History of the Wellness Place Auxiliary

Just over a decade ago Barrington residents Linda Murphy and Myrna Porter had a vision. As individuals who had gone through their own cancer experience, they knew that our community needed a place where those impacted by cancer could go to seek support and education to help them deal with their diagnosis and treatment. They also knew they couldn’t do it alone. That’s when these two determined women looked to their friends and families for help and the Wellness Place Auxiliary was organized.

The Auxiliary group began with just six women and grew in spades from there. Dedicated individuals from the greater Barrington area trumpeted the cause and banned together to raise funds and awareness for this worthy mission. In September of 2000 Wellness Place opened their doors to serve the cancer community.

Since then Wellness Place has made a difference in the lives of those devastated from this disease by offering services that go beyond the conventional support system available presently. Through education, encouragement and support Wellness Place’s mission embodies the entire cancer experience, not only for the survivor, but families and caregivers as well.

A major part of the vision was to offer all programs and services at no charge to those experiencing cancer. This was initiated as a means to lessen the financial stress of an already very stressful situation. Co-founders Linda and Myrna wanted to ensure that those facing cancer would have the opportunity and the means to receive help through their journey.

Fundraising Efforts

In the early days the Auxiliary hosted small fundraising events to encourage community support and awareness truly hit their stride after introducing an annual holiday luncheon and fashion show. In the spring of 2003 they stepped it up a notch and added an evening event. The inaugural Gala was called “Festivités Champêtres” and was tremendously successful. After time, the Wellness Place Auxiliary Annual Gala became a signature event embraced by the community and slated as a key fundraiser benefiting organization.

The Auxiliary has helped raise awareness by participating in Relay for Life events, 4th of July parades and other community functions. Additionally the Auxiliary was instrumental in helping with the initiation of children’s programs at Wellness Place by collecting donations and supplies to stage the children’s area.

Over the years hundreds of women have served on the Auxiliary, often joining because they or someone they knew had been impacted by cancer. The Auxiliary’s dual role as ambassadors and fundraisers provides a significant contribution to the overall mission and vision of the organization. Since its inception the Auxiliary has raised over $2 million dollars in net proceeds to support the programs and services offered at Wellness Place. 

For more information on the Auxiliary please contact Judy Benkendorf at 847-274-4549.