Volunteers Give to Foundation
MARYVILLE – Members of the Blount Memorial Auxiliary made a $122,200 donation to the Blount Memorial Foundation and Community Outreach during the organization’s annual meeting. The donation includes profits from gift shop sales as well as community-wide fundraisers of jewelry, uniforms and vending machines in the hospital. Auxiliary members also donated thousands of hours of their time. “A total of 60,773 hours were worked by members of the Auxiliary in 2009-2010,” says outgoing president Dorcas Gallimore. “This set a new record, and we couldn’t have reached this milestone without the giving spirit of each of our volunteers.”
The donation will be used to fund hospital projects and programs, according to Foundation and Community Outreach executive director Jane Andrews, who was on hand to accept the check along with hospital chief executive officer Don Heinemann. “Each year, the Auxiliary continues to serve our community with gracious hospitality, warm and caring and generous support as they volunteer their time,” says Andrews. “The Blount Memorial Foundation is honored and humbled to be able to receive these gifts and carry out the wishes of the Auxiliary membership in their mission to serve their community,” she adds.
The Auxiliary also awarded $13,000 in scholarships, including five $2,000 scholarships to the children of hospital employees as well as three $1,000 scholarships to local high school seniors entering health care careers.
Community members interested in volunteering at Blount Memorial can call 865-977-5609. Opportunities are available in patient care and waiting areas, at information desks, in the gift shop and numerous other services provided.
The Auxiliary also installed new officers for the upcoming 2010-2011 fiscal year. They include president Marlene Boehm, president-elect Mary Alice Canon, vice president of services Vic Salyer, vice president of projects Sue Deakin, recording secretary Gwen Jordan, corresponding secretary Sarah Wainwright, treasurer Marian Coleman, assistant treasurer Dorcas Gallimore, historian David Brahams and chaplain Becky Dodson.