Rutherford Hospital Auxiliary Holds Annual Meeting

   The Rutherford Hospital Auxiliary’s Annual Meeting was called to order by President Bobbie Bridges at noon on Wednesday, October 27 at the Rutherfordton Clubhouse.  Over one hundred volunteers and guests were in attendance. Chaplain Don Ledbetter delivered the Auxiliary Prayer and asked the blessing before the buffet that followed.
   President Bridges introduced the Auxiliary officers and President Lola Lurch of the North Carolina Hospital Volunteers (NCHV) and District One Representative Sue Price from McDowell Hospital in Marion. The Auxiliary officers unveiled the check for the RHI administrative representatives which revealed the monetary contribution of $103,000.00
   Treasurer Hampton Casebolt presented the Auxiliary’s annual report which included that the final monetary donation of $103,000.00 was in addition to other contributions of equipment and services. The total contributions of the Auxiliary to RHI for fiscal year 2009-2010 was $108,961.58. Proceeds from the Auxiliary’s Gift Shop, vending machines, baby photo program, and fund raising events such as the $5 Jewelry, Book, and Uniform Sales made the generous contribution possible.
   Donations were made to Lifeline in memory of former volunteers Edna Twitty, Lillie Jones, Pat Sansing and Beverly Ervin.
   One hundred Teen Volunteers participated during the summer program with Justin Ledford being recognized as Rutherford County’s Youth Volunteer of the Year and also being named the 2010 Volunteer of the Year for Rutherford County. Justin received a $1,000 scholarship from the NCHV and the Auxiliary matched with their own $1,000 scholarship.
   Ruth Challand was nominated and recognized by Volunteer Rutherford for her 16 years and 6,800 hours of volunteer service to RHI. Under her leadership, the Toy Chest Committee made a total of 1,375 items which included 879 stuffed animals and 234 “Patient Pals” for pediatric patients, 29 pillows for mastectomy patients, and 198 lavender caps for newborns as a reminder to parents of the dangers of child abuse. This group of nine active members volunteered more than 1,200 hours during the year.
   A total of 226 adult volunteers volunteered 23,017 hours, and a total of 100 teen volunteers volunteered 3,116 hours with a combined total of 26,133 service hours for the year. As a matter of interest, a volunteer’s “hourly pay” is usually calculated at $21.50 per hour. This results in a $561,859.50 savings in salaries for Rutherford Hospital for 2009-2010.
   The accumulated hours of service to Rutherford Hospital, Inc. since the founding of the Auxiliary forty-five years ago is 796,790 hours, and the accumulated donation is $2,709,256.06.
   Ginger Dancy, Director of Volunteers and Community Relations, presented the Extra Mile Award to Dr. Hampton Casebolt for his time, talents and dedicated service to the Auxiliary. Having volunteered 3,100 hours since his retirement as Principal at R-S Central High School in 2005, he serves as the Treasurer of the Auxiliary which includes the general and Gift Shop’s accounts.  Dr. Casebolt joins a prestigious list of 20 other volunteers who have been named the Extra Mile recipients since its inception in 1990.
   Jill Miracle, Foundation Executive Director, extended an invitation for the Auxilians to take advantage of the advice the experts who serve on the Foundation’s Planned Giving Council could give them. A brunch is planned for these groups to spend time together.