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Good Neighbor: Jacquie Oliverius
Contra Costa Times Staff
4/16/2008
I love to receive information about what is happening in the neighborhoods of Central County, the things that are important to the people in our communities. As one person said, it's "news that's up front in our backyard."
I'm lucky enough that I do receive a mix of information along with photos, which I try to run as quickly as possible. And many of the events that I write about concern volunteers.
Volunteering is a wonderful way for residents to contribute to the community with their time and talents, and in many cases, organizations become even more special because of their volunteers.
Earlier this year, the John Muir Medical Center-Walnut Creek Campus Auxiliary held its 49th annual meeting at Diablo Country Club to honor the medical center's volunteers for their many hours of service. Also, the amount of money that the Auxiliary's fundraising had raised during the year was announced and the Auxiliary's new officers were installed.
John Muir Health officials are very supportive of the volunteers and Ken Anderson, president and CEO of John Muir Health, spoke to the gathering, thanking the volunteers for their time, dedication, knowledge and support of the community and medical center, said Sandy Wagner, president of the Auxiliary for 2008.
In addition, Jane Willemsen, president and CAO of John Muir Medical Center, shared a presentation showing many of the volunteers in action throughout the medical center.
"The featured speaker was Terry Healey, a cancer survivor who endured more than 30 surgical procedures to reconstruct his face," said Wagner. "His story truly demonstrates the strength of the human soul. Terry's mother, Patricia, is a volunteer at the Walnut Creek campus.'
Last year, the volunteers contributed 121,769 hours to the Walnut Creek medical center, and pins were given to those who volunteered 500 hours or more. Topping the list were two who donated their time at the Auxiliary's Garret Thrift Shop � Jane Hoffmann with 33,160 hours and Jackie Pomerantz at 33,002 hours.
The Auxiliary and its guilds raised $432,000 from a variety of fundraisers � the Galleria Gift Shop in the medical center, the Garret Thrift Shop in downtown Walnut Creek, the annual golf tournament and some smaller events.
The funds will be used for needed equipment for the medical center and support for community service projects, such as stuffed animals for children who are admitted, clothing for trauma patients and free wigs for The Wig Source at the Women's Health Center, said Wagner.
Last but most certainly not least, the new officers of the Auxiliary for 2008 were elected. Leading the group as president is Wagner, who is ably assisted by Nancy Tehaney, vice president/community relations; Sis Connolly, vice president/membership; Bev Riggs, secretary; Dirk Owens, treasurer; and Barbara Neale, parliamentarian. I hope you all noticed that a gentleman is on the board, as is Al Hambra, the treasurer of the John Muir Medical Center-Concord Campus Volunteers.
Volunteering, whether by women or men, is an equal opportunity way to help others. Call an organization that interests you and ask when you can start � it's a way to make 2008 great for you and for the community.
Hats off to the volunteers of the John Muir Medical Center-Walnut Creek Campus Auxiliary.
(Posted May 13, 2008)