In 1936, a group of women whose husbands were involved in the drug and pharmaceutical industry-retail, wholesale, and manufacture, formed the Woman’s Auxiliary to the Fifth District Pharmaceutical Association, the object being to promote pharmacy and to assist the state organization in maintaining its scholarship and loan program for deserving and needy students of pharmacy at both the University of Georgia and the Southern College of Pharmacy-now a part of Mercer University and called the Mercer University College of Pharmacy.

The political scene had its effect on the organization in 1964 when the Fifth Congressional District was divided and part of it became the Fourth Congressional District. This called for either division or consolidation. (The men divided their group). The name was changed to the Greater Atlanta woman’s Auxiliary of the Georgia Pharmaceutical Association, Inc.

Over the years the auxiliary has contributed to the image of pharmacy, as well as maintaining a charitable attitude toward worthy causes, supporting The Plantation Manor Children’s Home, The Georgia Sheriff’s Boys Ranch, The Atlanta Symphony Guild, The Milledgeville State Hospital, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Free Cancer Home.

A sewing group within the auxiliary started making aprons for the sisters at The Free Cancer Home in 1951, and continue to do so, completing 16 to 18 large cover-all type aprons each year and presenting them at Christmas time. In this same year of 1951, the auxiliary decided to try to raise funds for the home by way of a benefit bridge party. It started on a small scale, and the members baked the cookies and made the coffee which they served as refreshments to the patrons.

Incidentally, 16 years ago, our first purchase from the bridge party receipts was an electric potato peeler. Lowly, but so necessary. Our last purchase-an industrial Hobart dishwasher and an industrial 3-bin stainless steel sink and complete installation of each.

The bridge party was adopted as an annual affair, and has grown into the Benefit Bridge Luncheon which will be held on Wednesday, February 12, at The Marriott Motor Hotel. Bridge begins at 10:30 a.m., with a luncheon and fashion show, by Muse’s of Lenox Square, at noon. Donation is $7.50 each. For reservations call, Mrs. Stacy Jones, Jr., 636-3827 or Mrs. Larry A. Woodruff, 377-7983.

President of the Pharmaceutical Auxiliary is Mrs. R.B. Ellenhee and Mrs. Allen Casey is the party chairman.