St. Andrews Auxiliary (SAA) held its annual spring Meet n’ Greet Open House April 25 at the auxiliary’s Thrift Store. The celebration incorporated volunteer appreciation, and the bi-annual awarding of funds raised. Reven Oliver, MaineHealth Lincoln hospital director of philanthropy, received a check for $31,500 from SAA President Patty Colhoun. “This is absolutely incredible,” said Oliver. "The support we receive from SAA is essential for keeping us going. And all the money stays on the peninsula.”

The funds were raised through the volunteer efforts of the Thrift Shop. Sales proceeds are gathered year-round and awarded in two rounds; one in the fall, and one in the spring. SAA receives a wish list from MaineHealth for specific equipment and initiatives. This round funded an infusion chair, blood pressure monitor, bladder scanner, Tono-pen and a support initiative for Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine. Another $35,428.60 in healthcare scholarships and nursing school support was also raised and will be awarded as applications are processed.

SAA has gifted funds and scholarships in excess of $117,000 between October 2023 and April 2025 and, since its inception in 1952, the organization has donated about $1.4 million to LincolnHealth, the nursing school and students pursing medical education. SAA Scholarship Chair Linda Redman shared that on May 5, SAA will celebrate its 15-year relationship with Central Maine Community College. Currently, SAA supports five full nursing scholarships at MaineHealth (Damariscotta) Nursing School, one scholarship for a social worker and several continuing education and professional development scholarships.

The event was timed with National Volunteer Appreciation Week. Earlier in the week, Colhoun presented an Ann Hedgecock (SAA Sewing Group) quilt to Connie Bright, Lincoln Hospital Director of Volunteers for over 40 years. Colhoun was a LincolnHealth volunteer before taking SAA’s presidency. SAA’s Social Committee organized the event which included a spectacular array of food, drinks and music in the Thrift Shop. “We (SAA) have the pleasure of serving this community. Our impact and outreach are grounded in bringing everyone together, and the shop, especially now, in these times, we are here for all budgets; staples or flare, practical or fun, there’s something for everyone, and thrifting is in vogue,” said Social Committee Chair Linda Clapp. “We value our volunteers and hold events annually to show our gratitude. Events include a Valentine’s Day Pizza luncheon, the summer luncheon at the Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club, our fall annual meeting, a Christmas Cheer party and the spring Meet n’ Greet.”

The organization actively seeks new members to support its mission. Serving as a social point of connection and a crucial link between the community and our healthcare system, SAA was named “Most Notable Non-Profit of 2023” by Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce and received the “2022 Maine Governor’s Service Award for Outstanding Volunteer Program” for keeping people active and engaged in the community. SAA has 130 members and is growing. In addition to the Thrift Shop, SAA offers volunteer opportunities through its sewing and music groups, bake sales, and healthcare volunteerism at MaineHealth St. Andrews Campus and St. Andrews Village. For more information on how to join, stop by the Thrift Shop in the Meadow Mall or visit SAA's Facebook page.