BY MELISSA PYLE
1st VP Charlotte Williams, 2nd VP Loretta Edwards, Treasurer Linda Hildebran. (back row) Correspondence Secretary Gertrude Griffis, President Linda Johns and Recording Secretary Virginia Linzy.
Special to the Telegraph
The unwavering faithfulness of volunteers and local emergency workers was celebrated at the Bradford County Auxiliary, also known as “The Pink Ladies,” annual banquet on July 8 at the Woman’s Club of Starke.
The banquet is traditionally held to recognize the group’s volunteers, their hours of service, and money raised. Volunteers accumulated 7,500 hours of combined community service within the past year and are known for their dedication, kindness and life-saving donations.
President Linda Johns spoke about the significant impact the group has had in Bradford County throughout the past, noting that the “Pink Ladies” mission statement is “To render services, provide public relations, and provide financial aid to the health care missions approved by the auxiliary.” She said when the hospital closed the group was no longer known as the Shands Pink Ladies Auxiliary but kept the “Pink Ladies” nickname and refocused their efforts in working with the sheriff’s office.
The money they once raised to give to the hospital for needs, is now poured back into the community in various ways. Just one past example was purchasing the county’s first jaws of life extraction equipment. Currently, the group has ordered new first aid equipment for patrol cars.
One of the most important services the group currently provides is wellness checks. These checks are a free service for home bound or elderly residents and has saved lives. If a person falls or is otherwise incapacitated, a missed wellness check call will immediately alert local authorities to send a deputy to the home and make sure the resident is safe. Residents are encouraged to tell friends and neighbors about this service and can sign up by calling the sheriff’s office.
The event included the announcement of this year’s scholarship recipient. The auxiliary offers an endowment scholarship with Sante Fe College. The scholarship is available to anyone preparing to go into the healthcare field and this year’s recipient is Neo Addison of Lawtey.
During the banquet, members took a moment to reflect on the lives of two faithful members who have recently passed away; EulaMae Carlton who passed away in December of last year and Ruby Crawford who passed more recently in March. Each was recognized and honored with a memorial table and by their families, who were in attendance.
The banquet was also time for the auxiliary to recognize member’s service hours and to install the 2025 officers: President Linda Johns, First Vice President Charlotte Williams, Second Vice President Loretta Edwards, Recording Secretary Virginia Lindsey, Correspondence Secretary Gertrude Griffis and Treasurer Linda Hildebran.
Johns concluded with a word of encouragement for the attendees and a challenge to spread the word about the program and especially its dire need for new volunteers. Johns emphasized how volunteers are a vital part of the Bradford community and are needed for the success of the organization’s future mission.
“The road to success for our auxiliary is always under construction,” she said.
Anyone interested in volunteering for any amount of time can contact the sheriff’s office to fill out an application form or call Johns directly at 904-263-0399.
(back row) Correspondence Secretary Gertrude Griffis, President Linda K. Johns, Recording Secretary Virginia Linzy, Olivia Scott and Terrell Riley.
