St. Vincent Charity honors volunteers at annual recognition luncheon

5/9/2011

More than 150 caregivers, volunteers, family members and friends joined together to celebrate the Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon, Friday, May 6th at the Cleveland Skating Club.

This year’s keynote speaker was Regina Brett, author of “God Never Blinks: 50 Lessons for Life’s Little Detours,” columnist for the Plain Dealer and host of “The Regina Brett Show,” a weekly call-in radio show on WKSU 89.7 FM, Northeast Ohio’s NPR affiliate station. Speaking to the experiences within her book, Regina shared her life’s challenges, triumphs and lessons-learned to the attendees. After Regina’s inspirational speech, awards were presented to honored volunteers who have dedicated countless hours of their time in contributing to the mission of St. Vincent Charity Medical Center.

The 2010 Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Neil Sheeley. Having dedicated more than seven years to the Lion’s Eye Clinic at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center, Sheeley has been responsible for managing the clinic’s databases and financials. “I am honored to be working at the Lion’s Eye Clinic and giving back to this community,” said, Sheeley.

The Lion’s Eye Clinic provides affordable eye care for indigent patients of the St. Vincent Charity Medical Center community. “It is a natural fit for me to be volunteering for an organization whose mission aligns so well with that of the Lion’s Club.” 

In addition to Sheeley’s award presentation, Gretchen Hickok, Solon native and volunteer of the Solon Medical Campus of St. Vincent Charity Medical Center, was awarded The President’s Volunteer Service Award. Providing secretarial assistance for more than 15 years, Hickok received the award for dedicating more than 4,000 volunteer hours to Solon Medical Campus Emergency Department. The award is presented by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation in recognition and appreciation for the commitment to strengthening the nation and for making a difference through volunteer service and includes a congratulatory letter from President Barack Obama.

“Volunteering is something I was raised to do. Both of my parents dedicated many years volunteering in our community,” said Hickok. “I believe it’s something every American citizen in this country should do. It’s about the quality of the time that you give and it’s important to give back.”

“Every one of our volunteers has an impact on patient care—whether it’s behind the scenes or right out there on the front lines, and we are so blessed to have people who are dedicated and willing to give of their time and talents to help make St. Vincent Charity Medical Center a very special place for our patients,” said Susan Smith, Manager of Volunteer Services.

For more information on volunteer services at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center, visit volunteer services or call Susan Smith, Manager of Volunteer Services at 216.363.2590.