Auxiliary members donate $60,000 to Lutheran Medical Center

May 21, 2013 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Screen Shot 2013-05-22 at 9.15.55 AM.png

Share this:

Lutheran Medical Center will be able to install a new piece of medical equipment in the operating rooms thanks to a $60,000 donation from the hospital’s auxiliary. The Lutheran Medical Center Auxiliary, a fundraising arm of the hospital, announced the donation at its annual luncheon on May 15.

The funds will be used toward the purchase of a trauma airway cart, a device that carries advanced equipment to assist anesthesiologists stabilize patients with traumatic abnormalities during operations, auxiliary leaders said. Hospital officials will also use the donated funds to purchase a device known as a bronchoscope tower. The tower gives doctors a clear video vie of a patient’s airway.

Auxiliary President Margherita Clemento presented the check to Claudia Caine, executive vice president and hospital director, at the luncheon at Sirico’s Catering Hall on 13th Avenue in Dyker Heights. Caine said the donation was greatly appreciated. “When we don’t have a lot of money, every dollar is important,” Caine said. Lutheran Medical Center is located at 150 55th St. in Sunset Park.

The new devices will assist the hospital in its mission to provide first rate healthcare to its patients, Caine said. “If you have been to Lutheran Medical Center, you know we take all comers. We turn no one away,” she said.

The mission of the auxiliary is to “support the hospital’s fine work in our community,” Clemento said.

In addition to donating and raising funds for the hospital, auxiliary members also donate their time by volunteering at the hospital. Many of the members take turns sitting at the hospital’s front desk, directing visitors to patients’ rooms.

The luncheon, which drew a large crowd of over 200 people, featured raffles with prizes such as two free nights at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square, tickets to a Broadway show, gift certificates for dinner at local restaurants, and bottles of wine.