Above all, the story of the Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital Auxiliary is founded on a love of Virginia's Eastern Shore and those who call it home. Before a single brick was placed for a hospital in this region, the first Auxilians were already hard at work gathering support and funds.
Today, the scope may be different, but the passion is the same. Our Auxiliary members work to improve the care and services available at Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital through fundraising efforts and special Auxiliary events throughout the year.
The vast contributions of the Auxiliary have facilitated improvements in nearly every area of the hospital, from refurbished waiting areas and patient rooms to new surgical and diagnostic equipment. The hospital Gift Shop is also completely staffed by Auxiliary volunteers.
If you would like to learn more about becoming a part of the RSMH Auxiliary or are interested in volunteering at one of our exciting events, please read more about membership.
The Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital Board of Directors recognizes the dedicated support of the RSMH Auxiliary:
Our History
The organization now known as the Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital Auxiliary actually began in the 1910's before the hospital even existed. A hospital on the Eastern Shore of Virginia was a dream that originated with Dr. William J. Sturgis Sr. After a meeting held by Dr. Sturgis in Nassawadox to begin organizing for a new hospital, Bessie Anderson, a recent widow whose husband died due to appendicitis, was determined to bring Dr. Sturgis's dream to fruition.
Mrs. Anderson organized the Hospital Auxiliary and was the driving force behind its unwavering efforts to raise enough funds, dollar by dollar, for a local hospital. Auxilians canvassed door to door for donations. Some people who did not have a spare dollar or two to donate would instead bake cakes for bake sales. The support of Eastern Shore residents continued to grow, with door to door donations totaling $2,000 one year.
As the Auxiliary members raised funds, they purchased bricks and windows as they were able, storing them in a barn until construction advanced to the point where the items were needed. Six Auxilians even took out personal loans to begin assembling the bricks up to the second floor.
The result of the tireless efforts of these original Auxiliary members was Northampton-Accomack Memorial Hospital, a 25-bed facility that opened in 1928 and served as the first hospital on Virginia's Eastern Shore.
The Hospital Auxiliary's fundraising efforts contribute to a number of vital projects and purchases each year.
Auxiliary donations are allocated as needed for improvement projects. A sample of past projects includes:
- Staff education and nursing scholarships
- Leadership gift for the Lloyd J. Kellam, III, M.D. Heart Center at the new RSMH
- Training equipment including an infant-sized mannequin for maternity
- Patient room comforts including ICU beds, bariatric beds and wheelchairs, sleeper chairs for guests and rocking chairs for maternity rooms
- Operating room equipment and lighting
- Updated equipment including mammography machines, pathology microscope, colonoscope, ultrasound equipment and cardiac rehabilitation treadmill and bicycle
- Refurbishment of non-clinical areas such as the hospital's main lobby, surgery waiting area, medical/surgical floors' waiting areas and the room designated for Hospice patients
- Leadership funding for the 2003 Riverside Shore Cancer Center in Nasswadox. This building will soon be renovated to house primary care and urgent care.
- Leadership funding for the relocated Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital in Onancock.
- A state-of-the-art vascular ultrasound to spot vascular disease that can lead to stroke, pulmonary embolism, and other life-threatening conditions.
The Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital Auxiliary is an impressive team of dedicated volunteers. To learn more about volunteering with RSMH Auxiliary, click here.
Executive Committee
- Jane Bulette - Past President ([email protected])
- Ann Williams - Immediate Past President ([email protected])
- Debbie Cooley - President ([email protected])
- Wendy Lilliston - Vice President, Accomack County ([email protected])
- Donna Kellam - Vice President, Northampton County ([email protected])
- Sarah Bingman - Secretary ([email protected])
- Kristin Webb - Treasurer ([email protected])
Carousel Gift Shop
- Angela Benton - Buyer, Volunteer Coordinator
- Cindy Galambos - Bookkeeper
Festival Of Lights
- Bev Misuna - Chair ([email protected])
Hospital Ball
- Talia Taylor
- Lauren Pruitt
Volunteers are always gladly welcomed. If you can give some time, please email the Chair of your area of interest. For Gift Shop volunteers, please call the shop at 302-2155.
The Auxiliary’s signature events form the backbone of its fundraising efforts and facilitate the many projects it supports throughout the year.
- Annual Hospital Ball
- Festival of Lights
Joining RSMH Auxiliary
Thank you for your interest in joining the Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. Since 1920 our dedicated members have worked to bring first class health care services to the Eastern Shore. Our mission remains the same today.
To learn more about becoming a part of this esteemed group, please e-mail the Auxiliary member in your area.
- Wendy Lilliston (Vice President, Accomack County) at [email protected]
- Donna Kellam (Vice President, Northampton County) at [email protected]
Volunteering with RSMH Auxiliary
None of our events or special projects would exist without the commitment of some of Virginia's best volunteers. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to partner with community members who give of their time and talents to serve with the RSMH Auxiliary. And of course, we are always happy to welcome new volunteers!
For more information about volunteering, please contact the appropriate event Chair.
Hospital Ball Co-Chairs
Talia Taylor
Festival of Lights Chair
Bev Misuna at [email protected]
Carousel Gift Shop
Call the Shop at 757-302-2155
Hours: Mon-Friday
10am-2pm (not open on Saturdays)
