Annual recognition and awards luncheon

Special to the Times-Gazette

Volunteers gathered at Trinity United Methodist Church in El Dorado on Thursday, March 22, 2018.  The Recognition and Awards Luncheon celebrated and honored volunteers and members of Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and was hosted and served by SBAMH administrative and management staff.
The theme of “Volunteers are the Heart of our Team” was reflected in the lovely table decorations in the room.  A necklace to wear ‘close to your hearts’ was at each place setting as a gift for every volunteer in attendance.  Karen Hockett, SBAMH Guest Services Manager, welcomed the volunteers and invited them to celebrate their achievements over the past year.  Mary Maloney, SBAMH Auxiliary President, gave the invocation.  Karen introduced the SBAMH staff as they began to serve the volunteers.
Following lunch of chicken Cordon Bleu, roasted potatoes, and homemade pie; Hockett began the program by thanking all the hospital officials and staff who helped serve the meal and auxiliary members who helped with the decorating and set up.  She also introduced our guests:   Diana Holloway, 2018 HAK President; Sally Emerson, HAK District 2 Coordinator; and Nancy Horn.  Jim Kirkbride, SBAMH President and Chief Executive Officer, and Garrett Daharsh, VP Ancillary Services, were seated at the head table and greeted the volunteers with messages of appreciation.
Karen shared notes of thanks and compliments from SBAMH staff throughout her presentation.  From Celestia Seymour, Laboratory Manager, …”The volunteers are as important, if not more, than any of us.  They are on the front line shoulder to shoulder with us; and they do it with a willing Heart.  My gratitude and respect.”
Karen began her awards presentation by recognizing Past Auxiliary Presidents in attendance, with additional recognition for our out-going President Judy McCluskey, not in attendance.  New auxilians and volunteers were welcomed and the Auxiliary Board members were introduced and gifted.  Board Members leaving the board in 2017 received a cargo bag of gifts in thanks for their years of service on the board:  Karen Ades, 5 years; Judy Ginder, 13; Marlyn Voth, 13; Sherry Clymer, 14; and Amy Nickels, 23.   
Volunteers of the Year from 2000 to 2016 were introduced and awarded small gifts of appreciation.  Current board members were introduced and presented pewter key chains with the theme on them.  Karen said that this board has a combined 125 years of experience as well as 4 new members.
After Karen recognized past “Volunteers of the Year,” she announced 23 members receiving nominations for Volunteer of the Year.  Phyllis Jackson was named Volunteer of the Year for 2018.  Hockett described Phyllis as “kind, caring, helpful and friendly.”..Her peers shared other thoughts in nominating her:”…always smiling and laughing….doesn’t know the word NO,…offers care, hope, and excellent service to the patients and families we as volunteers serve.”  Phyllis joined the volunteer program in October of 2012 and the Auxiliary in 2014 and has served 2500 hours.  She is an active Auxilian and has just joined our Auxiliary Board.  She volunteers as a Walker, Greeter, and Surgery Room Sub.  Hockett called her a blessing to all and deserving of this award.  Ann Fankhauser, 2017 winner, presented Phyllis with a “Volunteer of the Year” pin.  She also received a gift bag of goodies and a floral arrangement to commemorate this honor.
Hockett shared how Volunteer teamwork has made the “Dream Work” in 2017. Volunteers and Auxilians gave 24,699 hours of service this last year, equivalent to almost 12 full time employees.  We have 128 Auxilians that work to make this a productive, successful, and thriving organization.  That is the highest membership we have had since 2008.  Karen highlighted some events sponsored by the Auxiliary over the past year, earning $22,008 for the year.  We also moved into our new Auxiliary House and held our first ever ‘Inspirations and Sweet Indulgences’ fundraiser event.
The Auxiliary gave $5000 in Health Care Scholarships in 2017, donated $2469 in Halo Sleep Sacks with SBAMH, and purchased a seat warmer for the golf cart.  Between the gift shop and the Auxiliary, there is currently $115,000 to donate to the hospital this year.
Karen recognized the top 10 hour servers for the year, each serving 600 hours or more:  Judy Ryser, 607 Hours; Joyce Crumrine, 617; Beverly White, 660; Darlene Waymire, 661; Linda Weaver, 695; Phyllis Jackson, 703; Linda Stanford, 773; Nancy Hofstetter, 882; Helen Terrell, 1027; Thelma Lore, 1104.
The 90+ Club includes those 90 or older who are still serving SBA or are active members of SBAMH Auxiliary.  Karen recognized these members for their amazing devotion to volunteering.  The 90+ Club members are:  Pauline Burnham, Margaret Carlisle, Lois Cool, Frances Dickson, Mary Eaton, Edith Hughes, Amy Nickels, Vivian Pendlay, Louise Prigmore, Thelda Shelton, Verda Stoskopf, and Ruby Shoemaker.  
Hockett continued by highlighting the various programs and volunteer areas of performance at SBAMH.  There are many opportunities to volunteer, including some for youth volunteers in the summer.  Other volunteer jobs include shuttle drivers, gift shop clerks, floral designers, walkers, and greeters.  You can find volunteers in the Surgery Waiting Room and also in the hospital lobby checking blood pressures twice a month.  The Sewing Saints create toys, baby bonnets, and chemo caps for our patients.  Hospitality volunteers offer a kind word, listening ear, and other small acts of caring for patients and staff.  Volunteers also work as receptionists in Administration and lab transport for the Cancer Center.  
Karen began the 2018 Service Awards by presenting a 25 Year Service Award to Amy Nickels and Pat Durnil.  She then presented pins for the total hours served.  100 Hours:  Cindy Biggs, Lois Fairman, Rita Johnson, Cassie Morton, Donna Naill, Nancy Smith, Kathy Tullis, Mary Wells, Joy Williams.  500 Hours:  Marshall Ottinger, Toni Owen.  1000 Hours:  Don Gilliland, Kent Kallenberger, Carla McCune, Glenna Parks, Shirley Patton, Cindy Schaker, Aline Thompson, Beverly White.  2000 Hours:  Phyllis Jackson, Linda Stanford, Linda Weaver.  3000 Hours:  Judy Ryser, Darlene Waymire.  4000 Hours:  Joyce Crumrine, Jan Farrar, Nancy Hofstetter.  5000 Hours:  Margaret Carlisle, Verda Stoskopf.  6000 Hours:  Thelma Lore, Helen Terrell.  8000 Hours:  Ramona Clanton, Louise Prigmore, Lorena Wiley.  
In closing, Karen Hockett thanked the volunteers and Auxilians for all their wonderful work in 2017.  
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The purpose of the Auxiliary is to raise money for student health scholarships and equipment for the Hospital and to act as liaison between SBAMH staff and community at large, promoting “People you know...healthcare you trust.”  The Auxiliary, with over 120 members, accomplishes this through public relations activities – creating understanding and goodwill for the hospital – and through fundraising, which supports the Hospital’s healthcare programs and services.
Membership is open to any individual who has an interest in promoting the interests and welfare of the Hospital.
To learn more, go to http://www.sbamh.com/about_us/auxiliary_and_volunteers