Honoring Our Volunteers- the Annual Volunteer Appreciation Lunch

St. John's Mercy Hospice Volunteers gathered on November 14, 2007 for our Annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon. Despite a rainy morning, the clouds cleared just in time for lunch, and the welcoming atmosphere of Sunset 44 created the perfect venue for friends old and new to exchange news and enjoy good company.

Tom Edelstein, Vice President of St. John's Mercy Services, welcomed and thanked our volunteers for their commitment and extraordinary service. Sister Gayle Evans, Director of Mission Service led the invocation for lunch, and after lunch, guests were entertained with two special songs written and performed for the volunteers by Hospice Chaplain Susan Drake and her partner Chaplain Julie Jennings.

The following people were recognized for outstanding their service:

5 years of service:
Susie Boschert, Donna Casalone, Cathy Harmon,
Pat Kackley, Jody McWilliams, Mary Pearce,
Nancy Proctor, Kay Smith and Ann Tobben.

10 years of service:
Peggie Baker, Nancy LaTourette
and Oscar Rode

20 years of service: Mary Jane Wolk and Carol Maniscalco, seen here with Sister Gayle Evans and Tom Edelstein

“Cup of Tea” Award
The annual “Cup Of Tea” Award was presented to Ken Klindworth. This award is named for Sister Catherine McCauley, and celebrates those who live the Spirit and Mission of Mercy Service everyday. For the past two years Ken has been a wonderful ambassador for hospice. His commitment to his patients and his compassionate generosity of time and spirit have helped comfort many families.

He was nominated for this award by Chaplain Patrick Brady, who worked alongside Ken with a recent patient, and saw the positive impact his friendship and compassion made on this family.

“Heart of Hospice” Award This year our recipient of the Heart of Hospice Award, and our nominee for the statewide award is Ellen Pappas. In the past 11 years Ellen has served over 60 patients and families, sharing with each her compassion and strong spirituality. She has always been a dedicated volunteer, generous and resourceful, always willing to take on an assignment no matter how busy her life is. To each of her assignments she brings strength, commitment and a great sense of devotion and respect of life that calms and comforts even the most troubled hearts. Ellen’s award was collected on her behalf by her daughters Alethea, Demetria and Katie, as she was out of the country on a Medical Mission Trip!

As always, we are very grateful for the outstanding support and dedication that our volunteers give each and every day to hospice patients and families in need. Thank you for all you do!