In addition, the Auxiliary also administers the Donald Sanford scholarship. Sanford, a former Steele County farmer, left part of his estate to the Owatonna Hospital upon his death in 1988. The Hospital Auxiliary manages this endowment and uses the interest to fund an annual scholarship. This year one student will receive $2,000 to help defray educational costs. To be eligible, students must meet the following criteria:
Applicants for both scholarships must complete the auxiliary’s official 2025 application form – which requires two current letters of recommendation, plus copies of official high school and college transcripts. The deadline to apply is Sunday, March 16, 2025.
"The Hospital Auxiliary’s scholarship program has been going strong since 2016, and we are excited to continue this tradition thanks to the community’s support," said Deb Buck, volunteer president of the Owatonna Hospital Auxiliary. "With the need for trained health care professionals in high demand, this program is important as it helps reduce financial barriers so hopefully more students can enter the health care field and follow their passion to care for people in our community."
The Owatonna Hospital Auxiliary is made up of approximately 130 community volunteers. In addition to providing scholarships for area students pursuing medical careers, their fundraising efforts help with unbudgeted hospital items and amenities to provide patient care and comfort.
This year’s Festival of Tables fundraiser will be held on May 13, 2025.