AVMA Auxiliary raises support for veterinary medicine

The Auxiliary to the AVMA encouraged conventioneers to "Catch the Auxiliary Wave" this year with fund-raisers and other activities at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

Brenda Bullard of Powder Springs, Ga., outgoing president, remarked to the AVMA House of Delegates that Auxiliary members continue their mission of assisting students financially while enhancing and promoting veterinary medicine in whatever capacity they can.

"This is a wonderful profession that we also recognize and enjoy being a part of," Bullard said.

The Auxiliary organized a silent auction, a friends table, and a partial Marketplace of States for the convention. Among the items for sale were paintings and handmade quilts, purses, and jewelry. The crowd was smaller than in past years, but the bidders and other shoppers were enthusiastic—with successful bidders applauding at the end of the silent auction.

The Utah VMA Auxiliary was a sale participant. Helen Esplin of Salt Lake City said members had a lot of fun and made a little money by selling homemade picture frames. Iowa State University's student chapter of the Auxiliary sold cutlery again this year. Katie Vander Ley of Ames, Iowa, said the event went well and the crowd was larger than she had anticipated.

Proceeds of about $7,000 will support the AVMA Auxiliary's Student Loan Fund and other projects. The Marketplace of States and Kritters Korner will return next year in full force with new merchandise for the convention in Washington, D.C.

At the Auxiliary House of Delegates, the Texas and Georgia VMA auxiliaries received $125 each for recruiting the most new members during a drive this past year. At the annual luncheon, the Auxiliary presented the Distinguished Service Award to Shirley Bartels of Auburn, Ala., and the President's Award to Susan Sims of Louisville, Ky.

The luncheon featured Hawaiian performers. Dr. Marty Becker, author of "Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul," promoted his new book, "Fitness Unleashed: a dog and owner's guide to losing weight, gaining health." Hill's Pet Nutrition sponsored the luncheon.

Carleen Corry of Buford, Ga., incoming president of the Auxiliary, said her theme for the year is "Strive to Make a Difference." She said the Auxiliary will continue to support and administer the Student Loan Fund while also seeking new members and reclaiming former members.

"We have found that our greatest recruiting tools are our own members on a one-on-one basis, so that's what we have been trying to do," Corry said.