The Civic’s first gift shop opened on Dec. 8, 1952. Located on the right of the main hospital entrance, it was a small shop measuring only 6′ x 7′. It was run by the Civic Auxiliary, who had formed only one year earlier.
Many years later, in 2021, they joined forces with the auxiliary groups from the Riverside and General campuses, and together they formed a vibrant and dedicated “boots-on-the-ground” group who generate funds within the hospital to meet practical needs of patients.
They accomplish this through revenue-generating gift shops with online shopping and shipping to patients’ rooms. There is also an Auxiliary Medical Supply Store at the Civic Campus and vendor spaces across the campuses.
In the last decade, they have contributed more than $14 million to the hospital to help purchase everything from emergency clothing for patients ready for discharge to a new MRI machine.
