About Us
History
“The guild proposes to furnish services to the sick children and funds for special equipment, in addition to interpreting the achievements and benefits of the new hospital to the community,” reported the daily newspapers of St. Louis on March 24, 1957.
Half a century later, Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center is no longer new. It has grown dramatically and has been renamed a medical center. And the Glennon Guild continues to contribute important services,funds and public awareness to the institution and the patients in its care.
“Everything has grown so much. It is fascinating to see how things have progressed,” said Chris Clermont, a past president of the Glennon Guild.
The Guild is sustained by about 350 general members and a board of 70. It conducts a variety of activities each year to raise funds that enable Glennon to provide countless benefits for hospital patients.
“But is not just about fund-raising,” Clermont said. “It is about getting together as a group and supporting the hospital.”
The Guild’s major activities are an annual fashion show, traditionally held the Friday before Thanksgiving, and a “Designer Showhouse” displayed in alternating years. It also sponsors several hospital lobby sales of items such as books, jewelry and hospital scrubs.
The Guild links generations of Glennon volunteers. Many current members are relatives of former members.
“A lot of us have some connection with Glennon,” Clermont said. “They have had a child or a grandchild who has been here. My husband was president of the Board of Governors. I am thankful that we have never had to use Cardinal Glennon. Our grandson is healthy and has a huge support system. We come down here and see people who are not so fortunate. The Guild gives us a way to help them.”
Barbara Lynch is the senior member. She learned about the Guild and joined more than 30 years ago after her husband served as a showhouse designer. “When I joined a lot of the first members were still involved,” she said.
Lynch is a former Guild president, as were her sisters, Gretchen Schulte and the late Judy McGraugh. Judy’s daughter, Melissa Barnason, served as treasurer of the Glennon Guild Board for many years.
“When you visit the hospital and see those children, you know why you are part of the Guild,” McGraugh once said, a sentiment still shared by current Guild Board members.
Guild members often draw inspiration from the hospital staff, said Schulte, who vividly recalls the story of a mother who returned to her child’s room to find him in a rocking chair. “Who is sitting there rocking him? His pediatrician. Just rocking him. That is who these people are.”
In recent years, the Guild has provided toys, games and decorations for waiting rooms used by the child protection services and the Knights of Columbus Developmental Center. Diapers, toys, clothing, even food and formula were contributed by members for a needy family whose young son was in the care of Glennon’s Footprints program. Proceeds from this year’s fashion show are earmarked for equipment in the new Dorothy and Larry Dallas Heart Center.
“We like to make donations that touch children directly,” Clermont said. “We want to give back because we can.”
If you would like more information on ways that you may be a friend of SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center, please call the Office of Development at 314.577.5605 or 800.269.0552. You also may e-mail us at info@glennon.org. All inquiries will remain confidential.
