Published: April 24, 2008 06:10 pm            

JULIE DRAKE

A native of Ohio, Julie Drake moved to the Niagara Frontier with her seven siblings when she was 9 years old after her father died.

She serves as the chairperson for the annual Chinese Auction for the Inter-Community Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.

“Although many people contribute to this event, Julie single handily organizes the materials, plans the events,” nominator Valerie Hamluk. “She is there for set up and take down, and is responsible for such great results.”

Drake volunteers for the Red Cross blood drives, although she can no longer donate blood, and crochets hats for hundreds.

The auxiliary, which held its 20th annual event in October, has raised well over $20,000 for the hospital. “It seems to be getting better every year,” said Drake who has been the chairman for five years.

“I like helping people and raising money for our hospital to keep the doors open,” the Appleton resident said. “Someone has to do it.”

Julie married Melvin Drake 1973 and helped raise four stepchildren. The children now live in Florida, Burt, Wilson and Wolcottsville. Julie’s brothers and sister live in the Oakfield area in the Town of Alabama.

“Julie spends countless hours as a volunteer coordinator of refreshments for the American Red Cross Blood Drives,” said the nominator who is a fellow member of ICMH Auxiliary. “She has done this for many years.”

The blood drives are held at the Faith Lutheran Church and the Olcott Fire Hall.

Drake crochets about 150 hats and year and donates them to the Salvation Army, area churches and the Buffalo City Mission.

        

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