To the Editor:
     Our community's steadfast commitment to Morgan Memorial Hospital was evident by the more than 250 people who turned out for the Ninth Annual Festival of Friends.  While we are still counting, this year's Festival of Friends resulted in raising approximately $34,000 for the hospital, and of course, we would welcome any additional donations which may be sent to Festival of Friends, P.O. Box 860, Madison, GA  30650.
     The Morgan Memorial Hospital Auxiliary wishes to thank everyone who helped this event to be so successful.  Our thanks go, especially, to all of the hosts and hostesses, without whom this Festival would not exist.  These generous people created the fabulous parties, at their own expense, which make up the Festival of Friends each year.  I've heard compliments all week about the food and fun had by all.
     We want to thank everyone at the James Madison Conference Center where the Cocktail Party has been held for the last three years.  The cooperation and help we have received from the staff is deeply appreciated.  We also want to thank the merchants and citizens who graciously donated goods and services to our auction.  We especially want to thank Whidby Jewelers who once again generously donated a diamond necklace which resulted in the sale of almost 200 raffle tickets.
     It has been a joy to work with the members of the Morgan Memorial Hospital Auxiliary in preparation for this year's Festival of Friends.  These volunteers work tirelessly for the hospital, and a big thank you goes out to all of them.  Emmie Smock works her magic with the wording of the invitations and Kathryn Cardwell produces the many reservation cards needed. Since Sarah Burbach could not be with us this year to provide the technology support for the silent auction, we were so relieved that we could call on David Vaughan to help us.  The Auxiliary is deeply grateful to you, David. Joan Alby and Marti Jessup worked their magic with the arrangement of auction items in the Conference rooms, while Margaret Ligon made sure our cocktail party ran smoothly. Beverly Abbott, Megan Morris and Bob Lawton helped our Treasurer, Paulette Long with the busy checkout at the end of our silent auction.  The Morgan County Citizen has generously given the Festival of Friends publicity which greatly raised awareness of this event, and we are very grateful for their support. Also, I'd like to extend a special thank you to Mary Lawton, Jane Hogan, and Sally Hoge for all their help and support without which I could have never managed.
     Finally, I'd like to thank the citizens of Morgan County who once again showed their continuing support of Morgan Memorial Hospital.  In preparation for this event, I was at the hospital almost everyday, and I saw firsthand how much the citizens of this County and the dedicated hospital employees need a new facility.  The Auxiliary is so proud to have had the opportunity to once again raise needed funds for this important endeavor.
Nancy Vaughan,
President
Morgan Memorial
Hospital Auxiliary
Via email