Our mission is simple. Rady Children’s Hospital – Auxiliary works in partnership with Rady Children’s and supports its mission through advocating for the health and well-being of children, increasing community awareness of the hospital, and fundraising.
By the Numbers
- $82 million raised
- 1,200+ volunteers
- 20 active Units
- Vital contributor to multiple large-scale projects, such as supporting the development of the Rose Pavilion.
Timeline
- June 10, 1953: Mrs. Mabel Jessop called ambitious ladies together to serve their community through service to the Hospital.
- 1954: Membership grew to 500 in the very first year.
- 1960: Hosted the premiere of the new San Diego stadium.
- 1963: The Christmas card program sold more than 48,000 cards and raised more than $4,000.
- 1971: Also known as the Million Dollar Year, this year marked the first time the Auxiliary’s contributions surpassed $1 million.
- 1975: The Auxiliary was given permission to designate funds to departments of their choice.
- 1981: The Auxiliary started the Penny-a-Point campaign, allowing individuals to pledge money for every point the San Diego Chargers scored in the season. Year-end points? 526!
- 1983: The San Diego Simon & Garfunkel concert donated 40 percent of the profits from the closest 2,000 seats.
- 1984: The very first computer list of Auxiliary member information was created.
- 1990: The first edition of Kid’s Newsday was published, with Jessica Esquivel as the cover model! Proceeds totaled $36,000.
- Mid-1990s: The Thrift House Task Force accepted the proposal to add $500,000 to the Mabel Jessop Fund.
- 1996: Inspired by an Auxiliary member’s innovation, Walmart provided all children at Rady Children’s with a Tickle-Me-Elmo doll.
- 2003: 50 Years of Caring! The Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary celebrates its 50th anniversary of serving the San Diego community.
- 2004: The Rancho Bernardo Unit sold 4,535 poinsettia plants, raising more than $20,000.
- 2010: The Auxiliary contributed $500,000 to the construction of the Acute Care Pavilion.
- 2010: The Auxiliary partnered with the Children’s Convalescent Home, known today as the Helen Bernardy Center, and donated $1 million toward renovations.
- 2013: The First 60 Years! The Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary celebrates its 60th anniversary of serving the San Diego community.
- 2015: The Auxiliary pledged $2.5 million to the Rady Children’s Institute for Genomic Medicine.
- 2019: President Cheryl Steinholt and her committee funded the Endowment for Neuroscience at the Rady Children’s Institute for Genomic Medicine, providing an endowed chair $100,000 in perpetuity each year.
- 2020: Challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic, President Laura Stearn implemented successful virtual meetings and events.
- 2023: Auxiliary Members, collectively, fundraised over 3 million dollars for Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego.
- 2023: Three Cheers to 70 Years! The Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary celebrates its 70th anniversary of serving the San Diego community.
- 2025: Seven Decades of Support for Rady Children’s. The Auxiliary plays a crucial role in fundraising and has, to date, brought in more than $100 million for Rady Children’s.
Leadership
Rowena Treitler is the 2025-2026 Auxiliary President. She has been a dedicated member of the Tierrasanta Unit since 2005, serving multiple terms as Unit Chair. Rowena has also held various positions on the Auxiliary Board, including Gala Chair, Special Events Director, Vice President of Fund Development, Vice President of Ways & Means, Vice President of Marketing/PR, and Membership Recruitment Chair.
Rowena earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from San Diego State University. She built a successful career in sales and marketing before retiring to focus on philanthropy—a passion she has pursued for more than 20 years. Most recently, she served as President of Las Patronas, a La Jolla-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting San Diego County nonprofits through fundraising and grants.
Rowena is married to her high school sweetheart, Marc Treitler, and they have two children, Lianna and Bennett.
