Fallbrook Hospital Auxiliary distributes remaining $58,000 in assets to seven other community groups

BJ Johnson never imagined that she and fellow volunteers that comprise the Fallbrook Hospital Auxiliary would find themselves giving away the organization's financial assets, after working so hard to raise them. However, last week, that's exactly what happened, as a result of the auxiliary minimizing its operation due to the closure of Fallbrook Hospital several months ago.

"We voted to distribute the remaining $58,000 in assets that we had to seven worthy organizations to further benefit Fallbrook's needs," explained Johnson, who has served as president of the auxiliary for the past eight years.

"We know these organizations will continue our legacy of helping the community," said Johnson. "We have always given back to the community and want to give our funds to other groups that do the same."

After careful consideration, auxiliary members first voted to disperse funds to three organizations that had significantly supported their effort over the years:

"Those organizations are the Rotary Club of Fallbrook, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and Angel Society of Fallbrook," said Johnson. "These groups have helped us over the years and they regularly give to the community. It was also very important to us to help our veterans."

The Fallbrook Senior Center received funds specifically to use toward their meals program for homebound seniors. "Auxiliary members felt very strong about supporting the meals program," Johnson said.

Fallbrook Animal Sanctuary was also presented with funds. "Some of our auxiliary members are very supportive of the work being done at the sanctuary, so it was chosen as a recipient," said Johnson.

The Fallbrook Food Pantry benefited by some of the auxiliary's funds as well. "We feel the food pantry is a great program since there are a lot of people that need food desperately," said Johnson.

In June, the auxiliary presented a record amount of $72,000 in scholarship funds to local students studying for careers in medical-related fields.

Aside from their liquid assets being distributed, the auxiliary donated its wheelchair-equipped van a couple of weeks prior to the Foundation for Senior Care. "We gave a lot of people rides in that van and we know they will do the same, hopefully for free," said Johnson.

In reducing the scope of the auxiliary, a handful of volunteers continue to help with the few opportunities available.

"We still have volunteers helping at the Fallbrook Skilled Nursing facility," explained Johnson. "We also still have the cardiac rehab exercise class at the Fallbrook Senior Center and we will continue to do the blood drives every three months. We also help at the healthcare district's prostate screening day."

As the group has minimized, many longtime volunteers aren't

ready to abandon their monthly meeting where they share experiences and camaraderie. Johnson, who has dedicated several years of her life leading the organization, said, "It's been an honor and a privilege to be the president for eight years."

Grateful for the respect the Fallbrook Hospital Auxiliary has earned in the community since its inception in 1959, Johnson said, "We want to thank everyone who has helped us over the years. I also want to thank all of our members who helped to finalize all of this."

Despite great reductions in its operations, the light has not been turned off on this organization. It's evident that a flicker still exists.

"Some of us are still meeting on the third Wednesday at Denny's for lunch to stay in touch," said Johnson. "We just don't want to give up!"