Redlands Community Hospital celebrated its volunteers for 88 years of service during National Volunteer Week. This special event recognizes the dedication of volunteers’ support to patients, families, staff, physicians and the community.
During the ceremony, awards were presented for hours of service as well as milestone achievements. Two recipients, Susan Griffin and Jaehyun Lee, received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, an acknowledgment created by former President George W. Bush to honor Americans who demonstrate a commitment to their community and who inspire others to engage in volunteer service.
Susan Griffin has dedicated more than 10 years and 4,200 hours of service to the hospital, and currently supports the Volunteer Services Office. Her previous roles include serving on the Auxiliary Board, assisting in the Auxiliary Gift Shop, Hospice, the No One Dies Alone program and NICU.
High School recipient Jaehyun Lee was honored the Presidential Gold Award for his three years of service and 350 hours. Jaehyun supports the Admitting Department where his commitment, dedication, and enthusiasm to serve his community are an example to others. To date, Redlands Community Hospital has recognized 61 volunteers with the Presidential Award.
Also presented were awards for “Rookie of the Year,” one for an adult and one for a high school student. The award was created to identify newer volunteers who, in their short time of service, have demonstrated extra effort in supporting the hospital, providing care and concern for others, and showing enthusiasm and passion for volunteering. Norb Tellez, Goodwill Ambassador Shuttle Driver, has served more than 300 hours in his first year, has become a shuttle trainer for new drivers, and provides additional support whenever needed. His kindness and sense of humor are appreciated by the hospital’s many visitors.
High school student Sai Hosuru began volunteering in 2018, serving the gift shop twice each week and quickly became one of the most sought after trainers for new students. Sai brings a polite and caring disposition to every encounter and is always willing to help and assist.
“Redlands Community Hospital is proud to celebrate our extraordinary volunteers, who make a meaningful impact on patients and families,” said Cherie Towers, Director of Volunteer Services at Redlands Community Hospital. “Their dedication to the hospital and willingness to give add an extra element of care to all those we serve.”
Redlands Community Hospital is supported by 250 volunteers from high school students to retirees and we thank them for their gift of time.
Awardees:
Adult Presidential Lifetime - Susan Griffin; Junior Gold Presidential - Jay Lee; 24,000 Hours - Carol Houston; 10,000 Hours - Darlene Hatch; 7,000 Hours - Mitchell Heitritter; 6,000 Hours - Diane Brown and John Faulkner; 2,000 Hours, Wendy Brady-Posjena, Patricia Kaiser and Mary Miller; 1,000 Hours - Betty Almaraz, Marguerite Herzog, Stan Knox, and Charlotte Ortega; 500 Hours - Patricia Abbott, Suzanne Browning and Kim Gallo. 100 Hours - Raquel Arizmendi, Daniella Bohnert, Jeanette Brassfield, Mary Churchill, Samantha Curren, Julie Huynh, Thomas Lis, Thu Nguyen, Golden Se, Berl Summerville, Yvonne Szymanski, and Terry Zeidler.
High School Student Awardees:
100 Hours: Dingyi Chang, Allysa Daniel, George Ebraham, Antoinette Lomelo, Marylyn Makar, Julie Nguyen, Nga Nguyen, Grace Pak, Pavit Saluja, Grace Surber, Abraham Takkouche, Mona Tran, Cassandra Veloz, and Guen Villanueva.
For more information about volunteer opportunities at Redlands Community Hospital, please visit: www.redlandshospital.org or call (909) 335-5526.