Community support revives Cleo’s Cupboard fundraising efforts at Cascade Medical

LEAVENWORTH —  A growing network of volunteers, artists and crafters is breathing new life into Cleo's Cupboard, a longtime fundraising mechanism to support Cascade Medical.

Located in the hospital’s first-floor lobby, Cleo's Cupboard sells handmade goods donated by local artists and crafters, using the proceeds to support hospital equipment and program needs. 

The project has helped fund a wide range of hospital needs for nearly 60 years, including a baby scale, a hydrotherapy pool filtration system, and a blood warmer used to warm fluids for patients. 

According to previous Echo reporting, the project was started by the H.H. Ladies, also known as the Hilfreiche Hausfrauen, translated as the “Helpful Housewives.” The volunteer group formed in 1968, raising money for hospital equipment and supplies through garage sales, holiday bazaars and a hospital gift bar. 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. 

Over time, sustaining the project has been increasingly challenging as its supporters age out of service. But thanks to renewed volunteer efforts led by Sandy Houston and Tina Richardson, as well as the numerous contributions from local crafters and artists, Cleo’s Cupboard has seen a revival in recent months. These contributions have led to a refreshed cupboard full of unique, handmade items, such as watercolor paintings, friendship bracelets, and knitted goods.

“It has been so wonderful to see community members want to get involved and donate such beautiful pieces,” said Houston. “There really is something for everyone, and many items make thoughtful gifts for any occasion.”

The proceeds of recent sales just supported the purchase of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for Cascade Medical’s mobile clinic, strengthening the hospital’s ongoing efforts to expand AED access and improve response times during cardiac emergencies. 

The next project supported by Cleo’s Cupboard will benefit the Rehab Department at Cascade Medical through the upgrade of its splinting machine. While the current machine remains in good working order, newer equipment will improve efficiency to meet a growing need of splinting services for patients recovering from injury, surgery, and neurological conditions, said the hospital.

The team behind Cleo’s Cupboard hopes that the renewed support will carry the tradition for generations to come. Local community members interested in contributing can drop off handcrafted items at the Cascade Medical reception desk or contact Sandy Houston at 509-670-5521 for more information. Cleo’s Cupboard is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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