On Saturday, the Oklahoma chapter of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars presented a check for $4,033.15 to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. With this gift, the Auxiliary has now donated more than $130,000 to support cancer research at OMRF since it began giving to the foundation in 1965.
“Cancer research at OMRF is our special project and it’s very close to our hearts,” said Oklahoma Ladies Auxiliary Jr. Vice President Connie Bjorgo. “We have a lot of older ladies who know somebody or have family who have fought cancer. We are passionate about this cause.”
Over the last year, the group has worked hard and had fun raising the money. In addition to the annual Cancer Bazaar, chapter members held a hot dog eating contest and a runway show—including husbands decked out in pink ballerina costumes—to pull together the funds.
“These gifts mean a great deal to OMRF,” said OMRF Development Assistant Lauren Nettleton, who accepted the check. “The members of the Ladies Auxiliary understand the concept of sacrifice, and they remain loyal to their causes. We are fortunate to have their long-time and consistent support.”
The Ladies Auxiliary counts more than 767,000 members nationwide, including 7,200 in Oklahoma. It has chapters in more than 80 Oklahoma cities and towns, including:
- Bartlesville
- El Reno
- Enid
- Lawton
- McAlester
- Woodward
The group consists of wives and relatives of veterans, as well as female veterans themselves. In addition to raising funds for cancer treatment and research, the Auxiliary awards scholarships through its Voice of Democracy Program and provides more than eight million hours of volunteer service in local communities.
