1994:  A committee of members in Assistance League of Salem decided it was time to form an Auxiliary of working women to help meet the mission of the Chapter. On October 6, 1994 over 70 women were invited to the Salem Golf Club to hear about forming the new organization. Those deciding to become charter members began to meet to formulate a name for the group, write bylaws and Standing Rules and brainstorm ideas for their first philanthropic program and fundraiser.

April, 1996: Thirty members were inducted as charter members of the new organization. Pat Abeene was the first Chairman of the Auxiliary. The original committees established by the group included Membership, Philanthropic, Fundraising, Bylaws and Hospitality.

Operation Backpack became the first philanthropic program of the Willamette Valley Auxiliary—a way of assisting the Salem chapter in its work with clothing children in need in the Salem-Keizer School District. School supplies and backpacks were dispensed to Salem-Keizer students by the schools’ counseling staff.  A loan of $500 from the chapter funded the first year’s program.

The initial fundraising projects were opportunity baskets of donated goods and services at two chapter fundraising events, Cooks Tour and Business Lunch. Auxiliary members sold tickets at $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00, and the first year’s efforts netted $2,000 for Operation Backpack.

The Auxiliary continued to look for other fundraising opportunities. The group wanted to find a signature event that would by synonymous with its name. A garage sale was attempted to see if it could become an annual event. During one full year, Auxiliary members collected items and stored them in the basement of a member’s home. Pricing and transporting it all to the Salem Heights Hall proved to be a daunting task. While the weekend sale was a success in many ways, it was agreed that the event was too labor-intensive as it was structured, and so it was abandoned.

2002: The Auxiliary added the adoption of a family in need for the Christmas season.

2002: "Backpack mailer," a summer mailing requesting donations to purchase school supplies for children starting the school year. Almost $3000 was raised during its first year, and this fundraiser has gone on to become a key fundraising project.

2004: After five years of sticky summer fun, the Auxiliary stopped its Art Fair food booth for lack of staff.

Miriam Haugen of Independence has supported the Auxiliary for many years with her annual benefit Professional Baby Photo contest.

The Auxiliary also decided to move away from Senior Birthday Bags, and to direct its energy toward assisting young adults in need. 

2006: Began Independent Living Program, In partnership with Catholic Community Services, to support 18-year-olds who are leaving the Oregon Foster Care system. Young adults who are setting up their first apartment or dorm room receive $250 for household items. For many of these young people, these are the first new items that they have ever owned, and the program gives them an affirmation and vote of confidence at a critical time in their lives.

April, 2006:  Members marked ten years as an Assistance League Auxiliary by celebrating at the Salem Golf Club, the place of its first induction.

Spring Forum Programs:
2005  “Women and Money: How understanding your finances can promote balance in your life.”
2007: “Identify Theft,” presented by Jan Margosian, consumer information coordinator for the Oregon Department of Justice
2008  “”Have Passport, Will Travel”, featured three panelists who shared their unique travel adventures.
2009: David Oliver Relin, co-author of Three Cups of Tea, One Man's Mission to Promote Peace...One School at a Time
2010: William P. Young, author of The Shack.
2011: Lisa J. Shannon, author of A Thousand Sisters: My Journey into the Worst Place on Earth to be a Woman
2012:  John Elder Robison, author of Look Me in the Eye; My Life with Asperger's and Be Different: Adventures of a Free-Range Aspergian.

Past Auxiliary Chairmen:

1995-1996     Kathy Davidson
1996-1997     Kathy Davidson
1997-1998     Pat Abeene
1998-1999     Carla Moyer
1999-2000     Jill Munger
2000-2001     Judy Rabe
2001-2002     Jeanne Vick
2002-2003     Suzanne Brazier
2003-2004     Sussan Adkins
2004-2005     Michelle Mhoon
2005-2006     Pat Jackson
2006-2007     Janis Short
2007-2008     Jane Murch
2008-2009     Kim Koloen
2009-2010     Chris Strum
2010-2011     Jan Svingen
2011-2012     Kathy Graham

Save the Date: Spring Forum May 17, 2012

John Elder Robison, author of Look Me in the Eye; My Life with Asperger's and Be Different: Adventures of a Free-Range Aspergian. 

Bike Donation Program

Thank you for donating BIKES you no longer use! Assistance League Auxiliary members will match your bike with a young adult who needs transportation. 

The Bike Peddler generously refurbishes donated bikes.

The Independent Living Program bike drop-off day was a resounding success thanks to Becky Wilhite’s efforts. It was well publicized and people all around the community opened their garages and their hearts to give a very special gift to these foster teens learning to live on their own. One person donated a brand new bike; another didn’t have a used bike but sent a check for $100, and a woman whose husband passed away recently came from Albany to bring his bike and helmet because she was touched by the appeal and knew it was the right thing to do. Some of these teens who have lived their lives in foster care have never had a chance to have a bike of their own, and the joy on their faces when they get that bike is something to behold. Twenty-six bikes were donated plus helmets, locks, tires/wheels, and $150. The value of the bikes is estimated at $1845.