Winona Health Volunteers annual appreciation event celebrates 125 years of Caring. Serving. Giving.

Heartfelt appreciation and plenty of laughter were among the highlights of the Winona Health Volunteers annual Recognition and Appreciation Celebration on Wednesday, April 10 at Visions Event Center. Welcoming the attendees, Rebecca Lamberty, Winona Health chief administrative officer, said, “We honor the hard work and dedication of the many volunteers who serve our family, friends, and neighbors.” Lamberty noted that the Winona Health Volunteers join Winona Health in celebrating a 125-year history of service, tracing their roots back to 1894, “when a group of fifty generous souls gathered to support the newly established Winona General Hospital upon the single request of Dr. D.B. Pritchard. Dr. Pritchard clearly recognized the generosity of the community and knew that they would rally to support the those in need. Our community has built our healthcare system from its beginnings ….to what is today one of the nation’s Top 100 Rural and Community Hospitals. The support of the Winona Health Volunteers represents integrity, dedication, and the hard-working grit of this amazing city of Winona and our neighboring communities.” A total of 68 volunteers received pins for achieving service milestones. Kris Walters, volunteer manager, commented on the generous gifts of time and talent contributed by each attendee being recognized for service milestones, ranging from 100 hours to 4,500 hours. Walters also presented the following awards: Winona Health Volunteer Legacy Award, based on years of service, dedication and involvement, was presented to Marlene Mulrooney, who wasn’t able to be at the event, but received the award via a call on speakerphone. Attendees cheered in the background as Walters gave Mulrooney the news, noting “You’re a remarkable lady and you’ve taught all of us so much.”  In receiving the award, Mulrooney’s voice reflected her feelings, “Thank you very much—I’m a little tearful. This means so much, and I wish I was there to celebrate. It’s been such a great organization to be a part of for so many years. It’s wonderful that so many people volunteer so loyally.” The Rookie of the Year Award is given to a person new to the Volunteers in the past year for jumping in and dedicating their time and talents. Pam Leifeld who had recently “turned in her apron at Bloedow’s” received this year’s award. Volunteers of the Year Awards were given to Bev Keiper and Barb Pozanc. About Keiper, who was unable to be at the event, Walters said, “Bev is a joy to have on our team. She enjoys volunteering so much that she spends a few days a week at Winona Health serving others. Her dependability and dedication to our volunteer program are truly admirable. Walters described Pozanc as “a true inspiration,” noting that Pozanc’s dedication and enthusiasm had contributed to the growth of the volunteers and that she was continuing the legacy of her mother, who had also been a Winona Health Volunteer.” On behalf of the Winona Health Volunteers, incoming Volunteers President, Nancy Prodzinski, presented a check to Winona Health President/CEO, Rachelle Schultz for $86,702.91 for new furnishings in common areas at Lake Winona Manor and for refreshing the look of the Family Birth Center. In receiving the gift on behalf of Winona Health, Schultz, noted, “Volunteering is one of the healthiest things you can do. It not only touches the heart and soul; it feeds them as well.” Schultz expressed her appreciation noting, “over the past 125 years, the community, Winona Health, and the Winona Health Volunteers continue to evolve, but together, we meet timeless needs. Thank you for your open hearts, love of this organization and for all you do for our patients, residents, visitors, staff and community.” The program concluded with Schultz and the Volunteers turning the table and recognizing Walters with a standing ovation for receiving the 2018 Heart of Minnesota Outstanding Volunteer Resource Professional Award at the Minnesota Association of Healthcare Volunteers annual conference in September. For more information about the Winona Health Volunteers, call 507.457.4342 or learn more at winonahealth.org/volunteer.