An annual tradition was elevated this year when Greenwich Hospital’s Auxiliary celebrated 75 years of volunteering at Greenwich Hospital. Last week, Greenwich Hospital Auxiliary and department of Volunteer Services hosted its annual luncheon and meeting for its volunteers who donated 35,900 hours of service in the last year.
Calvin Murray, president of the Auxiliary, presented Bob Blenderman, Greenwich Hospital president with a $650,000 check to support children’s services at the hospital. This end of year commitment was to have been $500,000 but thanks to a record- setting combined sales of $1.4 million from the Thrift Shop and Hospital Gift Shop, the donation was increased.
Not everyone I know can do what you do,” said Murray addressing the volunteers. “Your work takes time, discipline and heart.” Murray also said that the Greenwich Hospital volunteer knitters are 37 strong and since their inception have knitted more than 7,800 items that have been given to hospital patients to keep them warm while undergoing treatment.
Blenderman thanked the volunteers for all they do for the patients and staff at Greenwich Hospital. He said, “My experience volunteering as a child taught me how important volunteerism is. In the changing work of health care, this amazing group brings the humanistic side to our hospital and your dedication and pride is palpable. Thank you!”
Also in attendance, First Selectman Fred Camillo surprised the attendees with a proclamation naming the day of the event, Sept. 25, as Greenwich Hospital Auxiliary Volunteer Appreciation Day in the town of Greenwich.
Volunteers with 10, 20 or 30 years of service were recognized at the luncheon followed by the always anticipated Volunteer of the Year Award. This award is given to a volunteer who has provided outstanding service in support of Greenwich Hospital through the gift of time, energy, resources and goodwill. This year’s award went to a team for the first time, the Healing Touch volunteers, who in this year alone have given more than 2,000 hours of their time rounding on more than 1,300 patients – providing comfort and alleviating pain. Healing Touch is a holistic, energy-based program that is provided at the bedside and has been adopted at hospitals around the world.
“We are so grateful for the selfless work of our dedicated volunteers,” said Stacey Green, director of Volunteer Services at Greenwich Hospital. “Between the generous donation from the auxiliary and the opportunity to recognize volunteers who have donated so much of their valuable time to our mission, it was a great day.”
Greenwich Hospital, a member of Yale New Haven Health, is a 206-bed regional medical center serving lower Fairfield County, Connecticut, and Westchester County, New York. A major academic affiliate of Yale School of Medicine, it was founded in 1903 and has evolved into a progressive medical center and teaching institution representing all medical specialties and offering a wide range of medical, surgical, diagnostic and wellness programs. Greenwich Hospital is recognized throughout the health-care industry as a leader in service and patient satisfaction excellence, and has been awarded the prestigious Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the nation’s highest honor of nursing excellence.
