Rowan Regional Hospice held its annual Volunteer Celebration and Recognition Dinner on May 1 at First Presbyterian Church for 100 volunteers and staff.
The Rev. Lori Hefner, chaplain for Hospice, thanked the volunteers for being such an important part of the Hospice team.
“We all thank you for your dedicated work and support,” she said.
She also introduced the Rev. Harold Jordan, a new Hospice chaplain, and commended him for his outstanding contributions to the medical center and community.
Jordan recently received the Customer First Award.
“Our divine calling is one of service as we go out to help those in need,” Jordan told the volunteers and staff.
The Rev. Doug Hefner, another Hospice chaplain, played guitar and sang for the gathering.
FDY Food Services from Livingston College provided dinner.
Hospice Volunteer Coordinator Sandy Lee provided an annual report.
Hospice volunteers gave approximately 4,000 hours, drove 35,000 miles and saved the organization $113,000, she said.
She also presented two awards to outstanding volunteers.
Lee Reith received the Bereavement Volunteer Of The Year Award. Reith has been working actively with Hospice for the past two years.
A member of Grace United Methodist Church, she enjoys making jewelry and painting. She has worked in medical billing through the years.
“I lost my daughter and husband, and I understand grief and want to help others as they go through this difficult time,” she said.
Shirley Wyatt received the Patient Family Volunteer Of The Year Award.
A member of Christiana Lutheran Church, she began working with Rowan Regional Hospice in 2004. Previously, she worked with a Hospice organization in New York from 2001 to 2004.
She is retired from the Department of Social Services and enjoys swimming, reading and crossword puzzles.
“We are so fortunate to have such dedicated volunteers,” Lee said. “All of our volunteers are an extension of the Hospice staff in the homes. We were delighted to recognize these two volunteers and celebrate all of our volunteers for their exceptional work.”