In 1965, “The Sound of Music” premiered in movie theaters, Lyndon Johnson was President of the United States and the average cost of a home was $13,660.
That year also marked the first donation from the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, planting the seeds of a relationship that has stood the test of time.
To mark the 50th anniversary of this association, the organization, now called the VFW Auxiliary, presented officials from OMRF with a check for $2,510.36 at the Biltmore Hotel in Oklahoma City last week. This gift brings their giving total to $151,491.
“All of our lives have been touched by cancer in some form or another, whether it be you, a family member, a friend, a coworker and so on,” said Jan Lawrence, the former VFW Auxiliary state president. “We quite simply believe in what OMRF is doing and we are appreciative of their approach.”
Each year, Auxiliary members raise funds through bake sales, garage sales, bingo nights, individual donations and the group’s annual Cancer Bazaar.
“We are amazed by the consistency of the Auxiliary in its efforts to raise money for cancer research,” said OMRF Director of Development Kelley McGuire. “They are so creative and always come up with new ways to raise money and have fun doing it.”
Since it was established in 1914, the VFW Auxiliary has served veterans and communities tirelessly across the country.
The Auxiliary is represented in all 50 states and has more than 465,000 members, including more than 7,000 in Oklahoma. It has chapters in several Oklahoma cities and towns, including:
- Bartlesville
- El Reno
- Enid
- Lawton
- McAlester
- Woodward
In addition to supporting cancer research, the Auxiliary provided more than $4.6 million in monetary aid to veterans, as well as active military and their families in the past year alone. The Auxiliary also awarded more than $146,000 in scholarships.
The Auxiliary has a strong track record of supporting cancer research, as well as offering help to those currently suffering with the disease.
“The two-pronged approach they take to fighting cancer is admirable,” said McGuire. “They have taken on the challenge of aiding those currently in need, while striving to provide a better future by investing in long-term solutions. We are fortunate to have such a strong relationship with such a wonderful group.”
