Guild Luncheon = Friday Fun

On Friday, I had the pleasure of attending the annual Seattle Children's Hospital Guild Association Luncheon at the Westin Hotel. It's the meeting at which all guilds gather and celebrate the accomplishments of the past year, learn about new challenges and receive updates from hospital personnel. There are elections of officers and awards for outstanding service, a music video showing highlights of what we do and how we do it, interviews with patient/family members and time to shop at booths staffed by guilds (which sell items to support the hospital).

I brought my mom with me, and upon our arrival, we met one of our guild members, Bonnie P, and sat together. We were also seated with members of the Adaline Coffman guild, and I had the opportunity to chat in depth with a delightful young lady who is a member of that guild.

The guild association was founded around the same time as the hospital itself, by Anna Clise (who also founded the hospital). It is unique in the nation, and we are told it is the envy of other hospitals.  The power of goodwill that the guild association inspires and harnesses is truly transformative, to those serving and to those it serves.

Some fun facts about the Guild Association in 2011:
7,000 members
500 guilds
11 new guilds
$10.8 million project revenue
$141,000 membership revenue
$501,900 net thrift store revenue (from wonderful stores like Bainbridge Island's Bargain Boutique)
170,535 volunteer hours
$2.5 million guild-affiliated revenue (Foundation programs from guild members and their friends)

Please take a few minutes to watch this video, get inspired, feel the love and passion of our members, and consider JOINING us!