An active member of the Jordan Hospital Club, Duxbury resident Susan Warren devotes much of her time as co-chair of their annual Lawn Party, which takes place each June. Born and raised in Duxbury, Warren tells us how important this tradition is to both our town and Jordan Hospital’s fundraising efforts. What is the Jordan Hospital Club and how does it impact the Hospital?

The Jordan Hospital Club began in 1906 as a group of eight women who helped the hospital by wrapping bandages, sterilizing instruments and performing duties to aid the nursing staff. The club adopted as its mission, “Excellence in health care, right here in the community, where and when we need it, requires our support and advocacy.”

Now, over 100 years after its founding, the JHC numbers more than 350 members with an active Board of Directors and many volunteers who raise in excess of $150,000 each year and donate thousands of hours of service. In the past several years, the JHC has raised more than a million dollars, including $550,000 for the Jordan Hospital Club Cancer Center, $215,000 for the Critical Care Center, the new Cardiovascular Center, the Nursing Scholarship Fund and The Emergency Department Teddy Bear Fund.  The JHC financial contribution to the hospital is dependent on the success of our fund raising events. The Lawn Party is one of those events, which has a lot of incidental benefit in terms of community awareness of this prized resource.

How did you get involved with the Jordan Hospital Club and the Lawn Party?

I was raised in a family that believed strongly in volunteering to charitable causes. My dad served on multiple non-profit boards, among them the Old Colony YMCA. In most of those cases, he was often responsible for the critical fundraising. My mom was a founding member of The Cranberry Hospice, where she served as a patient volunteer for 22 years.

When I returned to Duxbury eight years ago to raise my own family, we attended the Lawn Party that June. It was a delight to reconnect with so many family friends and meet others. The party delivers a sense of community and celebration.

The party is always held on the third Friday in June, when school is almost out, seasonal families are returning and

there is a summer buzz in the air. Everybody is ready to have a good time. When the co-chairs were ready to pass the baton, I raised my hand. Jennie Rovegno and I chaired the party for four years.  Then this fall I

joined the Board and volunteered to jump back in to chair, again along with Jennie Rovegno and Nancy Scheerer.

What is your role as co-chair?

As co-chairs Jennie, Nancy and I are responsible for securing sponsors, the event site, all food and liquor donations, all marketing and promotions, finding wait staff… you name it! However the beauty of this event is that it seemingly throws itself. It is not a ticketed event, so we have to reach out to the community for help. Bingham McCutchen has been a generous underwriter for many years. Most of the guests bring appetizers. Pioppi’s Package Store in Plymouth generously donates our bar. Mark Collins staffs the kitchen, and the servers are seventh grade children of party guests. Even the original poster art, created in 1988, was made possible because of the extra efforts of several Duxbury advertising folks. As a result of the community cooperation and contributions, people feel part of the event. Not surprisingly, many volunteers have stories of how Jordan Hospital has been there for them or a family member in a time of need.

What is the most difficult part about putting together this event?

I can’t control the weather.

Where are the funds raised by the event directed?

The funds raised at this event will be directed to the new JHC Cancer Care Center.

Can you describe the event for someone who has never attended?

I believe the Lawn Party was first held around 1958 on the lawn of 32 Long Point Lane, then the home of

Freeman and Kay Boynton, the present home of Bonnie Post. Around 1970, the party moved to the lawn of Ralph E. Thompson, where it was graciously held annually for 40 years.

This year the party is

moving across the street to the lawn of John and Katie Rudicus at 160 King Caesar Rd. It will take place June 15, 6 – 8 p.m. The tented event will be held rain or shine with over 300 people of all ages expected to attend. The JHC sends invitations to all club members, friends, doctors, hospital staff, past partygoers and attendees and is open to the public. The event is also well publicized around several towns with posters in local business and newspapers. It is a fund raising event, but there is no fixed donation—just a large bowl for checks.

Where is your favorite place in town?

Anywhere you can see our beautiful shoreline.

Describe Duxbury in five words or fewer.

Historic, beautiful, (a wee bit) provincial, home.