Phelps Memorial Health Center hosted the Annual Service League Volunteer luncheon for league members during National Volunteer Week.
Patsy Johnson, Service League President, welcomed guests to the event. She gave an overview of the fundraising events in the past year and shared the areas where volunteers can volunteer at the hospital.
She said, “Volunteering activities have changed somewhat since our service league began and the times of the ‘Pink ladies’ has changed.”
Patsy thanked all the committee leaders, event leaders, and all volunteers for their service in the past year.
Ivalene Simmons, Service League Treasurer, presented a $4,000 check to the hospital for the annual donation to the hospital. Funds will be used to purchase wheelchairs for the hospital.
Barb Ties, Director of Quality, said “Thank you for your gift. Because of your kindness, we will be able to update our wheelchairs much sooner that originally anticipated. The donation will make a significant difference in the live of our patients, ensuring they have access to comfortable, modern, and safe wheelchairs without delay,” she said.
During the luncheon, officers for the upcoming year were voted upon. Sue Waller will serve as the president. Other officers for the ensuing year include Marilyn Lien and Lenore Kayton, co-secretaries; Ivalene Simmons, treasurer; Shirley Butz, assistant treasurer; Mim Hazlett, membership chairman; and Julie Billeter, president-elect.
Standing committees elected included: Keri Berry, admissions and OR desk volunteers; Sylvia Person, scholarship; Joanne Olson, tray favors; Sue Waller, decorating; Michele High, auditing; and Shirley Butz, nominating committee.
Several volunteers received special recognition and awards for their service hours by Mim Hazlett, membership chairman. Those included: Darla Travis, 200 hours; Rob Larson, 300 hours; Barb Hartzog, 300 hours; Lenore Kayton, 500 hours; Linda Liljehorn, 800 hours; Pat Waller, 1000 hours; Joane Olson, 1400 hours; Ingrid Person, 1500 hours; Mim Hazlett, 1500 hours; Lois Dick, 4600 hours; Marilyn Lien, 11000 hours.
A total of 2,129.5 hours were donated by members in 2024. The total recorded volunteer hours accumulated since inception is 164,586 hours.
Mark Harrel, CEO, thanked the Service League and told them “We are truly appreciative of the hours you commit to the hospital and what you do for our team and our patients. You help carry out our mission and your small acts of kindness and volunteerism make a big impact.”
He thanked the OR waiting room volunteers for their time assisting patients and teammates at Phelps Memorial.
He said, “You play an important role in communication and reducing anxiety for patients coming into our front doors and going into surgery.”
Patsy Johnson explained that every hour of volunteer time that gets reported at year’s end adds up and a portion of this money is dedicated to student scholarships to help support future healthcare workers. Each year, two Phelps Memorial Service League Medical Scholarships are awarded to students in college or trade schools, pursuing a degree in a medical field. The Service League Medical Scholarship is in its 50th year and has awarded 80 students scholarships. This past year’s scholarship winners were Sydnie Voichoskie (nursing) and Madelyn Moore (pharmacy). The 2025 awards winners will be announced next month.
Kyle Anderson, Board of Directors President, thanked service league members for their time and dedication to the hospital and said, “I was at the hospital a lot when I was young with two parents working at Phelps Memorial. I remember the old hospital entrance with the volunteer sitting in the front lobby with a big smile to greet everyone.”
“You truly embody what is right in our community, our state, and our country and that is service above self and the acts of kindess that you do graciously in volunteering your time. Whatever the role you play, know you are appreciated,” said Anderson.
Photo:
Annual Donation – The annual donation from the Phelps Memorial Service League to Phelps Memorial Health Center was presented at the Annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon. The Service League donated $4,000 for the purchase of a wheelchairs for the hospital. Pictured from left are: Patsy Johnson, Service League President, Barb Ties, PMHC Director of Quality and Safety Officer, Ivalene Simmons, Service League Treasurer, Kyle Anderson, PMHC Board Chairman, and Mark Harrel, PMHC CEO.
