HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary Contributes Over $22,000 to Hospital
October 02, 2026
The Auxiliary at HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese is committed to supporting the needs of the hospital and the community through many events, fundraisers and hours of volunteering.
The Auxiliary recently reported this year’s donation total of $22,046 to the hospital for equipment and 10,420 volunteer hours worked by its members. The funds went toward two major purchases: a bladder scanner for the Emergency department and a surgical positioner for Surgery department.
"When you look at everything the Auxiliary does throughout the year, the impact is remarkable," said Christine Gebke, HSHS Southern Illinois Market Manager of Volunteer Services. "We are deeply grateful for their dedication to our patients, colleagues and community."
Beyond the annual donation, the Auxiliary supports the hospital and community year-round through a wide range of efforts, including the Gift Shop, annual Used Book Sale, Bake Sale, Cancer Care Closet, Health Fair, scholarships for health care students, quilting, floral arrangements, and patient and visitor activity programs. Members also contribute to New Year's Baby celebrations, Mission Team activities, Foundation fundraising, Christmas stockings for newborns and holiday décor throughout the hospital.
The Auxiliary also supports future generations of healthcare workers through their scholarship program. This year, 11 healthcare students were awarded $1,000 each to support their ongoing education in various health fields.
To lead all these activities, the Auxiliary elects their board officers annually. The current board includes: President Elaine Kampwerth, Vice President Mary Hoerchler, Treasurer Tina Wiegman, Treasurer and Quilting Chairperson Joann Timmermann, Recording Secretary Joanne Becker and Corresponding Secretary Judy Kampwerth.
Completing the Board of Directors are committee chairs: Mary L. Heeren, Public Relations; Dorothy "Dot" Bauman, Cancer Care Closet; Berta Beer, Gift Shop; Carol Feldman, retiring President and Gift Shop Co-Chair; Pat Perkins, Ways & Means; Aggie Kampwerth, Bake Sale; Arlette Szczepan, Floral; Jeanette Johnson and Marilyn Zobrist, Health Fair; Margaret "Maggie" Jakel, Membership; Helen Essenpreis, Patient/Visitor Activities; and Jackie Chiarolanza and Lynn Rinella, Scholarship. Joanne Becker also chairs the Audit, Health Advocacy and Nominating committees.
“Our Auxiliary is very strong with 188 active members, all with a community and patient-first mindset,” Gebke said. “We encourage others to join us to continue to support the hospital and to make an impact in the health of our community.”
For more information about the Auxiliary or volunteer opportunities at St. Joseph's Hospital, contact Christine Gebke at (618) 526-5351 or [email protected].
The Auxiliary recently reported this year’s donation total of $22,046 to the hospital for equipment and 10,420 volunteer hours worked by its members. The funds went toward two major purchases: a bladder scanner for the Emergency department and a surgical positioner for Surgery department.
"When you look at everything the Auxiliary does throughout the year, the impact is remarkable," said Christine Gebke, HSHS Southern Illinois Market Manager of Volunteer Services. "We are deeply grateful for their dedication to our patients, colleagues and community."
Beyond the annual donation, the Auxiliary supports the hospital and community year-round through a wide range of efforts, including the Gift Shop, annual Used Book Sale, Bake Sale, Cancer Care Closet, Health Fair, scholarships for health care students, quilting, floral arrangements, and patient and visitor activity programs. Members also contribute to New Year's Baby celebrations, Mission Team activities, Foundation fundraising, Christmas stockings for newborns and holiday décor throughout the hospital.
The Auxiliary also supports future generations of healthcare workers through their scholarship program. This year, 11 healthcare students were awarded $1,000 each to support their ongoing education in various health fields.
To lead all these activities, the Auxiliary elects their board officers annually. The current board includes: President Elaine Kampwerth, Vice President Mary Hoerchler, Treasurer Tina Wiegman, Treasurer and Quilting Chairperson Joann Timmermann, Recording Secretary Joanne Becker and Corresponding Secretary Judy Kampwerth.
Completing the Board of Directors are committee chairs: Mary L. Heeren, Public Relations; Dorothy "Dot" Bauman, Cancer Care Closet; Berta Beer, Gift Shop; Carol Feldman, retiring President and Gift Shop Co-Chair; Pat Perkins, Ways & Means; Aggie Kampwerth, Bake Sale; Arlette Szczepan, Floral; Jeanette Johnson and Marilyn Zobrist, Health Fair; Margaret "Maggie" Jakel, Membership; Helen Essenpreis, Patient/Visitor Activities; and Jackie Chiarolanza and Lynn Rinella, Scholarship. Joanne Becker also chairs the Audit, Health Advocacy and Nominating committees.
“Our Auxiliary is very strong with 188 active members, all with a community and patient-first mindset,” Gebke said. “We encourage others to join us to continue to support the hospital and to make an impact in the health of our community.”
For more information about the Auxiliary or volunteer opportunities at St. Joseph's Hospital, contact Christine Gebke at (618) 526-5351 or [email protected].
Media Contact
Micalli Muschinske
Communications & Public Relations Specialist