At a “Hats Off to TWIGs” luncheon, attended by nearly 400 TWIGs and special friends, a letter was presented from President Reagan congratulating our organization on its twentieth anniversary. TWIGs presented the largest check ever ($200,000) and the afternoon culminated with a balloon launch that had cards returned from as far away as Cleveland and Ontario, Canada.

1985-1986

With much dedication and love, Jo Ann Graf took over the Presidency for the 1985-86 year and helped create a “Simply Sensational Auxiliary Recipe for a Simply Sensational Year,” which was the theme for the May luncheon. It was a heartwarming recipe that produced delightful results.

New this year was the introduction of the Child Life Craft Kits. Many TWIGs were involved in the creation of the 1,165 kits that helped pass the time and gave hours of enjoyment to the children in the playrooms and to those who were confined to their rooms. The cookbook activity was brewing with the continuation of taste-testing the 3000 recipes that had been submitted.

Sugarplum, under the direction of Chairman Lynn Carr and her Assistant, Geri Anderson, was going through a change in the form of a revision of the Festival of Trees area. Eighteen months of research and hard work resulted in a new night of activity added to the Sugarplum schedule. Wednesday evening, November 6, marked the debut of our Festival of Trees Gala Party. Forty beautiful trees sponsored by area businesses and decorated by area decorators were offered for sale to the public and for their viewing pleasure at Victorian Sugarplum. Our profits for the Festival of Trees area jumped from $7000 to $22,000 and contributed to the overall success of Sugarplum’s $143,769 profit! The Sugarplum celebrity was Debbie Reynolds, who was on hand for the dedication of the Young Adult Unit held the week of Sugarplum. She greeted the children at the hospital with: “Hi, I’m Princess Leia’s mother!”

Our 1,100 members continued to work hard by assembling 2,000 puppets, taking our educational program around to the various schools in the area, giving 37 general CMC tours and 52 pre-surgical tours. Collecting and counting 93,059 Heinz labels and making tray favors kept fingers busy, whipping up a total of 119,326 volunteer hours. Our final presentation was made at our May luncheon when we gave $225,000, enabling us to retire our six-year $780,000 pledge in just four years.

1986-1987

May 1986 was the beginning of Nanci Crabtree’s year as President, and the following September marked the beginning of our next five-year pledge of $850,000 for the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. TWIGs stayed busy making Child Life kits and tray favors, sewing puppets, conducting tours, and working on the various TWIG functions. A new TWIG handbook was printed and made available to everyone. Our Simply Sensational cookbook went to press and we prepared for its debut in November at Sugarplum and made plans to establish a cookbook office.

Laurel Suttmiller was our Sugarplum Chairman and Barb Peck was her assistant. Returning for her second visit as our celebrity guest was the very popular Connie Stevens. Our long awaited cookbook arrived just in time for Sugarplum and was greeted with rave reviews! A beautiful gazebo donated by Fullmer’s Landscaping (which was later auctioned off) graced the center of our boutique area and 40 exquisitely decorated trees added to the splendor of the Festival of Trees area. This lovely event netted a profit of $160,185.

After Sugarplum, TWIGs collected and donated items for our newest project, Secret Santa. The playroom in the hospital was set up with these items on display and the children were given play money to purchase their very own Christmas gifts for their family and friends. For those children unable to leave their rooms, carts of items were wheeled around to them so they could make their selections and purchases. The year ended with the Auxiliary receiving The Girl Scout’s “Outstanding Service to Youth Award” and the hospital receiving our gift of $250,000.

1987-1988

Dianne van Ruiten (Schober) kept the ball rolling through her 1987-88 year of presidency with a lot of organization and good humor. Making sure everything was under control and running smoothly, she led our organization through a year of exciting accomplishments, beginning with the payment of all cookbook debts. Finally, all monies coming in were profit, and with 12,000 books being sold that year, the profit reached the $17,500 mark. No longer did we have to fight with the large trunk that held the puppets and slide projector for our Education Program. The program was updated and streamlined into an easy-to-carry flight bag, and the slides were transferred to VCR tape. Over 8000 children saw our new, easy-to-handle program.

An “angelic” theme, inspired by our Co-Chairmen Diana Case and Linda von Mohr, heralded in our 20th Sugarplum. Our celebrity, Florence Henderson, was indeed an angel herself and delighted all of the Sugarplum workers when she dedicated and sang a song to them at the Appreciation Luncheon held Friday afternoon. The first celebrity ever to do so, she went on to delight our Sugarplum audience as well when she sang for them Friday evening. The evening was a success and Festival of Trees continued to grow, along with our Sugarplum profits in the amount of $176,145.  

“Memories” was the theme for the May luncheon, and the occasion was indeed a memorable one. Our donation of $300,000 was the largest jump in profit to date!

1988-1989

Changes were in the air when Kathy Hayes took over the presidency in 1988. After sewing the last 500 puppets, we retired the Wally Bear puppet project and adopted a new project of laminated bookmarks for the children’s books. Not only did these bookmarks please the children, they also carried a message to the parents about our organization.

The 1988 Sugarplum Shoppe, headed by Chairman Carol Weiland and her Assistant, Kathy Anderson, underwent a major change. With the success of our Festival of Trees Gala, a need to move the event from Wednesday evening to Friday evening was apparent. Sugarplum Shoppe now opened on Saturday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m., and Sunday was added to the schedule. A Sunday brunch instead of the traditional luncheon began the day’s activities at 11:00 a.m., and Sugarplum Shoppe opened at noon, which allowed for a day of shopping and family activities to take place until 5:00 p.m. Our celebrity was charming Karen Valentine who brought her husband, Gary, along for the occasion. Karen was on hand for our Festival of Trees Gala Party, the first celebrity to be available for the event as well as our traditional opening ceremony on Saturday evening. Kathy introduced the idea of gift tags designed by the children to be sold at Sugarplum. A contest was held at the hospital; five children and their designs were chosen as winners. Sugarplum 1988 was a winner also with profits of $176,900.

A new TWIG #20 from Trotwood were welcomed to the Auxiliary and the 41 TWIG groups participated in projects that generated a profit of $55,190. The cookbooks continued to sell well, and a profit of $35,000 was turned over to the Auxiliary. The Tot Fund generated $1,810 in donations, allowing for needed purchases to be made, one of which was anatomically correct teaching dolls.

It was an exciting year. With a donation of $315,000, our largest to date, we saw the completion (two years ahead of schedule) of our $850,000 pledge for the PIC Unit.

1989-1990

As President, Linda von Mohr continued to inspire all TWIG members to reach the height of their accomplishments. November saw the completion and dedication of our new critical care complex and laboratory at CMC. With the end of our pledge for the new PIC Unit, the Auxiliary voted to adopt a four-year, $1,000,000 pledge for a state-of-the-art CT scanner. Due to increased attendance, our pre-surgical tours were increased to Monday and Wednesday of each week.

A “Heartfelt” Sugarplum under the chairmanship of Margie Theibert and her Assistant, Rachel Auman, saw a profit of nearly $170,000. Our celebrity, Sally Struthers, enjoyed our Festival of Trees Gala Party and loved our trees so much that she purchased one. With much enthusiasm and well-spent energy, she helped raise the profits of our Twelve Days of Christmas auction, and, on Saturday evening, expressed many gracious comments at our opening ceremonies for Sugarplum Shoppe.

After 20 wonderful years, the Thrift Shop closed that fall, and we said “good-by and thanks” to our dear friend and manager, Sandy Krimm. Plans were under way to have a one-day TWIG Treasure Sale at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds the following year.

Plans were also being made for another Auxiliary fundraiser, a TWIG Follies to be held in February 1991.

Our TWIG organization helped to add distinction to our 25 years of accomplishments when we became the recipients of the JC Penney “Golden Rule Award.”

In lieu of our usual luncheon for our annual meeting, a dinner was held where we presented to the hospital, in addition to our donation of $315,000.00, an Anniversary Quilt commemorating our 25-year history. The quilt project was coordinated through the untiring efforts of Joyce Steier of TWIG #42. The quilt contained 511 hand-appliquéd leaves with the embroidered signatures of 940 individuals, predominately TWIG members, but also including the signatures of Sally Struthers, Marilyn Erickson, Lois Nisonger and Paul Bissonnette, the only male signature to appear on the quilt.

1990-1991

It was a very exciting year with Diana Case as Auxiliary President. The TWIGFELD FOLLIES, a variety show with all TWIGs participating in singing and dancing, was held at Memorial Hall with a producer from New York. Geri and Kathy Anderson were co-chairmen of this fun event.

The Festival of Trees Chairmen were Carol Bucher and Kris Green and the Sugarplum Chairmen were Maryann Lewantowicz and Diane Noll. The “Teddy Bear Tea” was introduced and children also enjoyed the new Kid’s Korner Gift Shoppe. Celebrity Mary Ann Mobley entertained. The profits for this year were $156,190.

She who lives unto herself alone does not live at all. It is only by losing ourselves in the service of others that we come into the glorious fullness of life by becoming one with it. Dorothy Sargent, Historian, Former TWIG #31.

1991-1992

As President of the Auxiliary, Carol Weiland led the l,053 active and sustaining TWIG members in 42 TWIG groups to new heights. Regular and ongoing projects were held and monies donated to the Auxiliary in excess of $84,000. We continued to sell our Simply Sensational cookbooks, adding to the total profit of $76,000. TWIGs made tray favors and child life kits. We showed our education puppet show to almost 9,000 area students and gave pre-surgical tours to 2,000 patients and families at CMC. We collected Heinz baby food labels and worked the 6:00 a.m. shift at the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon. We were truly dedicated and “Terrific Women in Giving.”

Carol Fox and Marla Vichich produced an outstanding Holly Jolly Sugarplum Shoppe, our first year without a celebrity in attendance. With a grand profit of $175,000, it was obvious that the community supported us and we did not need a celebrity to attract our huge crowds. Denise Chenoweth and Kathy St. Pierre chaired our wonderful Festival of Trees, which included a “celebrity tree” area for the first time.

As we ended our third year of a four-year $1 million pledge to the hospital for a new CT scan, we were proud to present a check to The Children’s Medical Center for $280,000!

1992-1993

It was a very successful year for the TWIGs and Mary Lou Whitacre was proud to be President. A “Celebration of Children” was the theme for Sugarplum Shoppe. Maryann Lewantowicz and Diane Noll were chairmen, along with Barb Peck and Barb Murtaugh, the Festival of Trees Chairmen. The support of all TWIGs made this an outstanding year with profits in excess of $173,000. More than $82,000 was made from the many TWIG projects held throughout the year.

At the annual meeting, the Auxiliary presented $264,000 to the hospital, of which $40,000 completed our four-year pledge of $1,000,000 for the CT scan and $200,000 went toward our next pledge.

1993-1994

The year Marla Vichich was president, a pledge of $670,000 was made for the renovation of the Emergency Room. This project included a computerized management information system and renovation of and new equipment for the holding rooms. The computer system was the first of its kind and had many advantages. Results of x-rays, blood tests, etc., ordered by the doctor via the computer system could be monitored by nurses at the front desk. This system would benefit service by providing less waiting time before triage, less waiting time before seeing a physician, and quick, friendly registration in the rooms. It was also possible to show educational films while the patients and parents were waiting. In the education area, it was exciting to have new puppets and tapes.

“Christmas Memories,” the theme under the leadership of Sugarplum Shoppe Chairmen Barb Murtaugh and Chris House, was quite memorable with a profit of $171,876.

Esther Chestnut was appointed as our first Children’s Board of Trustees representative to serve a three-year term. This was the first year for CMC to sponsor the LPGA Tournament. This event was held at the Country Club of the North and TWIGs volunteered in many capacities. Cookin’ USA taped a segment using recipes from Simply Sensational, which was shown on TNN with Merle Ellis as host. A donation of $263,125 was made to CMC that year.

1994-1995

The 30th anniversary of TWIGs was celebrated with Carol Fox as President. Two new TWIG groups were welcomed: TWIG #2 (CMC Employees) and TWIG #21.

Sugarplum became the Sugarplum Festival of Trees with Denise Chenoweth, Kathy St. Pierre, Connie Henry, and Mary Rita Zeh as Chairmen. Their profit was $179,587.00. “An Enchanted Sugarplum” became quite enchanting with the introduction of a full-sized carousel. New display pieces from the Piqua Mall added to the completion of the theme. A new event this year was the Senior Brunch. A very successful year ended with the presentation of $279,000 to CMC.

1995-1996

Maryann Lewantowicz was Auxiliary President from May 1995 to April 1996. During this time there were 40 TWIG groups. Our donation to the hospital in 1996 was $266,000, which went towards our pledge of $850,000 for Out-Patient Clinics.

Sugarplum Festival of Trees Chairmen were Graci Hill, Ellen Mowchan, Sue Cook, and Jan Miller. The profits for SFOT 1995 were $156,868.

At this time, we were still counting volunteer hours (83,469). TWIG groups donated 2,443 tray favors and Tot Fund donations totaled $555. TWIGs were bringing the CMC education programs to the schools and about 107,000 Heinz baby food labels were collected. Pre-surgical tours were given to 539 children and 1,231 adults. Our auxiliary cookbook, Simply Sensational, was being marketed and 582 copies were sold, as well as 200 of our Here’s Dayton for Kids books. There were about 35 TWIG projects during this time that earned a total of $100,888.

As Alexander Pope moralized, “As the TWIG is bent, so the tree’s inclined.” As stated here in our history, the TWIGs have been bent towards providing quality services to the Children’s Medical Center through their many fund raising and service projects, in addition to in-service volunteer help. We look forward to many record-breaking years of future service for CMC and our beloved children.

1996-1997

The Auxiliary President for 1996-97 was Susie Gregg. The highlight of the year was our “Angelic Sugarplum.” Angels were truly everywhere, real and crossed-stitched ones! Ginny Martin, Cheryl Morris, Ruth Manter, and Barb Covey served as our chairs that year.

It was our first year for the “American Girl Event” and it was very well received. Little girls dressed like their dolls were a highlight of the day! Beautiful trees and wonderful handmade crafts completed the successful weekend.

At the annual May banquet, a bookcase filled with videos and a check for $210,000 were presented to the Children’s Medical Center. It was a very satisfying feeling to know how appreciated these things were to the patients at the hospital.

1997-1998

As President of the Auxiliary, Ellen Mowchan saw some major changes in the Auxiliary and at Sugarplum. This was the first year for a retreat held at the Women’s Club with all TWIG Presidents invited to attend.

SFOT chairs were Enis Bissonnette, Cheryl Keitel, Barbara Markham, and Sue Cook. The layout of the Convention Center was revamped to realize improved organization and traffic flow, which helped earn $130,500 in profits that year.

TWIG projects earned $76,500 and we were able to donate $207,000 to CMC.

1998-1999

Under the leadership of Barbara Markham, the Auxiliary was able to retire the current pledge for the Out-Patient Pavilion Clinics and begin a new pledge of $1.2 million for “Care and Comfort for Children.” This was due to the most successful Sugarplum Festival of Trees so far chaired by Sue Labatzky, Deanna Kross, and Sue Cook, which made $137,500, and outstanding individual TWIG projects which netted the Auxiliary $82,500. These outstanding efforts resulted in a donation of $220,000 to Children’s.

Barbara was a “hands on” president, attending over thirty-five individual TWIG meetings or functions to hear first-hand the comments and concerns of TWIG members. She provided TWIGs with a sense of belonging and an indication that the elected officers and chairmen really cared about their concerns. No president past or since has gotten that close to the members, and they really appreciated it.

May 1999-December 2000

 Barbara Loos was President at the turn of the century. Many beginnings occurred during her tenure. The operating year was changed from May to May to January to January, which meant that Barbara Loos served as President for a year and a half, including two SFOTs. Another beginning was the $1.2 million pledge to Care and Comfort.

Chairmen for SFOT for 1999 were Connie Henry, Mary Rita Zeh, and Cheryl Clemmons. SFOT earned a profit of $107,000. This would be the last year the event was held at the Dayton Convention Center for a few years.

A big change occurred for SFOT in 2000. Under the leadership of Rosie Goforth and Dolores Loxley, SFOT moved to the Ponitz Center at Sinclair College. During Barb’s tenure, $220,000 was presented to the hospital. Barb thought it was really special to be President for the turn of the century

2001

Esther Chestnut, who also served as President in 1981-82, served as President for 2001. The 2001 Sugarplum Festival of Trees was again held at the Ponitz Center at Sinclair College and was headed by Chairs Rosie Goforth and Erin Barlow.

In March 2001 at the annual meeting, a check for $175,000 was presented to The Children’s Medical Center to be applied to our Care and Comfort pledge. The amount included the net profits of the individual TWIGs projects and the net profit from SFOT 2000. Esther felt it was an honor to preside over the Auxiliary again.

2002

Changes at every turn!! Sue Labatzky took office in January 2002 during the installation at the Racquet Club.

Her Executive Board was President Elect-Rosie Goforth,  Secretary-Jamie Hanna,  Treasure- Dolores Loxley. Advisor-Esther Chestnut, Financial Advisor-Linda Ashworth, Board of Trustees Rep-Susie Gregg, Child Life/Education-Carolyn Bates, Data Base-Karen Ehlers, Historian-Karen Satterthwaite, Program & FOTI-Deanna Kross,Projects-Linda Clark, Public Relations-Agnes George, Newsletter/Mailings-Ginny Martin, Strategic Planning-Bonnie Moore.

The year started with a very successful Festival of Trees International Conference held in Dayton, Ohio, at the Marriott Hotel. Deanna Kross was Chairman, with Sue Labatzky as Co-Chairman, with a committee of 17 ladies who did an outstanding job organizing one of the best conferences ever! They were able to donate $24,000 to the Hospital.

Our next Auxiliary project was a garage sale held August 3 in the parking lot of the Children’s Medical Center. Five TWIG groups participated and we were able to show a profit of $500.

The date and the venue for SFOT were changed this year. Chairmen Erin Barlow and Barbara Loos decided that “Holiday in the City” would be held at One Dayton Centre. The Preview Party and Gala were held Friday night, November 22; Saturday, the Sugarplum Shoppe was open to the public; and Friday, a small version of Sugarplum Shoppe was open. The event continued on Sunday, December 1, with a Breakfast with Santa. Fun was had by all and it turned out to be a wonderful Sugarplum!  Profits for 2002 were $75,000.

The fiscal year was changed to run from February 1st to January 31st. With this change, we were able to wrap up a very successful year by having an installation annual meeting, “Celebrate Our Stars,” at Sinclair’s Ponitz Center. The hospital used this event to honor all TWIGs for their outstanding service for the year. Honorary TWIGs this year were Bobbie Predmore and Ron Labatzky.

The donation to CMC toward our pledge to Care and Comfort was $229,000, which included $130,000 from TWIG projects.

2003

We began the year with a running start. President Rosie Goforth took office at the end of January 2003 at the Installation and Annual Meeting at the Ponitz Center at Sinclair Community College. 2003 Honorary TWIGs were Michael Moore, Phil Depenschmidt, Vicki Giambrone and Anita Schaengold.

Plans were started in 2002 for a very successful “Day at the Farm” held at the home of Randy and Vicki Gunlock of R.G. Properties. Sue Labatzky, Chairman, Dorsie Hodap and Karen Satterthwaite, Co-Chairmen, plus a very talented committee of ladies organized a fun-filled evening in the stables and arena on the Gunlock property. Their efforts brought a profit of $30,500 to be applied towards our pledge!

Sugarplum Festival of Trees was again held at One Dayton Center under the direction of Chairmen Barbara Loos and Bonnie Moore. The Luncheon and Fashion Show was brought back and held at the Double Tree Hotel. The entire SFOT event was held over a span of three weekends, beginning with the Luncheon and Fashion Show on Saturday, November 15th. The Sugarplum Shoppe was open to the public on the same day at One Dayton Center. The designer trees were on view for silent auction bids throughout the week and the final bids were taken at the Gala on Saturday, November 22. The public was invited in on Friday, November 28, during the Grande Illumination to see the trees, have a snack, and listen to flute music. The event was topped off on Sunday, November 30, with two sittings for Breakfast with Santa, which again was a tremendous success.

We decided to join the world of technology and for the first time were communicating with our members via e-mail. It has proven to be a wonderful tool to keep everyone in the loop.

The Hospital again honored all TWIGs at the Installation and Annual Meeting and accepted our donation of $200,000. We were proud to be able to complete our six-year pledge for an endowment for the Care and Comfort for Children program that will impact an endless number of families for years to come.

2004

According to Jamie Hanna, Auxiliary President, it all started with a little bumblebee!

According to recognized aerotechnical tests, because of the weight and shape of its body in relation to the total wing area, the bumble bee cannot fly! But the bumble bee doesn’t know this, and goes ahead and flies anyway!

The hospital honored all TWIGs with a special Annual Meeting and Installation dinner at the Sinclair College Ponitz Center. Instead of the usual gavel, Jamie presented each 2004 TWIG President with a bee pin. She asked them to wear it as a reminder that 2004 was the year the TWIGs were going to “fly.” Communication throughout the year always included “Buzz Words from Your Auxiliary President.” In 2003, TWIGs finalized their $1,200,000 Care and Comfort pledge. In 2004, the TWIGs took on a three-year $500,000 Distraction Equipment pledge.

Jamie and Ms. Bee “buzzed” around the Miami Valley visiting TWIG meetings, TWIG events, and talking to business organizations about Auxiliary activities. TV personality David Letterman had his top 10 list. Ms. Bee had her own top 17 reasons the TWIGs flew this year.

As Secretary, Chris Dittman kept us informed; as Auxiliary Board Representative, Susie Greg brought us information about the hospital; and as President Elect, Linda Ashworth coordinated information of new members. Karen Satterthwaite agreed to chair a new Auxiliary position, Auxiliary Projects. Karen organized our first TWIG Pro-Am Golf Tournament at Yankee Trace Golf Club. Ms. Bee’s “wings were on the move” with $19,000.

Database Chairman Pam Sherman and TWIG Leaf Chairman Ginny Martin kept all TWIGs up-to-date and TWIG membership numbers correct. Child Life Co-Chairmen Carolyn Bates and Linda Holmes, with Pizza Parties, Mother’s and Father’s Day and Secret Santa events, continually brought the Ms. Bee happy spirit to the Dayton Children’s patients.

Sugarplum Festival of Trees Chairmen Bonnie Moore and Jamie Hanna brought SFOT back to the Dayton Convention Center. The TWIGs came together with the SFOT team and brought back the excitement of SFOT. It was decided that there would not be a theme for 2004. Bonnie and Jamie “flew” to the Auxiliary with a check for $62,100.

Advisor Rosie Goforth and Publicity Co-Chairmen Eva Wells and Pat Dunker got the word out about the SFOT move and TWIG projects.

CMC Telethon and Hospitality Chairman, Sue Labatzky (affectionately also known as “Vanna”), organized telethon workers, Auxiliary meeting refreshments, and the Annual Meeting.

TWIG Projects Chairman Cindy Guthrie represented all of the TWIGS. Throughout the year, TWIG branches had their events. The Bee spirit was “buzzing” from one event to another. Cindy “buzzed” in with a $108,900 check from all of the 2004 TWIG Projects.

President Jamie Hanna and Treasurer Marla Vichich proudly presented Thomas E. Mayer, Jr., Board of Trustees Chairman, the Auxiliary 2004 check for $190,000. Roy Hamilton, Jack Hanna, and Ed Markiewicz were the 2004 Honorary TWIGs.

TWIG 18 planted a tree in the courtyard to commemorate Jamie’s year of service to the Auxiliary and the hospital

Thank you to the Auxiliary, TWIGs, and hospital friends who have made this a heart-filling year for Jamie Hanna. Jamie and Ms. Bee hope the “Yes I Can” Bee Spirit and friendship will continue to grow with each TWIG.

2005

Linda Ashworth served as Auxiliary President for 2005, the 40th anniversary of TWIGs.  2005 Honorary TWIGs were Linda Kureck Black, Terry Fink, Dianne Schober, and Kellie Hanna.

Auxiliary events included the second Pro-Am Golf Outing at Yankee Trace chaired by Karen Satterthwaite and Sugarplum Festival of Trees chaired by Jamie Hanna and Karen Satterthwaite. Profits from the Golf Outing totaled $18,200 and SFOT brought in $96,750 the second year back at the Convention Center. These sums, combined with $114,050 from TWIG projects, made our donation to Dayton Children’s $229,000.

Linda is honored to have been president and it reminded her of what it means to be a TWIG. “To be a TWIG, you must be social, hungry, have a keen sense of fashion, and above all have a tireless passion and commitment to children and Dayton Children’s.”

2006

Deanna Kross was installed in January 2006 during our annual meeting at The Ponitz Center at Sinclair Community College. In January, the Family Guide to Services was installed in all patient rooms. These guides were purchased with money from our Tot Fund. We have been working with Kathy McAlpine, a former TWIG, to once again get the Simply Sensational cookbook in bookstores.

We have 20 TWIG Chapters doing projects throughout the year. Their hard work produced a total of $104,750 in our Project Fund.

Our third annual golf outing was held at the Dayton Country Club in June. This event chairman was Rosie Goforth. With the help of a talented committee, many TWIG members, plus lots of husband volunteers, we were able to have a successful event with a profit of $18,500.

WHIO asked us to be a part of their Holiday Home Show. We received great publicity from their event where we presented a sneak peek of SFOT, sold boutique items and handed out complimentary passes to SFOT. Sugarplum Festival of Trees was held at the Convention Center on November 17, 18, & 19, with Karen Satterthwaite and Frances Obringer as Co-Chairs. We had a sold-out Gala, a very FUN luncheon, a sold-out Breakfast with Santa, plus we sold lots of trees and boutique items!!! This event provided a profit of $105,205.

Combining the funds from Projects, the Golf Outing, and SFOT, we presented a check to Dayton Children’s for $228,500. With this donation, we were able to fulfill our three-year pledge for distraction therapy. The remaining $151,000 will be applied toward our new pledge: Nursing Excellence Endowment Fund ($250,000) and Patient Monitors ($250,000).

We recognized five Honorary Twigs: Don Henry, Jerry Dean, Scott Weatherspoon, Tom Wolf and Beth Kinsaul.

2007

Karen Satterthwaite served as Auxiliary President in 2007. The installation was held at the Ponitz Center at Sinclair Community College in January 2007. The dinner was again graciously sponsored by The Children’s Medical Center of Dayton. The Honorary TWIGs recognized for 2007 were Ron Adams, Frank Lewis, Meredith Moss, and Dick Satterthwaite.

The Tot Fund provided toys for the newly renovated Third floor playroom. The “personal shoppers” were Kim Dotson and Chris Dittman.

Child Life, under the leadership of Kim Dotson, brought many smiles to the patients and families at Dayton Children’s by providing Mother’s Day and Father’s Day events and shopping , as well as, the ever popular Secret Santa Shop. Cassano’s came on board this year to provide the pizza for the monthly pizza parties. Tray favors and Child Life Kits helped to keep the children a little happier too.

We were also happy to welcome approximately 20 new members in 2007. The 20 TWIG Chapters with a variety of projects throughout the year provided the Project Fund with $114,400. The fourth annual golf outing held at Dayton Country Club in June under the leadership of Cindy Guthrie realized $22,500. Sugarplum Festival of Trees Chairmen, Frances Obringer and Susie Gregg, and all of the TWIGs working together produced a total of $94,600. Therefore, Karen Satterthwaite proudly presented a check on behalf of ALL TWIG members to Madonna Allread, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for $231,500.

The current 3 year, $500,000 pledge for a Nursing Excellence Endowment Fund ($250,000) and Patient Monitors ($250,000) is well under way. There was a remaining balance from 2006 of $151,000. Add to that the $231,500 from 2007 and we have a total of $382,500 toward this pledge.

Thank you to everyone…the Auxiliary, TWIG members, and all hospital friends for a wonderful year as Auxiliary President.

2008

 Chris Dittman became the Auxiliary President on January 17, 2008, at the Ponitz Center at Sinclair Community College. A complimentary dinner was provided by The Children’s Medical Center of Dayton.

The Honorary TWIGs for 2008 were Madonna Allread, Cassano’s Pizza, Dr. Mason Jones, Jim Basine (friend of Twig #22), and the Copy Center at Children’s.

We had approximately 350 members in 20 TWIG branches around Dayton. These branches organized many projects throughout the year, usually more than one per branch, and made $131,000 for the Projects Fund.

Our current pledge for Patient Monitors and the Nursing Endowment has a balance of $117,500. This will be paid off this year. The hospital asked that we pledge $500,000 over the next three years for the renovation of the Emergency Room. This pledge was voted on and approved by the members.

Renae Phillips, Vice-President of Patient Care, asked us to consider changing the Nursing Endowment to a restricted fund. An endowment only lets the hospital take out approximately 3% of the monies for use each year; this would severely limit the number of nurses using it. A restricted fund would allow the nursing staff to be able to better continue their education and research in the hospital. The branches voted and approved this change.

As Child Life Chairman, Kim Dotson organized Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Secret Santa parties for the children, which were a great success. She also made sure that the monthly pizza parties ran smoothly and the Child Life kits were provided each month to help the children have a more pleasant stay in the hospital.

Our fifth annual golf tournament held at Dayton Country Club was a huge success and brought in $26,000. Cindy Guthrie and her committee made sure that the event was successful and fun.

Sugarplum Festival of Trees had a big make-over this year. Susie Gregg and Melanie Whyte, with the approval of the Board, moved the event to the Presidential Banquet Center. Everyone, including members, sponsors, vendors and guests, were thrilled with the new location. Sugarplum Festival of Trees made $70,000. This brings the total donation given to the hospital to $227,000. Chris presented the check to Madonna Allread, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, at the Annual Dinner on January 29, 2009.

2009

Mary K. Young became the Auxiliary President on January 29, 2009. The installation took place at our annual meeting and dinner co-sponsored by TWIGS and Dayton Children’s at the Sinclair College Ponitz Center.

The 2009 Board members were introduced, as well as the Chair and Co-Chair for Sugarplum Festival of Trees, Melanie Whyte and Carol Inkrott.

The Honorary TWIGS for 2009 were Ron Goforth (husband of Rosie Goforth, past Auxiliary president) and TWIG supporter and Ted Stahl of Dayton Doors Sales, whose continual contribution of doors for displays for SFOT helps showcase our beautiful Christmas wreaths.

We had 19 TWIG branches and 344 members. We continued to receive calls from interested new potential members through our website and events sponsored by our TWIGS.

Rita Vlahos, Founding President of TWIGS, died in 2009 at the age of 97. TWIGs donated $1000 to the Endowment Fund at CMC in her name.

Jill Lewis and Bethany Deines became our new liaisons with the Development Office at Children’s Medical Center and we enjoyed our collaboration with them. Our good friend and supporter, Dianne Schober, retired from this position and will be greatly missed by all TWIGS.

The Annual TWIG Pro-Am Golf Outing partnered with Children’s Medical Center and sponsors Morris Furniture and Economy Linens to hold the Gem City Jam and Hoopla at NCR Country Club on August 24, 2009. This was a very successful event and, under the leadership of Jeanie Vickroy and her team, TWIGS received $50,000 for our pledge toward the renovation of the Soin Regional Pediatric Trauma and Emergency Center.

Child Life continued under the direction of Kim Dotson and provided Mother’s Day and Father’s Day events and the Secret Santa’s Shop where children, who are patients, can shop for Christmas presents for their families. Tray favors, Child Life kits, and monthly pizza parties for patients and their families also helped to make the days a little brighter for the children.

The Tot Fund provided $4,500 toward EMT Pedi Bags, rescue equipment designed to fit different sizes of children.

TWIG branches had many fun, creative, and entertaining events that raised $97,000 towards our pledge. SFOT was again very successful at the Presidential Banquet Center and, under the guidance of Melanie and Carol, raised $80,000. The hard work of all the TWIGS made this possible.

The current pledge had a balance of $390,500. Combining the proceeds of TWIG Projects ($97,000), the Gem City Jam $100,000.00 ($50,000 to our pledge), and SFOT ($80,000), Mary K. proudly presented a check for $227,000 to Charles Foley, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, at the Annual Meeting.

Thank you to all the TWIG Board members, Officer Council members, all of the TWIGS, including my special branch, TWIG 25, for their help, support and friendship to make this a memorable year for me.

2010

In January of 2010, Cindy Guthrie was installed at our annual dinner meeting at the Presidential Banquet Center, along with her Executive Board Officers, Stephanie Palmer as President-Elect, Debbie Bowers as Secretary, and Jan Scheid as Treasurer.

Thanks to Sue Baker, the annual Child Life activities continued at Dayton Children’s with Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Secret Santa, and the monthly Family Pizza Parties.

Our fundraising started with TWIG 24’s “Heart in Hand” luncheon in February; the blizzard-like conditions did not deter the ladies. Nearly 400 attended. The Mom’s Markets sponsored by TWIG 3 and TWIG 45 were very successful, both in the spring and fall. Our numerous luncheons, mystery auctions, quarter auctions, dollar auctions, and plant sales helped to bring our projects total to $117,500.

In August, we again hosted the Gem City Jam Golf Outing and Hoopla at NCR Country Club and raised  $115,000.00($57,500 to our pledge). At the 43rd Annual Sugarplum Festival of Trees, Carol Inkrott, chairman, and Sue Labatzky, co-chairman, presented us with a weekend of “Peace on Earth” at the Presidential Banquet Center. Congratulations on raising $82,000.

Our total TWIG donation of $257,000 was presented to Charlie Foley, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, at the annual dinner meeting on January 27, 2011. We were able to complete our Soin Pediatric Trauma and Emergency Center renovation remaining pledge of $163,500. The new emergency center was opened this year. In January, our membership voted to support the Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Care Endowment with a three-year $500,000 pledge; $93,500 will be applied toward the endowment. Honorary TWIGS for 2010 were Andrew Denka of Accountemps, Michael Karaman with James Free Jewelers, and our “Trailer Man,” Greg Burba.

2010 was a terrific year for TWIGS. Our membership showed great dedication and enthusiasm throughout the year. The only difficult times were getting through the losses of our fellow TWIG members, their spouses, and children. They are gone but never forgotten. Thank you TWIG members for a very rewarding year!

2011

During 2011, Stephanie Palmer, a member of TWIG 36 for thirty-nine years, led the TWIGDOM of Dayton Children’s Medical Center. Members of the branches (Royal Houses) played a major role in the financial success of raising $271,500 towards our new pledge, as well as volunteering at the hospital and reaching out to assist other branches with their fundraising projects.

The new pledge of $500,000 over three years was for the Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Care Endowment. Interest generated by this endowment would eventually fund a social work position, a child life specialist specifically assigned to the cancer program and patient/ family educational materials.

The annual projects continued throughout the year with luncheon/ auctions, mom’s marts/markets, garage sales, Kroger cards, Dorothy Lane Market cards, Marathon cards, spring flowers, fall bulbs, breakfast breads, bunco party, and hams.

The Honorary Twigs installed at the Annual Dinner were David Kinsaul and Dr. Emmett Broxson.

Officers for 2011:

President-Elect: Debbie Bowers – The true “Lady In Waiting” left the Secretary position to take the place of Carol Inkrott who moved out of town.

Secretary: Chris Dittman – The “Keeper of the Notes” quickly volunteered to help out when we needed someone to finish the year of this office.

Treasurer: Jan Scheid – The “Keeper of the Privy Purse.” Board of Trustees: “Milady” Marla Vichich was finishing six years with the Board of Trustees.

Advisor: Cindy Guthrie – The “Keeper of Advice” as 2010 President of the Auxiliary.

Child Life: Sue Baker – The “Keeper of Children’s Activities” led us with Mother’s Day and Father’s Day activities at the hospital as well as The Secret Santa Shop and monthly pizza parties.

CMN/Telethon: Jamie Hanna – Truly “The Countess,” always kept us involved and excited about the wealth of fundraisers provided by our communities

Financial Advisor/Historian: Rosie Goforth – “Keeper of the TWIGDOM’s archives” gathered and went through many tubs of old articles and pictures of our past and started a process of keeping the things that will be important to future TWIGS and easily stored.

Golf Outing: “Miladies” Jamie Hanna and Karen Satterthwaite led us to a very successful Gem City Jam $ 195.50 ($52,75 from TWIGS to our pledge}.

Program: Mary K Young – The “Court Jester” organized the monthly raffles, food for evening meetings and the program for the annual meeting festivities. With the help of Sue Baker, it was a royal celebration and “The Queen” had her own throne.

Projects: “Milady” Lisa Burba took what always seemed like a mundane position and built it into a worthwhile, helpful way to make more money. Our total project profits were $123,775.

Publicity: Cilla Landrigan and Cindy Wagner – The “Town Criers” helped us enter the twenty-first century by informing people about TWIGs through Facebook, internet and new colorful signs for display at TWIG events.

SFOT Chairmen: “Baroness” Sue Labatzky and “Lady” Jamie King produced “A Candy Cane Holiday” that brought in $95,000.

TWIG Leaf: Monti Moyer – The “Keeper of the News” gathered information and published the Twig Leaf.

Hospital Liaisons: “The Lords of the Chambers” Bethany Deines and Jill Lewis and Director of Volunteers Karen Church kept us in touch with the goings-on at the hospital and attended our functions.

Initiated During 2011: Sewing EEG cinch bags/backpacks; TWIG “business cards”; new TWIG shirts to wear at fundraising events; tall, colorful signs to put in strategic places during events; and the use of ambassadors to tell their story or be visible while helping out at fundraisers.

2012

In January 2012, Debbie Bowers was installed at our annual dinner meeting at the Presidential Banquet Center in Kettering. She was joined by her Executive Board Officers: Sue Baker as President-Elect, Julie Kipp as Secretary, and Elaine Knock as Treasurer. It was a celebration that honored all TWIGs for their compassion and dedication to Dayton Children’s.

It was a very successful year for TWIGs thanks to “The Jamie Pact.” Auxiliary events included the Gem City Jam Golf Outing chaired by Jamie Hanna and Sugarplum Festival of Trees chaired by Jamie King. At GCJ, golfers swung their way into a very profitable day raising $120,500, with half of it going to TWIGs pledge ($60,250). SFOT, held at the Presidential Banquet Center, was better than ever! Profits from that event totaled $105,000. These numbers, combined with TWIG branch projects ($129,500), have enabled us to satisfy our three-year $500,000 pledge to “The Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorder Endowment” in just two years. Quite a feat for these “Terrific Women in Giving”!

Debbie was invited to “The World of Hope” video launched on November 27, 2012. This short movie starred four children, all battling cancer. We were able to meet the four “stars” and see them interviewed along with their families. They were all presented with an “Oscar” for their acting debut. Debbie was honored to accept an “Oscar” given to TWIGs for raising over $8 million to date for Dayton Children’s.

At the annual meeting, a check for $295,000 was presented to the hospital. Honorary TWIGs Renae Phillips, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE; Tom Murphy, MD, MPH Vice-President, Medical Affairs; Bethany Deines, Director of Annual Gifts; and Jill Lewis, Donor Relations Specialist, were recognized.

Thank you to everyone, the Auxiliary, TWIG members, and all hospital friends for a wonderful learning experience as your 2012 president.

2013

2013 was an exciting year to be a TWIG.  Many changes were in the air as Susan Baker became Auxiliary President. Dayton Children’s Medical Center changed its name to Dayton Children’s Hospital with a new CEO, Deborah Feldman, at the helm and a very ambitious vison: Destination 2020.  Having fulfilled our previous pledge of $500,000 for the Pediatric Cancer Care Endowment, it was decided to extend the pledge for an additional year until a new focus could be determined to benefit the hospital’s new vision. Executive Board members included President-Elect Julie Kipp, Secretary Michele Morrison and Treasurer Betty Staggs.

2013 found us embracing social media.  The TWIGs Auxiliary now has its own Facebook page, plus Twitter and Instagram accounts thanks to tech savvy Tiffany Boone.   We increased our membership by over 30 energetic new members.    So what are the top 5 characteristics of women who choose to become TWIGs?

#5: Twigs are Party Girls! They enjoy dressing up in their finery to walk the yellow brick road, strutting their stuff at the base fashion show, sipping champagne before noon, bidding on Mystery Bags and going wild at Ladies Night Out at NCR.  They keep their fingers crossed hoping THEY will win the fabulous Karots for Kids jewelry piece and love donning gorgeous Kentucky Derby hats while sipping mint juleps, all events sponsored by TWIGs 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, ,22, 24, 25, 26  and 36.

#4: Twigs are adventurous! For the first time ever, a TWIG foursome actually golfed in the Gem City Jam. With Chair Betty Staggs and Co-chair Stephanie Palmer in charge, we earned $100,000.00 ($50,000 to our pledge).

#3:  TWIGS get all “wrapped up” in the holidays.  Cool Yule was the theme of our signature Sugarplum Festival of Trees, chaired by Lisa Burba and Kelly Poplin, earning $97,000.

#2: The beauty of being a TWIG is that we are versatile … we love recycling gently used baby items to create Mom’s Markets, Bunco tournaments, Card Marathons, Charity Scrapbooking crops, making cinch bags, prancing around as Chico models, selling greeting and Dorothy Lane Market cards, Butter Braids, Honey Baked Hams … and not only selling plants and delivering plants … but, honestly, we have even been known to plant them for you! All of these fun Projects make life as a TWIG a truly awesome experience! Projects, under the leadership of Cindy Guthrie, totaled $116,000.

#1: And the number one reason to be a TWIG is that we are a sisterhood of energetic women focused on the goal of making a difference in the lives of patients at Dayton Children’s.  We accepted the challenge of adding additional funds to the Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Endowment and we fulfilled that by presenting a check for $263,000 at our Annual Meeting.

It was an honor and privilege to guide our group through this exciting year.   Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication!

2014

Julie Kipp became the Auxiliary President in January of 2014 at the annual meeting held at the Presidential Banquet Center. Also installed were Executive Board members Michele Morrison as President Elect, Betty Staggs as Treasurer, and Jan Turkelson as Secretary. Everyone at the meeting was excited to begin the new 4-year pledge of $1,000,000 for the Comprehensive Cancer Care Center, which will be in the new 8-story patient tower that is under construction.

The year started with a new Auxiliary project: selling tickets for a suite at a Dragon’s game in April. We made over $2,000 which was enough for us to make it an annual event.

The Gem City Jam, chaired by Stephanie Palmer and Michelle DiFalco had its best year yet, netting $134,000. Since TWIGS got half of that, we were given $67,000 towards our pledge.

Jamie Hanna inducted Larry Klaben as an Honorary TWIG at the Hoopla. He was presented with a TWIG shirt which he proudly wore the rest of the evening.

Kelly Poplin and Emily Wenig were in charge of the Sugarplum Festival of Trees, which was held once again at the Presidential Banquet Center. The weekend began with the Gala on Friday night, and continued with the Ladies Luncheon on Saturday, and Breakfast With Santa on Sunday. A snowstorm greeted the tree deliverers on Monday with 5 inches of snow. All in all it was a successful weekend with a profit of $79,000.

All of the individual TWIG branches did their part too, with luncheons, dinners, Moms Marts, scrapbook crops, Bunco games, Butter Braids, Kroger and DLM cards, and other events to net $142, 871 for the Projects Account. One thing TWIGS know how to do is have fun while making money.

To try to increase membership, we had our first annual New Membership Event at Flyboys in Oakwood. Dr. Joseph Ross from Dayton Children’s came and spoke as a way to show potential members how important our fund raising is.  Julie’s year ended at the January 2015 annual meeting planned by her Program Chair, Cathy Campbell. Since it was the beginning of TWIG’s 50th year, the meeting was held at the Kettering Family Education Center at Carillon Historical Park to meld the history of Dayton with the history of TWIGS. Guests toured the museum and rode the carousel before Julie presented a check in the amount of $288,300 to Deborah Feldman and other representatives from Dayton Children’s Hospital. The Husbands of TWIG 10 were the Honorary TWIGS for 2015 along with Larry Klaben who was honored in August at the Gem City Jam.

2015

In January of 2015, Michele Morrison was installed as President at the Annual Dinner at Carillon Park.  The other executive board members installed were Jan Turkelson as President-Elect, Kelly Poplin as Secretary, and Betty Staggs was completing her second year as Treasurer.  It was a celebration of the 50 year anniversary of the founding of TWIGS.

This was the 2^nd year of our 4 year pledge to raise $1,000,000 for the Comprehensive Cancer Care Center in the new patient tower.  Due to all the dedicated Twig groups who hosted luncheons, ran Mom’s Marts, sold plants, nuts, butter braids, had card parties, etc. we were able to raise $120,000 through our Projects.

The Gem City Jam was chaired by Michelle DiFalco and her Co-Chair Kari Hept.  It was a very successful event, even though the golfers had to dodge some rain drops.  The total raised was $124,500.00 ($62,250 to our pledge).

SFOT was Chaired by Emily Wenig and Co-Chaired by Tiffany Boone.  The theme was Nutcracker Wonderland.  Some new ideas were implemented, including changing the name of the Gala to Mingle and Jingle with heavy hor d’oeuvres rather than a sit down dinner and with the addition of some lively games, a good time was had by all.  Also new this year was a Prince and Princess Ball for children on Saturday night with a DJ and ice cream bar.  The money raised by SFOT was $80,000.

At the 50^th annual meeting, which was held downtown at the Dayton Racquet Club, a check was presented to the hospital for $262,250.  It was a beautiful venue and the evening was filled with wonderful memories of not only the last year, but of the last 50 years and the incredible dedication of all the Twigs who have volunteered their time to make Dayton Children’s the outstanding facility it is today.  The Honorary Twig for this year was Gary Hook, who has constructed many items for SFOT as well as for Twig 11.

2015 was again an outstanding year for Twigs.  The success of our group is dependent on the members who give their time and talents so willingly.  How lucky we are to have these amazing women in Twigs.  Thank you to everyone for all that you did to make this year a success.

2016

2016 was a TERRIFIC year of transformation and growth for both Dayton Children’s and TWIGs.  The hospital introduced new branding and an exciting new logo, the whirligig – a beautiful, colorful, bright and fun representation of exciting transformations inside and out for Dayton Children’s.  As always, TWIGs showed unwavering support for Dayton Children’s Hospital and the innovation underway to address the growing needs of the children of the Miami Valley, placing the children as the star in the middle! 

The annual dinner held at the Dayton Racquet Club provided a great view of the new patient tower being constructed for the children of our community.  TWIGs glowed with pride to continue support of our 4-year, $1 million pledge to support the Mills Family Cancer and Blood Disorders Center within the tower. Jan Turkelson (President), Debbie Ball (VP), Lisa Burba (Secretary), and Laura Lewis (Treasurer) were installed at the dinner on January 21, 2016.  

This year of change included establishment of a standalone website for TWIGS to enable better communication.  We also took a step toward SFOT transformation with a new location, our first try at online electronic bidding of trees and bar coding for the boutique.  There were ups and downs with lots of learning and $88,500 earned from the event.  Gem City Jam overcame multiple obstacles with rain and cancelled golf, but TWIGs showed great resilience, flexibility and dedication to move the Hoopla up to lunch still making $139,000.00 ($69,500 for our pledge).  Our giving ladies also spread devotion and hard work supporting 19 exciting branch events from luncheons to mom’s markets to crop nights and fashion shows to raise $130,500.

All in all, TWIGs raised $288,500 during the third year of our 4-year pledge and had a great time doing so.  The behind the scenes dedication of around 320 members from 18 TWIG branches was tremendous to make our donation possible.  TWIG represents friendships, generosity and selfless giving of time, talent and money to support Dayton Children’s Hospital!

2017

Debbie Ball became the Auxiliary President on January 19, 2017 at the Dayton Racquet Club which provided a stunning view of the downtown Dayton area. The honorary Twigs for this year were Niels Winther and Tim Obringer.

We had approximately 325 members in 17 branches around the Dayton area.  These branches organized many projects throughout the year and made $110,787.44 for the Projects fund.

The Annual Gem City Jam on August 21, 2017 under the guidance of Sue Baker and Michele Morrison raised $ 136,604.30 ($68,302.15 to our pledge) on a Monday that featured an actual Total Eclipse for a fun day of golfing complete with special eclipse viewing glasses.

Sugarplum Festival of Trees under Debbie Roe’s leadership and her entire committee delivered an awesome 50^th anniversary celebration – “Golden Christmas Memories”.  There was an increase in attendees at every event and the Masonic Temple again provided a breathtaking venue for all of the trees and décor. SFOT raised $68,000 which brought the total donation given to the hospital to $247,500.  Debbie presented the check to Tony Kenney, Foundation Board Chair at the Annual Dinner meeting on January 18, 2018.  Our current pledge for the Mills Family Cancer and Blood Disorder Center in the new patient tower was therefore fulfilled with this donation. The TWIGS Family Room and Activity Center honor this contribution made by the dedicated efforts and generous support of all Twigs over the past 4 years.

The TOT fund this year utilized $4,239.08 for the new Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) devices to assist in evaluation of children with diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, apraxia, etc.  This system will enable the Cox Center to evaluate children using different communication systems.  Dayton Children’s is the main referral source for ACC in the community and so this device will make the hospital a regional and statewide leader in this highly specialized area of speech-language pathology.

Child Life under Cilla Landrigan again hosted Mother’s day and Father’s day projects for the children to make for their families. The Secret Santa’s shop was held for the first time on the 8^th floor of the new patient tower.  It was awesome for the children, who are patients, to be able to do their Christmas shopping for their families in this new setting. Several carts of items donated by Twig members went with volunteers to individual patient rooms for those children who could not leave because of procedural precautions.  The Child Life kits and monthly pizza parties were again greatly appreciated by all patients and their families.

New this year, the Auxiliary under the auspices of Program Chair Rosie Goforth, held two different social evenings for Twig members. These evenings, at Carillon Brewing Co. on April 18^th and at Dublin Pub on October 4^th were well attended.  Everyone enjoyed an evening of great food, drinks and socializing with old and new friends.

This year, Twigs were also blessed with 2 very generous donations.  Kathy McAlpine, a former Twig, donated over 300 “Simply Sensational” cookbooks so that each member would have one of her own.  Kathy was one of the main people responsible for the development of this successful cookbook project in the late 1980’s.  Kimberly Lovings donated almost 100 Longaberger baskets to Twigs.  These were used as the basis of many of the raffle baskets seen throughout the year at all of the Twig events. 

2017 was a year when our dreams and goals were fulfilled as we worked together as a team to accomplish all that we could for the children in this community. Thank you so much for your determination, dedication, enthusiasm and passion in this endeavor – you truly are an awesome group of TERRIFIC WOMEN IN GIVING!

2018

Elizabeth A. Staggs: My year as president of the Auxiliary began on 18 January 2018 at the Dreams Do Come True annual dinner.  It was a memorable event for me as I was sworn in as the 49th Auxiliary president and it was also my birthday. Joining me on the Executive Board was Debbie Roe, Cindy Wagner and Lois Eberly.  I was humbled to be the next president for a group of Terrific Women in Giving. Although the size of our membership has decreased over the years, we are truly a group of women who continue to make a difference in the lives of the children and families that are seen and served at Dayton Children’s Hospital.  Moving forward, one of the biggest challenges facing the organization is what we need to do to ensure the legacy of our members and what they have accomplished over the last 52 years. A task force was formed with Debbie Ball taking the lead. Membership on the task force was composed of members from each TWIG branch. We looked at the events we currently offer discussing what events would be the wisest use of our limited resources while at the same time raising the most significant amount of money. With the technology that we have at our disposal, we need to harness this technology to our advantage in recruitment of members and the marketing of our organization.

Over the years, the TWIG branches held many fun events throughout the Miami Valley. Each one offered something unique. The theme-driven Heart-n-Hand, TWIG 18’s fashion show, Mom’s Mart, Mystery Auction, plant sales, garage sales and the making of cinch bags all contributed to a successful Projects year of fund raising.

On 24 January 2019 the Auxiliary annual dinner was held at the Dayton Racquet.  Our hospital guests included Debbie Feldman, President and CEO; Dr. Greg Ramey, Executive Director of Mental Health Services; and Jena Pado and Jill Lewis of the Foundation Office. The theme for the evening was Making A Difference. Cilla Landrigan, a member of TWIG 24, spoke to those in attendance about her personal experience as a recipient of a non-profit group’s generosity, as it pertained to the birth of her premature twin grandchildren, born earlier in the year.  As an active TWIG member, Cilla was humbled by the acts of kindness and generosity she and her family received from the Cincinnati hospital where her grandchildren were being taken care of.

Recognized as honorary TWIGs this year were Ron Patrick, husband of Sue Patrick, TWIG 16, Larry Speltz, and Jena Pado.

The auxiliary presented our first installment check towards our four- year $1.2M pledge toward the behavioral and mental health center.  The total was revealed on a TWIG Christmas tree.  Co-chairs, Sue Labatzky and Jamie Hanna revealed Gem City Jam golf outing raised $151,265.02 ($75,632.51 TWIGS portion for our pledge ); Sugarplum Festival of Trees co-chairs Debbie Ball and Melanie Whyte revealed $82,915.28 was raised; and Projects chair, Cheryl Page revealed $120,452.21 was raised from the various branch events for an overall total of $279,000.00.

The end of the evening saw the installation of the 2019 Executive Board: Debbie Roe, Melanie Whyte, Cindy Wagner and Lois Eberly along with the installation of the individual Branch presidents. I want to thank all of you for a wonderful year. In closing, remember we are truly Making A Difference in the lives of the children and families that are seen and served at Dayton Children’s Hospital.

2019

In January 2019, Debbie Roe was installed at our annual dinner meeting at the Dayton Club sponsored by Dayton Children’s Hospital.  She was joined by her Executive Board officers:  Melanie Whyte as President-Elect, Cindy Wagner as Secretary, and Lois Eberly as Treasurer.

It was a very successful year for TWIGs with our theme of “Finding Hope”.  The hospital became acutely aware of the need for a regional approach to caring for those high-risk children at risk of harming themselves or others.  In addition to a regional behavioral crisis center adjacent to the emergency department, Dayton Children’s has established a 24-bed inpatient mental health unit that opened in July of this year.  It includes a dedicated specialty care team, a safe care environment; child friendly features and connection to community-based services. 

Auxiliary events included the Gem City Jam Golf Outing.  At this event the golfers and friends raised $141,188.00  ($ 75,632.51 to our pledge).  SFOT, held at the Masonic Center in Dayton, was very successful raising $82,757.  These numbers were added with TWIG branch projects $128,489.

At the annual meeting,  a check for $281,800.00 was presented to the hospital.  The funds will go toward the TWIG Auxiliary’s second year of our four-year pledge to raise $1,2 million to provide startup funding for transformed behavioral health services.  The Honorary TWIGs were Gabby Enright,  Nancy Wilson,  Heidi Hennessey and Buck Whyte and were recognized for all their continued help and support of TWIGs over the years.

Thanks to everyone, including the Auxiliary, TWIG members and all hospital friends for a wonderful year.  Every member of TWIGs is a Terrific Woman In Giving.

2020

At our 2020 annual meeting held at the Dayton Club, Melanie Whyte was installed as our President.  Her executive board officers were:  Laura Lewis as President Elect, Barbara Hager as Secretary, and Lois Eberly as Treasurer.

In early spring, our usual activities were derailed by the Covid 19 Pandemic.  Twigs proved their resiliency and adopted the battle cry, Can’t Stop…Won’t Stop!  Using strict guidelines for social distancing, wearing masks, and providing hand sanitizer, we recreated our events with the majority being held virtually. 

In April, the hospital asked if Twigs could provide reusable masks for families using Children’s Home Health Services.  We responded by providing 700 handmade cloth masks.  Our members also made 1,500 cinch bags for Ambulatory EEG patients. 

Twigs also became proficient in social media and created an email database of all members, sponsors, and supporters who attended our events over the past two years.  This made communicating our activities much more efficient and effective at no cost.

In August, a reimagined Gem City Jam chaired by Mary Kay Young and Debbie Roe was held at NCR Country Club and raised $ 112,022.00 ( $ 56,011.00 to our pledge).  SFOT, held November 8-15 and chaired by Rosie Goforth and Nikki Collier, was streamlined with no live activities and trees displayed in open storefronts at Town and Country shopping center and The Greene.  Our virtual Sugarplum raised $88,283.00. Our projects raised                  $ 101,206.00 .

Due to Covid, our 2021 annual meeting was not held.  At a filmed meeting, a check was presented to the hospital totaling $ 245,500.00.  The donation completes the third year of our four year, $1.2 million pledge for transformed behavioral health services.  Gretchen Eckstein and Jennifer Garcia, who are both Dayton Children’s employees, were named Honorary Twigs for their dedication and unwavering support of our organization.

This year, more than ever before, we proved we are Terrific Women In Giving!

The Executive Board for 2021 included Laura Lewis- President, Barb Hager-President-Elect, Lisa Burba-Secretary, Lois Eberly-Treasurer.  (Laura Lewis also served as our Foundation representative)

COVID was still prevalent, and in-person fundraising events were postponed, cancelled, or “re–imagined.”  However, our creative members found new ways to raise money.  Listed below are those events:  

• Virtual Bingo
• Pampered Chef virtual party
• Paddles Up (in conjunction with GDSA)
• Bags and Baubles virtual online auction
• Bake sale at Auxiliary Meeting
• Bee Active 5K Fun Run
• A/R Workshop
• Touchstone virtual Jewelry Party
• Fry Pies sales

Additional projects (ongoing) for the year included Moms’ Sales, Flower Sales, Charity Crops, Ladies Night Out, Evening of Fun and Music at Heather’s Cafe, Garage and Craft Sales, “Cork and Canvas”, Butter Braid Sales, and Pecan Sales.  Total money raised through projects: $80,731.

In August, Debbie Ball and Melanie Whyte chaired another “re-invented” Gem City Jam.  We had 211 golfers participating and our TWIG volunteers were busy selling 50/50 tickets (on and off the course), managing the Silent Auction items and assisting in any way needed.  The TWIGS split a profit of $153,738 with Morris Furniture and donated $76,869 to our pledge for the hospital.  

Cilla Landrigan and Bev Gardner were our Child of Life Chairpersons.  For Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Secret Santa Shopping activities.  We used an Activity Room with patients outside a glass enclosure and TWIG members inside using mobile phones to communicate with the patients/family members.  The patient selected items and TWIG members would wrap each item, label them for specific family members.  Each patient’s gifts were delivered to the patient.  Our “personal shoppers” made every effort to find that special gift the patient requested.  For those patients who were unable to come and shop in person, a Child Life Specialist would take items and fulfill the requests of the patients in isolation.  A big Thank You to the Child Life staff for putting together a plan where we could still interact with the patients and their families and provide this free shopping service to them.

Our annual Sugarplum Festival of Trees was held at the Town & Country shopping center in Kettering (November 10-13).  Nikki Collier chaired this event.  Items were displayed in the windows of the vacant Stein Mart location as well as a vacant store location across from Cheryl’s Cookies.  The store display was designed so that patrons could view the items up close and in person (in small groups) rather than just outside the windows.  This created much more interest and increased bidding!

On Wednesday and Thursday evening (November 10-11), an invitation-only reception was held for our sponsors and special patrons.  This provided an early viewing of the trees and other terms and guests were given the opportunity to have the first bid.  The online bidding and ‘scheduled’ viewing opened to the public on Friday, November 12.

On Saturday, November 13, the TWIGs also participated in the Kettering Arts and Crafts Fair at the Lathrem Center in Kettering.  This was our first venture back into a “mini-boutique” since 2019.  Thanks to Mary Ellen Grass for organizing this part of the Sugarplum event.

The Honorary TWIGS were the amazing attendees of the TWIG 33 Charity Crops. Barb Hager (2022 Aux President) attended both March Charity Crops and presented certificates to all of those attending. They also celebrated with a Champagne Toast for their continued contributions, dedication and support of Dayton Children’s Hospital.

Our efforts paid off and we contributed $100,280 from the Sugarplum event towards our current $1.2 million pledge for behavioral health services at Dayton Children’s Hospital.

The Annual Meeting for the year 2021 was held at the NCR Country Club with limited attendees due to Covid.  A check was presented to Jena Pado in the amount of $257,700.  This completed our four-year pledge of $1.2 million.

2022

In January 2022, Barb Hager was installed as President during the annual meeting at NCR Country Club.  The executive board officers included Kelly Poplin as President Elect, Amy Bolus as Secretary, and Amy Petrie as Treasurer.  Since we were still under COVID restrictions, only the current members of the Executive ad Officer’s Councils were present, and the meeting was live-streamed for other TWIG members to enjoy.

In February, TWIGs committed to a new four-year Pledge of $1M in support of Pediatric Behavioral and Mental Health.  This area continued to be a top priority for both TWIGs and Dayton Children’s Hospital.  The statistics for children being affected by mental and behavioral health issues continued to rise at an alarming rate.  TWIGs decided to continue to commit to supporting the valiant efforts being made to help support the children in our community.

February 2022 saw Covid restrictions begin to relax, and we were once again able to have our fundraising events in person.  The Dayton community responded with their generosity and support, as they always have.

In August, we supported one of our premiere fundraising events, Gem City Jam, at NCR Country Club.  TWIG 17 members coordinated the event and we raised over $160,000, with $80,034 going to our Pledge.

In addition to the monthly pizza parties supported by the various TWIG branches, Cilla Landrigan and Bev Gardner organized the Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Secret Santa shopping events held at Dayton Children’s for the patients and their families.  These events provide an opportunity for the patients to “shop” for items for their patients in person, and it was heartwarming to see what a positive impact TWIGs have in their lives.

Sugarplum Festival of Trees was held November 11-13 at the Kettering American Legion, and TWIG 11 members were the coordinators for the event.  We again had a boutique sale at the Lathrem Senior Center (which was very well attended), and had a new event, Swigs with TWIGs, a beer and wine tasting event which was incredibly successful.  Many of the attendees expressed hope we would have it again in 2023.  In typical TWIG fashion, the event space at the Kettering Legion was transformed into a winter wonderland, and the bidding for the trees, decor and baskets was amazing.  Sugarplum raised $102,342 toward our new pledge.  Our projects, organized through dedication and hard work, raised $126,624.

At the annual meeting, held January 19th 2023, TWIGs presented a check to Jena Pado, Foundation Vice President and Chief Development Officer, and Jeff Klank, Dayton Children’s Hospital Foundation Board Chair, for a grand total of $310,000.  We were delighted to recognize John Dunn, our incredible Sugarplum Santa, as an Honorary TWIG for his dedication and kindness for the children in the community.

As I reflect on the past year, I am truly grateful for each and every TWIG member.  It was a pleasure having the opportunity to visit every branch during one of their meetings throughout the year, receiving a warm welcome from each group.  I am also very thankful for the support members get from their families and friends, including the TWIG 33 Crop Ladies.  I had the privilege of attending to separate crop weekends to celebrate their recognition as the honorary TWIGs for 2021.

TWIGs continue to dream big and keep the welfare of the children in our community as a top priority.  It is only with everyone’s support and dedication that we are able to achieve our goals and meet our pledge commitments.  We never lacked volunteers or support for any task and TWIGs embraced the idea of A Dedicated TWIG Says Yes to the Gig!  Thank you so much for an outstanding year!  You are all truly Terrific Women in Giving!

Kelly Poplin served as Auxiliary President in 2023. During her year of service, Kelly especially enjoyed the opportunity to meet so many TWIG members by attending branch meetings throughout the year. The fellowship shared by members, along with the delicious meals and desserts, made each visit memorable and reinforced the strong bonds within the organization.

Kelly was supported by:

• President-Elect: Kristen Mowry
• Secretary: Amy Bolus
• Treasurer: Amy Petrie
• Advisor: Barb Hager

Additional Auxiliary leaders included:

• Child Life Coordinator: Cilla Landirigan
• Child Life Committee: Bev Gardner
• Craft Show Coordinator: Diane Sutton
• Foundation Board Representative: Laura Lewis
• Historian: Mary Tankersley
• Social Media Coordinator: Linda Moore
• Communications Coordinator: Barb Hager
• Projects Coordinator: Jamie Hanna
• Sponsorship Coordinator: Chris Reynolds

The 56th Annual Sugarplum Festival of Trees (SFOT) was chaired by Cheryl Page and Glenda Abston and raised an incredible $100,000. The Festival of Trees was held at the American Legion, while the Craft Show took place at the Kettering Recreation Center.

For 56 years, SFOT has served as the official kickoff to the holiday season in the Miami Valley. Champlin Architecture returned as the presenting sponsor for the fifth consecutive year.

On Friday evening, TWIG members hosted the second annual “Swigs with TWIGs,” a beer and wine tasting event that replaced the traditional gala. The event attracted a younger audience and expanded opportunities for community engagement and bidding support.

Saturday featured two family-friendly events. At the American Legion, members hosted an Open House with Santa Claus and children’s crafts. Simultaneously, members participated in the Craft Show at the Kettering Recreation Center. The Craft Boutique and Nutcracker Sweets were especially successful, generating nearly $6,000 in craft sales and more than $2,000 in Nutcracker Sweets revenue.

One of Kelly’s favorite events of the year was TWIG 3’s “Pumpkins with a Purpose.” This special event, held only in 2023, showcased the creativity and dedication of TWIG members. Visitors frequently stopped to thank the volunteers for their commitment to Dayton Children’s, making the event both meaningful and memorable.

Gem City Jam, chaired by Barbara Hager and Nancy Byrge, was held at NCR Country Club and raised an impressive $82,706 in support of Dayton Children’s.

The 2022–2025 TWIG Auxiliary Pledge supports pediatric mental health services at Dayton Children’s Hospital. Children are our future, and one of the greatest challenges facing them today is mental health. At Dayton Children’s alone, more than 7,000 children visited the Crisis Center in the previous year. As the Auxiliary entered the third year of its four-year, $1 million commitment, members remained dedicated to funding vital pediatric mental health resources and services. Through continued partnership with our community, TWIG members are helping make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families.

Projects throughout the year raised $100,294.

At the Annual Auxiliary Dinner held at NCR Country Club, the TWIG Auxiliary proudly presented a check to Dayton Children’s Hospital for $283,000 in support of pediatric mental health initiatives.

During the Annual Dinner, members paused to honor six beloved TWIG sisters who passed away in 2023:

• Barbara Murtaugh – TWIG 3
• Carol Fox – TWIG 16
• Natalie Harwood – TWIG 26
• Georgia “Gigi” Cali – TWIG 16
• Joan Gingrey – TWIG 13
• Mary K. Young – TWIG 25

Their dedication, friendship, and service to Dayton Children’s and the TWIG Auxiliary will always be remembered.