Auxiliaries & Guilds

What began in 1961 as a handful of friends gathered in support of St. Michael Medical Center has become the vibrant and successful Mathis Guild today. While the activities have changed over the years, the group’s enthusiasm for friendship and dedication to community service remains unwavering. The Mathis Guild has raised monies to support programs and equipment at St. Michael Medical Center, resulting in a healthier community. Their first effort — back in 1962 — was a fashion show which has since evolved into the current Mathis Guild Luncheon held in May. Through its fundraising success, the Guild has been able to make a difference in Kitsap County in the care provided to women, children and those who need it the most.

Dr. Maurice S. Mathis was a physician who settled in Bremerton after his retirement from the Navy. “Pops” was a robust, down-to-earth man who held the community close to his heart. Dr. Mathis served as CEO of Franklin Delano Roosevelt Hospital, which, after World War II and a declining population, merged with Harrison Hospital. During his tenure as Harrison’s administrator, the Mathis Guild was born.

How do I become a member?

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Mathis Guild, please contact the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Foundation at 360-692-3079. For more information about the Guild, events and membership, please visit www.mathisguild.org.

Friday, April 24, 2026 at Kitsap Golf & Country Club
For tickets, www.mathisguild.org.          

As they saw the last St. Michael Medical Center Foundation (formerly Harrison Foundation) Festival of Trees and Donna Carlson Overly, Sandy Carlson and friends envisioned the Violet E. Carlson Memorial Guild as a way to honor Violet and keep the spirit of Festival of Trees alive. The Guild, as a fundraising arm of the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Foundation, uses the mini-tree idea as their driver for the fundraising activities. Members wish to serve as advocates for St. Michael Medical Center through volunteer, philanthropic and educational endeavors to ensure excellent care for patients in our region. These fundraising projects support programs and services for St. Michael, resulting in a healthier community.

Download your membership form today!

For further information on membership, please contact the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Foundation at 253-680-3696.

Violet E. Carlson, a native of Kansas, moved to Kitsap County after she married Robert (Bob) Carlson in 1946. In 1986, Bob suffered a lingering and ultimately fatal illness. During this time, Bob received care from St. Michael Medical Center (formerly Harrison Medical Center). Violet became his primary caregiver at home, and the entire family admired the care and support that Bob and Violet received from staff and volunteers at the Medical Center. This inspired Violet, her daughters, and other family members to become active in the Medical Center Foundation’s Festival of Trees. Violet passed away in November 2001 and Festival of Trees ended in 2011. Donna Overly, Sandy Carlson, and friends started the Violet E. Carlson Memorial Guild in 2012 to honor their mother who had always been a “tirelessly-behind-the-scenes” volunteer—one of those volunteers who is the foundation of all volunteer work.

Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025
Garden Room, SMMC Harlow Bldg.
Registration information coming August 2025

Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Garden Room, SMMC Harlow Bldg.
Join us and enjoy:

• Free admission
• Christmas décor and mini trees for sale
• Visit with Santa