Sequim-Dungeness Hospital Guild donates money to medical community

By Erin Hawkins

Olympic Peninsula News Group

SEQUIM — The Sequim-Dungeness Hospital Guild donated $27,000 to medical and health organizations at its annual fundraiser luncheon.

Members of the guild hosted a luncheon, silent auction and fashion show May 11 at 7 Cedars Casino in Blyn to fundraise money it donates every year to medical and health organizations in the community. Tickets paid for the luncheon, and $2,700 was raised during the silent auction.

“This is our major fundraiser for the year,” said Addie Curtis, publicity chair for the Sequim-Dungeness Hospital Guild.

The guild has been in business since the 1970s and consists of three divisions including membership dues, memorials and donations, Cards for Cardiacs and a thrift shop at 204 W. Bell St. in Sequim.

During the luncheon, the guild presented $9,000 checks to the Dungeness Valley Health &Wellness Clinic, Olympic Medical Center and the Peninsula College Foundation.

Sara Nicholls, executive director of the Dungeness Valley Health &Wellness Clinic, said the money “goes toward providing medical care to the underserved community.”

This nonprofit is a free health clinic in Sequim that provides basic urgent care to uninsured and under-insured community members and offers chronic health care services several times a month by appointment.

Representatives of OMC said the money they received will be used to help pay for a digital laryngoscope — a machine that aids in intubations or airway management.

“This is an updated version” that will provide better visual quality prior to intubations, said Jessica Berry, OMC director of emergency room services.

Peninsula College Foundation staff said the donation it received will be used for nursing and medical education. The training these students receive “mimic any professional medical facility they might end up in,” staff said during the check presentation.

The guild’s annual fashion show featured several volunteer models that displayed a variety of different outfits that would be available at the thrift shop, from vintage lace dresses to modern-styled outfits.

Cards for Cardiacs provided monetary contributions to the event, The Home Depot donated flowers and 7 Cedars Casino catered the event.

For more information about the thrift shop, phone 360-683-7044.

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Erin Hawkins is a reporter with the Olympic Peninsula News Group, which is composed of Sound Publishing newspapers Peninsula Daily News, Sequim Gazette and Forks Forum. Reach her at ehawkins@sequimgazette.com.