Volunteer Recognition

BIDMC had 451 volunteers who donated 36,758 hours of their time and effort in 2008. We held a reception in their honor yesterday and presented awards for special contributions. Here are some pictures from the event.

The three women in red shirts are part of a program called "Neighbors Helping Newborns," which delivers handmade items and other donations to families with premature and other newborn babies. The young lady above them, Simona Tokchin, won the Youth Leadership Award. It is given to recognize leadership and service to a volunteer under 17 years of age who has donated a minimum of 100 hours.

The gentleman in the picture adjacent to Simona is Gerard Hayes, who won an award called the Debby Henry Award, named after a beloved former volunteer services director who died in 1995. It is awarded to the person each year who best exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism. It requires at least five years and at least 500 hours of service. Gerard helps out in our pastoral care and education program.

The group of three people are volunteers who help run the volunteer service office. Stanley Klein, seen alone, is active in our Prostate Support Group, and received recognition for 15 years of volunteer service. Near the top, you see Rodney Latney and Stephanie Harriston-Diggs, our director of volunteer services. Rodney won the Jack Arvedon award, named for a former volunteer who passed away recently. This used to be called our "rookie of the year" award and is given to someone who has contributed a minimum of 100 hours, and has shown the most flexibility, commitment, and positive attitude over their first year of volunteering.

At the very top is Cherry Moncreiff, one of the many other devoted people who spend time each week helping our patients and staff.