North Oaks Guild II and St. Paul Children’s Hospital Association share a history of commitment for more than 50 years.
St. Paul Children’s Hospital was founded in 1923 by Dr. Walter Ramsey. The first hospital building was a framed house on the corner of Smith and Walnut Streets. In 1929, the hospital moved to a new location at 311 Pleasant Avenue. The current building was constructed at 345 Smith Avenue in 1979.
Following the Depression, it became apparent that the hospital could not remain open without a sustaining organization that could raise the needed funds. In 1933, the St. Paul Junior League and the Hospital Board of Trustees met and volunteered to serve as charter members of the first Board of Directors of the Children’s Hospital Association (CHA). The first accomplishment of the Association was to establish the Free Bed Fund. In 2023, CHA marks its 90th year.
In 1949, the first Children’s Hospital Ball was held and it continues to be a big St. Paul event today. The concept of developing neighborhood groups to supplement the Children’s Hospital Association was developed in 1962. That is when the first Guild was established in North Oaks by a group of women devoted to quality healthcare for all children, regardless of their ability to pay. After several years, the number of women active in the guild had increased to such a large number that it became difficult to meet in member’s homes. In order to maintain the integrity of the guild, a second guild was formed in 1966. North Oaks Guild II is now best known for the incredible Rummage Sale it sponsors each September.
Interesting facts:
Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) grew out of a request in 1924 to the Junior League from a doctor at Children’s Hospital for support for a “bed fund” to help defray the costs of care which was $2.50 per day. CHA continues to be committed to “making a difference one child at a time.”
North Oaks Guild II began in 1966 when the original guild’s membership grew to over 30 members and deemed too many for holding meetings in local homes. Today, there are a total of 7 Guilds that support CHA in their efforts.
The first year of fundraising by Guild II garnered $404. Over the years fundraisers have included home tours, capture the flag, auctions, holiday cards made from children’s art and since 1999 the annual rummage sale.
The first North Oaks Guild II annual Rummage Sale was held in September 1999 at Peace United Methodist Church and took in $12,401.21.
More recently:
Cumulative donations from North Oaks Guild II to Children’s Hospital Association from 1966 to present now exceed $2,000,000.
Children’s Hospital Association’s (CHA) pledges funds to Children’s Minnesota. This funding pays for a variety of programs and services which would not otherwise be available because they are not covered by the Hospital’s annual budget. Learn more at Children’s Hospital Association (CHA)
North Oaks Rummage Sale 