The Regina Auxiliary held its spring membership luncheon on May 5, 2025, at the Hastings Public House with over 60 members in attendance. President Margaret Flower welcomed members to the luncheon and led the general business meeting with committee chairs providing updates on activities.
Highlights from the luncheon included recognizing Joanne Hetzel as the Auxiliary Volunteer of the Year. Joanne embodies the Regina Auxiliary Motto: It is in giving that we receive. St. Francis. Joanne has served as a terrific ambassador for the auxiliary and is always willing to pitch in where needed. She continues to donate her time and efforts as the auxiliary’s Historian and helps bring awareness to the auxiliary through social media.
The auxiliary expressed deep gratitude to several members and recognized their dedication and years of service to the organization with years of service awards:

5 Years
Betty Beskau
Mary Jones

10 Years
Joanne Bergman
Kathleen Stein

15 Years
Bernie Estenson

20 Years
Kathleen Armbruster
Val Bauer
Eileen Gaddes
Rose Severson

25 Years
Donna Bowar
Verna Fuller

30 Years
Maureen Arend
Tammy Peine
Roseanne Uphus

35 Years
Gwenda Pangerl

40 Years
Roberta Klein

50 Years
Barb Eckes
Rita Kriha
Phyllis LaCroix
Carol Scully

Members were thanked for their contributions and commitment to the Regina Auxiliary and reminded to consider asking a friend, neighbor, or family member to join the organization. The auxiliary continues to look to attract new members. There is a wide range of member volunteer opportunities available such as working at the Hospital Gift Shop and the Senior Living Country Store (members receive discounts), reviewing funding requests for the hospital and senior living, sponsoring and organizing the Red Cross blood drives throughout Hastings, and helping with the annual Thrifty Treasures Garage Sale.
The Thrifty Treasures Garage Sale has become the organization’s major fundraiser and has replaced the fall bizarre. This year’s garage sale will be held on September 5 and 6 at Resurrection United Methodist Church in Hastings. If you would like to contribute to the garage sale, contact Renee Souza at renee.souza@mail.com (not gmail) or Carmen DeHamer at cdehamer@comcast.net.
Members join the auxiliary because they want to have fun and fellowship with others that have a passion for healthcare and enjoy helping others by enhancing patient and resident experiences at the United Hospital – Hastings Regina Campus and Benedictine Senior Living. For information about membership, contact Kathy Horsch at 651-442-9518 or kmhorsch@yahoo.com.
To keep current on the Regina Auxiliary activities and upcoming events, visit the auxiliary’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063699424628.
Since 1958, the Regina Auxiliary has worked in partnership with Regina Hospital and Regina Senior Living to fund equipment, programs, and facility projects to enhance healthcare services. For more information or to join the Regina Auxiliary, visit https://www.allinahealth.org/regina-hospital/about-us/volunteer/auxiliary.