Saint Anthony Medical Center President David Ruskowski paid tribute to the hospital auxiliary’s 242 volunteers during a 37th annual appreciation luncheon recently.
Volunteers were congratulated for service hours ranging from 100 to 26,000 and for working 10 or more consecutive years.
Besides the luncheon and tributes, auxiliary members enjoyed entertainment and prizes. Among his remarks, Ruskowski told the group, “Thank you for donating your precious time to help others.’’
Honorary awards for those who have worked 10 or more consecutive years were presented to Mary Bixenman and Patricia Maka.
Volunteers who have donated 100 to 26,000 hours include:
* 100 hours: Josephine Arnold, Theresa Bernaccki, Kay Cooper, Martha Garretson, Patty Gescheidler, Kimberly Gonzales, Eriko Gottschick, Eleanor Groet, Jean Ann Grupe, Richard Knight, Susan Langbartels, John Libak, Joyce Love, George McCormack, Marjorie Mitchell, Dorothy Rupcich, Susan Rush, Rae Steeb, Lindsey Teasdale and Joan Wittmer.
* 500: Richard Binder, Eugene Fields, Maire Fields, Marlene Humbertson, Roberta Kujawski, Donna Rosaves, Jenny Shoup, R. Ann Williams.
* 1,000: Mariella Agans, Carolyn Anzur, Loretta Clark, Joyce Elliott, Amelia Karsten, Janice Lesniak, Betty Shabaz Marasco, Carolyn Meinbresse, Martin Potocki, Merle Rukes, Jeanne Wright.
* 1,500: Janet Ayers, Anna Bartolac, Livia Centofanti, Dale Christenson, Mary Kay Durkin, Helen Mooney, Marie Myres, Gerry Regnerus, Frances Selvidge, Dale Smith.
* 2,000: Barbara Bullock, Virginia Gizel, Susanne Higgins, Jewel Norris.
* 2,500: Anna Mae Kerr, Evelyn Wietbrock.
* 3,000: Alice Beall, Terry Gergely, Jerry Hofferth, Patricia Maka.
* 3,500: John Kane, Robert Pierce, Sylvia Richardson, Mary Szmutko.
* 4,000: Joanne Hofferth, Elizabeth Louis.
* 4,500: Betty Janiga, Doris Paluszak, Arlene Williams.
* 5,000: Janet Gray, Ron Reynolds, Amy Yuran.
* 5,500: Eleanor Kahl, Jean Lewandowski.
* 6,000: Geraldine Damm.
* 7,000: Lou Chelich, Cliff Esboldt, Bethel Griffin.
* 7,500: Katherine Badowski, Sister Joella Bielinski.
* 8,000: Alice Lauterbur, Helen Murphy, Sister Frances Szczur.
* 8,500: Sharon McColley.
* 10,000: Dorothy Teer.
* 11,000: Helen McEntire.
* 11,500: Betty Bonham.
* 12,000: Ruth Gale, Jeanne Gerlach.
* 13,500: Jack Milaskey.
* 16,000: Lucille Viewwig.
* 24,500: Frank Dudash.
* 26,000: Vivian Kelly.
Volunteers, through a variety of activities and fundraisers throughout the year, have raised more than $2 million to benefit hospital programs and initiatives.
For more information, or to join the auxiliary, call (219) 757-6347.
Dietitian Carol Bliznik touted the benefits of "Berrylicious Nutrition’’ during a Lunch and Learn session for Saint Anthony Medical Center staff members June 30.
Saint Anthony Medical Center President David Ruskowski, left, accepts a $1,000 check donated to the hospital’s Capital Campaign by the Crown Point Community Foundation as part of its 20-year anniversary celebration. The foundation is presenting that amount to various nonprofit organizations. Presenting the check is Joseph Allegretti, foundation board member emeritus, who also chairs the Capital Campaign. Shown next to Allegretti are Pat Huber, foundation president, and Rob Cummings, regional director of philanthropy for Sisters of St. Francis Health Services Northern Indiana Region. They are shown outside of the newly opened complex at 1121 S. Indiana Ave., Crown Point, that houses the St. Clare Health Clinic and the Prenatal Assistance Program. Funds for the construction were provided by the Capital Campaign, which also plans to help finance a planned new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Saint Anthony. Those interested in donating to the campaign should call Catherine Biller, regional development associate, at (219) 932-2300, ext. 34556.
