Volunteers were honored for service at St. Francis at the annual Auxiliary awards luncheon. Dozens received service pins recognizing individual hours of service from 500 to 10,500 hours. In all, since July 1 of 2016, volunteers have given 36,000+ hours to serve patients, families and guests at St. Francis.
 
St. Francis Interim CEO Dan Jones extended his heartfelt thanks to the volunteers for the service they’ve given. “Volunteers play a key role in helping to ensure that our patients and guests have an outstanding experience while at St. Francis. Their service touches virtually every corner of the hospital, from greeting visitors at the front desk to serving families in the ICU Waiting Room to taking the Cheer Cart through the facility. Their service also extends to the community through programs such as the Junior Volunteer program – now called the Medical Academy. They’ve been a valuable part of the St. Francis family for many years – since 1958 – and we are so appreciative of the spirit of compassion and service they exhibit every day.”
 
Auxiliary President Clair Thayer presented service recognition pins with Francis Raines honored for reaching a cumulative 10,500 hours during the past year. Additionally, two special leadership awards were presented.
 
Nell Whitehead received the Kathy Johnson Riley Leadership Award. Named in honor of the former Director of Volunteers for St. Francis Hospital Auxiliary, this award recognizes an individual who excels in both leadership and service, hallmarks of Riley’s tenure. “Nell is a symbol of servant leadership, doing her work and anticipating the needs of others,” said Past Auxiliary President Linda Shinkle in presenting the award. “A caring and devoted volunteer, she works tirelessly sharing an empathic conversation to all that enter her presence. She has served on the Board of the Auxiliary for many years and is respected for her knowledge and wonderful sense of humor. She is all about doing what is necessary and lifting others up when they need a helping hand.  Over the past 22 years, she has touched many lives and she is sincerely interested in the patients and families she sees in our Intensive Care Units each week. She strongly supports St. Francis Auxiliary, the hospital and its mission of ‘making our community healthier’.”
 
Angie Zapata received the Auxiliary’s second “Grows Award,” a new award given to a volunteer that has excelled in recruiting at least five new volunteers for the Auxiliary. “Angie has been instrumental in the development of St. Francis’ pet therapy program, recruiting five new volunteers (and their dogs). She understands our purpose of enhancing the patient experience. She certifies that therapy dogs have met all of the requirements to become Certified Pet Therapy Dogs,” said Past Auxiliary President Lynn McCluskey in presenting the award.
 
For more information about joining the St. Francis Auxiliary or volunteering, people can contact Kathryn Fussell, Director of Volunteer Services, at (706) 660-6045.