The 2013 theme for National Volunteer Week is “Celebrating People in Action,” and The University of Toledo Medical Center will celebrate its volunteers during a luncheon.
Volunteer Ethel Penamon assists with administrative tasks in the George Isaac Minimum Invasive Surgical Center.
“National Volunteer Week celebrates ordinary people doing extraordinary things to improve communities across the nation,” said Amy Finkbeiner, UT service excellence operations manager. “During the week of April 21, we highlight the enormous contributions that volunteers make every day.”
UTMC has more than 250 active volunteers serving more than 70 departments; these individuals provide an average of 4,500 hours of monthly service.
Volunteers are an important component of the hospital, Finkbeiner said, as they provide an extra dimension of care and service to patients, understand and empathize with families and visitors, provide support services for hospital and University staff, and offer research assistance in laboratories and University facilities.
The luncheon will provide volunteers with a pasta buffet and feature welcoming remarks from Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold, chancellor and executive vice president for biosciences and health affairs, and dean of the College of Medicine and Life Sciences, and Norma Tomlinson, interim executive director of UT Medical Center.
An invocation will be given by Dan Deeter, spiritual support specialist. David Cunningham, who works in the UT Environmental Services Department, will provide background music with his electronic keyboard.
Guest speakers will include Joan Durgin, Toledo Jefferson Award winner, and David Gosser, UT Jefferson Award winner.
Lynn Brand, president of the Satellites Auxiliary, will pay tribute to volunteers who have passed away and provide closing comments about scholarship and patient care program contributions.
The Satellites Auxiliary consists of non-dues paying volunteers who provide support for patient programs in accordance with the needs and approval of hospital administration, as well as conduct fundraising events and community outreach, and staff the gift shop.
Anyone interested in becoming involved with the auxiliary may contact Brand at 419.385.6700. Volunteers must be 18 years or older.
For information on the UTMC Volunteer Services Program, contact Finkbeiner at amy.finkbeiner@utoledo.edu or 419.383.6336.
