Women’s Auxiliary celebrates century of service

The Women’s Auxiliary of St. Edmond’s Home for Children marked its Centennial on Saturday, Nov. 18, at Overbrook Golf Club. The Past Presidents of the Auxiliary were honored with 15 of the presidents and their families present. More than 200 people attended the event to celebrate a century of the Auxiliary’s support and service. Ellen Cass, the current Auxiliary President, welcomed everyone and reminded the attendees of the many projects that the women have supported over the years. Most recently, they include a new swimming pool, great room, multitouch garden, special care wing and newly decorated hallways. Most exciting to hear was the news of the purchase of a new community home for the children over 21 years of age. Proceeds from the event this year will be used for renovations of this new home in Newtown Square.

Additional honored guests were Jim, Missy and Mark Mundy, whose great-great aunt, Mary Mundy, was the founding member of the Auxiliary in 1917. Past President Eileen Park accepted the cup on behalf of the past presidents and shared a few words about why this event has been fondly called Cup Day. When the Auxiliary started this fundraising event, it included a golf tournament and tennis matches. Winners were presented with a Cup. As the years passed, golf and tennis were dropped but the dinner dance remained.

Co-chairs Anne Barker and Maggie Hagstrom and their committee were thanked for their behind- the- scenes planning and preparation to celebrate the Centennial. The event included a raffle and a mystery wine pull wherein guests paid for a numbered ticket and ‘won’ a bottle of wine ranging in price from $25 to $100.

Home Administrator Denise Clofine shared a few words with the guests, noting that the work and dedication of the Auxiliary over the years has been a true inspiration. The women always find a way to meet the needs of the children and the Staff, she said, adding that many generations of families have served and continue to serve in the group.

St. Edmond’s Home opened in 1916 for children mainly afflicted by polio. The Home celebrated its 100th Anniversary last year. In 1917, Archbishop Edmond Prendergast realized additional support would be needed and asked Mrs. Mundy and a group of dedicated women to organize an Auxiliary to raise funds to maintain the Home and to support the services and care of the children. St. Edmond’s Home for Children was the first Catholic facility for children with disabilities in the United States. The current children at the Home are severely handicapped with physical, mental and intellectual disabilities.

The Auxiliary is proud that its dedication, loyalty and love for the children have lasted a century. Visit the Auxiliary website to learn more about St. Edmond’s Home – www.womensauxsted.org

Ashley Fulkerson, Adrienne Madarasz, Lindsey Petronella and Robert Hagstrom get together at the Women’s Auxiliary of St. Edmond’s Home for Children Centennial gala.

Michael and Marti Rodgers and Carl and Kathleen Kraus enjoy the gala.

Linda Loughlin, Denise Bellasario, Ellen Cass and Sharon Bozentka get together.

Stephanie Bellisario, Steve McCrone, Jennifer Lurty and Kenny Yanni enjoy the centennial celebration.

Jim and Betsy Kane stand in front of a Parents Picture from 1992.

Jeff and Mary Ann Bond and Liz and Paul Finley enjoy the centennial event.

Jim, Missy and Mark Mundy at the Women’s Auxiliary of St. Edmond’s Home Centennial celebration.

Nick Lanza and Hank Page enjoy the St. Edmond’s event.