Auxiliary Celebrates 75 Years of Helping Indiana
Children in Need!
On October 26, 1932, twenty young women banded
together and became charter members of the Auxiliary
to the Children's Bureau of the Indianapolis Orphan
Asylum. The Auxiliary was "born of a need"
to help children, noted Lucille Batson, director
of the Children's Bureau in those days, because
money to meet the needs of "vulnerable"
children had become scarce as the Great Depression
tightened its grip on the nation. Still active
today, the organization is known as the Children's
Bureau Auxiliary, Inc.
Over the years, the purpose of the Auxiliary has
remained as it was in 1932: to raise money for
the Children's Bureau and to provide direct volunteer
service, such as client parties, transportation
to appointments, foster parent meetings, and staff
assistance. Fundraising activities have run the
gamut from puppet shows and bridge parties to
galas on the eve of the 500 Mile Race to rummage
and flower sales to the Something Special Gift
Shop to tours of the Hoosier Dome (now the RCA
Dome) to golf tournaments to the Fashion Show
& Luncheon and Blooming Boutique and more.
In the early years of the Auxiliary, fundraising
earnings often went toward expanding a child's
horizon or alleviating a medical problem. For
example, funds were used for music lessons and
instruments, orthopedic shoes, and summer camp.
In addition, some of the money provided scholarships
for staff members to further their education through
graduate study or to attend professional conferences.
Today, much attention is focused on birthday &
holiday gifts and monthly activities for children
in group homes, craft activities at the Family
Support Center and Retreat, camp and other special
experiences for the children, and scholarships
for staff members to continue their education
in social work.
From
the small group of twenty women who established
the organization so long ago, Auxiliary membership
has grown to include 355 women over the past 75
years. Currently 50 women donate time and energy
to raise funds and to volunteer directly with
the children or to assist staff members.
Several events are scheduled during 2007 to celebrate
the Auxiliary's first seventy-five years. In addition
to focusing on specific decades during general
monthly meetings, the Auxiliary will:
• treat the
Children's Bureau staff members to a program highlighting
75 years of service at a staff appreciation luncheon
on April 17th at North United Methodist Church
• host the 13th
annual Fashion Show & Luncheon and Blooming
Boutique on May 9th at The Fountains in Carmel,
again highlighting 75 years of accomplishment
• celebrate
the Auxiliary's 75 year history with dinner and
awards at the Indiana History Center in the fall
Congratulations
to members of the Children's Bureau Auxiliary
as they celebrate 75 years of helping Indiana
children in need through service to Children's
Bureau!
|
