Auxiliary Volunteers Honored During Awards Luncheon
8/1/2019
This article was written by Karen Kistler and originally appeared in The Mooresville Tribune on July 14, 2019.
It was a day to say thank you.
The Lake Norman Regional Medical Center Volunteer Auxiliary’s annual awards luncheon was held on June 5 at On The Nines Bistro at the Mooresville Golf Court at which time the volunteers were honored and recognized for their service.
Current president of the auxiliary Carol Pentol was unable to be at the luncheon; therefore, past president Jerry Deaton presided over the event. Deaton began by welcoming everyone and thanking all those who helped to plan and decorate for the special occasion as he noted the centerpieces of yellow roses on each table.
The reason being these particular flowers, he noted, is that yellow roses symbolize warm friendship and optimism.
Following the singing of the National Anthem, volunteer chaplain Charlie Doutt shared a devotion based upon Psalm 23 and led in prayer for the volunteers and a blessing for the meal, which was prepared by On the Nines.
Leigh Whitfield, director of marketing and public relations, shared words of thanks for all those that volunteer at the hospital including the chaplains who, as she noted, are on call 24-7.
“We aren’t just about ministering to the medical and physical needs of the patients and staff, but also whatever spiritual needs they have,” she said.
Whitfield continued by thanking the group for the beautiful annual awards luncheon and those who had made it such a success.
“I don’t know how it gets better every year and how the creativity flows so well,” she said. “This is beautiful today and I want to congratulate all of you on this past year’s service and look forward to the next year going ahead.”
Noting a number of the programs that the auxiliary is involved in and speaking to the volunteers, Whitfield said, “you certainly contribute immeasurable time. I’ve seen it in so many facets in so many committees in so many different projects.”
Praising the auxiliary and all those that give of their time and talents, Whitfield said, “this (the auxiliary) is a jewel in the crown of Mooresville and the greater Lake Norman community. You all are amazing and all are top flight. We don’t have any slackers in this bunch. You all have talents, too numerous to name. So, do I have an answer for why you volunteer? It’s an intrinsic feeling; it’s something you were raised to do. In the words of our friend William Shakespeare, ‘I can no long answer make but thanks and thanks.’ That’s all I can do is thank you because I couldn’t put a dollar amount on what you do. I appreciate you, I love you all.”
After the meal, Stephen Midkiff, CEO, took the opportunity to express his thanks for the volunteers and all of their time, energy, thoughtfulness and compassion.
“You’re priceless, you’re invaluable to us in what you guys provide. We couldn’t go it without you. There’s the thoughtfulness of someone who gives of their time and energy being there for others that can only come from a group of volunteers like you guys and it just means so much to our entire team,” Midkiff said. “Thank you so much for everything you do. This day is about you guys. Thank you so much from everyone…the physicians, the staff, the board members, everybody that works at Lake Norman and the patients and family members who see you every day. Thanks you very much.
The program concluded as Deaton noted that from June 1, 2019 to May 31 of this year, the approximately 75 volunteers have given 19,405 hours of service.
Deaton also thanked those on scholarship committee for picking great candidates for the scholarships which they were able to present as well as thanking those in charge of the junior volunteer program. Thirty-six junior volunteers have been processed and signed to their positions he said.
Special recognition went to Kathie Panza who had reached 9,195.5 hours of service.
At this time, Deaton asked for all new volunteers to stand and introduce themselves and tell where in the hospital they volunteer.
“Welcome aboard and thank you for being volunteers. We appreciate it,” Deaton said.
Certificates were then presented to those who have been volunteering at the hospital for 20-plus years. These included Gloria Varela, 23 years; Rose Hope, 22 years; Bettye Mathis, 22 years; Fay Nell Ratledge, 21 years; Mary Stewart, 20 years; and Jane Smith, 20 years.
Those volunteering for 500-plus hours were also honored with certificates of appreciation. These volunteers and their hours of service included: Daisy Colaianni, 500;
Barbara Galloway, 750.5; Ruth Haston, 529; Lisa Jankoski, 563; Marion Kruk, 752; Joan Livingston, 625; Brenda Mickelson, 631; Esther Murphy, 501; and Rosemarie Weiss, 626.
Before the crowd left, tickets were drawn to present a number of door prizes. These included the yellow roses on the table along with multiple other roses, which had been donated.
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