Cleo’s Cupboard keeps hospital fundraising legacy alive, seeks sustained support

LEAVENWORTH — Nestled in the back of the Cascade Medical Center’s first floor lobby, a number of handmade items for sale are displayed in a glass cabinet. This gift bar, known as Cleo’s Cupboard, dates back nearly 60 years – a fundraising tradition local community members are hoping to maintain.

The project was started by the volunteer group Hilfreiche Hausfrauen, translated as the “Helpful Housewives.” Also known as the H.H. Ladies, the Hilfreiche Hausfrauen formed in 1968, shortly after Cascade General Hospital was established as the area’s public district hospital. Made up of about 15 volunteers, the H.H. Ladies would raise money for hospital equipment and supplies through hosting annual garage sales, holiday bazaars, and making items for the lobby’s gift bar, according to previous Echo reporting.

"Every year, we ask the hospital for a dream list," said Genevieve Smith, a club member since 1989, in a previous Echo article. "These are items that can't be covered in the hospital's regular budget, but they're needed. We pick whatever sounds interesting and see what we can come up with money-wise."

The H.H. Ladies raised money for dozens of projects over the years, such as a baby scale, a cutting-edge filtering system for the hydrotherapy pool, and a blood warmer, which can quickly and safely warm fluids before administering them to a patient. According to community member Sandy Houston, the group averaged $1,600 in donations annually.

The gift bar was later named Cleo’s Cupboard in honor of Cleo Fulwiler, who helped establish the group and served for more than 30 years. Like Fulwiler, many of the original H.H. Ladies have since passed, but Houston hopes to keep Fulwiler’s legacy and Cleo’s Cupboard alive.

"We are excited about continuing Cleo's Cupboard. She was an accomplished knitter as well as a knitting teacher to many young and old in the valley. It is surprising how many walking by the cupboard in the Cascade Medical Center comment how they knew Cleo as a vital member of the community and are pleased to see the cupboard continue," said Houston.

Cleo’s Cupboard has a number of gifts available for purchase and is open throughout the year. However, those working to keep the tradition alive are seeking new homemade items for the gift bar. Some of the current goods include knitted hats, sweaters and blankets. The Cascade Medical Center reception desk will accept any or all donations, said Houston. For questions about Cleo’s Cupboard, Sandy Houston can be reached at 509-670-5521.

“Remember, all money helps to purchase a needed item for the hospital,” said Houston.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media