Hamilton Medical Center (HMC) volunteers were recently recognized at an annual luncheon.
“I have the pleasure of working with some of the best people I know, Hamilton volunteers!” said Gay Ann Talley, volunteer coordinator. “I am so grateful to work with each and every volunteer. We share stories, triumphs, heartache, blessings, but most of all friendship.”
Jeff Myers, CEO, and Sandy McKenzie, COO, attended the event and expressed their appreciation for all the service provided by volunteers.
During the luncheon, volunteers were celebrated for their years of service. They included: five years, Gary Benson, Joann Davis, Kelly Greene, Nancy Moore and Dick Neelly; 10 years, Charles Barthel, Peggy Mashburn, Barbara Meyer and Kay Moore; 15 years, Pat Clayton; 30 years, Elizabeth Baldwin; 35 years, Catherine Ann Geissinger; and 45 years, Billie Little.
Volunteers with more than 250 hours of service in the past service year (from Oct. 1, 2018, to Sept. 30, 2019) included Pam Ackerman, Larry Bledsoe, Earlene Dupree, Catherine Ann Geissinger, Eric Geissinger, Cecil McClure, Kay Moore, Roland Rankin and Fanny Valiente. Volunteers with more than 500 hours of service included Roger Ellis, Terr Ella Flood and David Rice. Brad Jones (and dog, Marti) had more than 750 yours of volunteer service.
In total, Hamilton volunteers provided 19,696 hours of service for the last fiscal year. There were 55 new volunteers, including 12 teen volunteers.
Hamilton’s PRIDE (Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diligence and Excellence) values awards were awarded to Phyllis Cook for Professionalism, Kay Gazaway for Respect, Dee Rocket for Integrity, Diana Carlock for Diligence and Lily Dwight for Excellence.
Terr Ella Flood received the coveted 2019 Eva McCamy Award. Flood has served as a volunteer at HMC for 11 years, working at the information desk, in the Gift Shop, special sales and taking care of Heart of Hamilton (recognition program) cards each week.
“Terr Ella is someone I depend on greatly,” said Talley. “She is always willing to lend a hand and do whatever is needed. She is a wonderful example of what the Eva McCamy Award is all about, serving others. Each time Terr Ella is here, she serves with compassion. She is a blessing to all who know her and work alongside her.”
The Eva McCamy Award was created many years ago to honor Eva McCamy for her outstanding, selfless, dedicated volunteer service for Hamilton during World War II. She served as one of the first Gray Ladies at Hamilton Memorial Hospital (HMC’s name at the time). Yearly, this award is given to someone who consistently displays leadership as well as a gentle servant heart.
“Our volunteers are an inspiration to everyone, and most of all to me,” Talley said. “Thank you, volunteers, for your service. We are blessed!”
For more information about becoming part of Hamilton’s volunteer team, please call 706-272-6147. Applications are available at the information desk located at the front entrance of the hospital or on the second floor in the Volunteer Command Center.
