Twig members gather June 15 at the home of philanthropist Joe Viar for the installation of new officers and the final meeting of the year. Janet Barnett/Gazette Packet
The Twig, the Junior Auxiliary of Inova Alexandria Hospital, presented a check for $150,000 to hospital president Dr. Rina Bansal and Inova Alexandria Hospital Foundation Board Chair Donald Simpson Jr. during the organization’s annual luncheon June 15 at the Potomac Riverfront home of philanthropist Joe Viar.
“Every year The Twig steps up and gives a contribution where we need it most for renovations or important nursing programs at the hospital,” said Simpson in accepting the check. The donation was part of a $1 million pledge to renovate the hospital’s Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit.
Founded in 1933, The Twig is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to raising funds for Inova. The Twig operates a thrift shop in Old Town and hosts the popular Historic Alexandria Homes Tour.
Traditional fundraising was curtailed and in-person gatherings eliminated for the last 15 months due to the pandemic. But members of The Twig persevered and raised $100,000 for the Inova Covid-19 Emergency Preparedness Plan during a virtual fundraiser in 2020.
In addition to the hospital donation, two $5,000 scholarships were awarded to registered nurses Kenneth Daniels and Haymanot Amogne. Amogne is pursuing a nursing degree at James Madison University with plans to obtain a master’s degree in Public Health. Daniels, a nursing administrator at Inova, will study to become a clinical director.
Longtime volunteer Anita Carson was presented with a silver platter in recognition of her 25 years of service to The Twig.
The Twig installed its 2021-2022 officers at the event, including: Mary Schoen, president; Michele Cumberland, vice president/membership; Stevi Allen, recording secretary; Carolyn Menchel, corresponding secretary; Carol Skiba, treasurer; and Carol Lyons, assistant treasurer.