Agnesian HealthCare Honors Volunteers

April is a special month for many reasons, but for Agnesian HealthCare, it is particularly special because it’s a time to celebrate volunteerism.

In 1974, President Richard Nixon signed an executive order establishing National Volunteer Week as an annual celebration of volunteering, and every president since has signed a proclamation promoting National Volunteer Week. 

Volunteers have an enormous impact on the health and well-being of the Agnesian HealthCare community. Volunteers deliver a variety of critical services in the individuals and families that Agnesian HealthCare serves.

            “We’re very proud and honored by all of our volunteers – approximately 700 men, women and students throughout Agnesian HealthCare – for their valuable service and commitment to Agnesian HealthCare,” says Barb VanEgtern, Agnesian HealthCare Volunteer Services supervisor. “Our theme this year – Our Volunteers Never Play without their Heart – truly exemplifies our volunteers through the time and dedication they give to patients, visitors and associates at Agnesian HealthCare.

            “Our volunteers demonstrate the true meaning of giving and caring for others to carry out the mission set forth by the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes,” VanEgtern adds. “We could not do all that we do without our dedicated volunteers.”         

            As part of the luncheon, Michael DeGere, DPM, FASPS, FACFAS, vice president of Population Health Management, was the keynote speaker. In addition, new volunteer board members were installed, and many were honored for reaching milestone hours in their volunteer career.

          Cathy Seffern was installed as new Agnesian HealthCare Volunteer Advisory Board member. She joins current board members, including: Ken Becker, Sandy Binotto, Debbie Booher, Edward Gurno, Norlene Haase, Richard Jaeger, Gary Ring, Alex Rodriguez and Sandra Wroblewski. Special recognition was also given to Sandra Wroblewski as an outgoing volunteer advisory board member.

            Agnesian HealthCare volunteers were congratulated for the following accomplishments.

  • In 2015, the Agnesian HealthCare Volunteers donated approximately 58,000 hours of service. During 2015, there were approximately 700 active volunteers, including adults and teens, serving in various hospital, Hospice Hope, Waupun Memorial Hospital, Ripon Medical Center and Green Lake Hospice Hope. During 2015, there were many different fund-raisers, which raised more than $16,000. Proceeds benefit scholarship funds, as well as patient programs and services.

        Approximately 80 teens donated 1,670 hours of service during the summer student volunteer program.

In the photo: Agnesian HealthCare recently recognized its dedicated volunteers, including its advisory board members (left to right, back row): Edward Gurno, Richard Jaeger, Ken Becker, Gary Ring, Alex Rodriguez, (left to right, sitting) Sandra Wroblewski, Cathy Seffern, Sandy Binotto and Debbie Booher.