2017 volunteer appreciation banquet

Lakeview Hospital , a campus of Tulane Medical Center, hosted its Annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on Thursday, April 27, 2017 at Benedict’s Plantation, Mandeville, Louisiana, honoring its 71 devoted volunteers who have worked a total of 20,439 hours (1,492 hours more than 2015). Each volunteer received a pin for service hours performed, as well as a gift from LRMC. “I am always inspired by the passion of our volunteers here at Lakeview,” states Bret Kolman, Chief Executive Officer. “Their dedication makes a critical difference in the well-being of our patients and their loved ones, as well as our employees, who see their selfless support every day. They are the heart and soul of our community, and I applaud them for the great work being done.” Installation of the new auxiliary officers was conducted by Kolman. New board members for the LRMC Volunteer Auxiliary include: Kathy Gibbs, President; Beverly J. Smith, Vice President; Catherine Rish, Treasurer; Viola Dickson, Secretary; and Jerry Lambert, Past President.

At the luncheon, donations were presented to several charities within St. Tammany Parish that were voted on by the Volunteer Auxiliary. The money was raised through various fundraisers throughout the year and from profits made in “The Duck’s Nest” gift shop, which is operated by the volunteer auxiliary. Charities receiving donations from the LRMC Volunteer Auxiliary were: ACCESS (Adapting and Changing Children’s Environment with Successful Solutions); Children’s Advocacy Center/Hope House; New Heights Therapy; Northshore Food Bank; Pennies for Bread; Safe Harbor – Northshore; Seniors & Law Enforcement Together (SALT); Support Our War Heroes; Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans – RSVP – St. Tammany Parish; and Wounded War Heroes. Other charities receiving donations throughout the year included Alzheimer’s Association, American Heart Association, Special Olympics, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The total amount donated by the Volunteer Auxiliary of Lakeview Hospital was $37,102. In the past 13 years, the auxiliary has donated a total of $365,745 to over 45 different local charities. One charity, Pennies for Bread, has received a donation every year.